Science and the vibrant world of commercial potential came together 

Chandigarh, October 13, 2023: Science and the vibrant world of commercial potential came together at the International Conference on Industry-Focused Research (ICIFR, Technology Enabling Centre - TEC 2023). The audience witnessed the union of science and the thriving world of business opportunities. Technology Enabling Centre (TEC) of Panjab University in collaboration with UT Administration and Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) hosted an innovative blended event on Friday.

The event was jam-packed with students and scientists from premier institutions. Around 60 scientists from 35 different institutions presented their cutting-edge state-of-the-art technological innovations to motivate students to initiate their own pursuits revolving around these technologies. Three parallel sessions took place simultaneously at three different locations on campus, sporting a zeal to learn and evolve.

 A day-long program spanning 7 hours was filled with presentations related to manifold industries including Food, Agriculture, Chemicals, Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, Sustainable Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Automobile, and Automation. Another collection of noteworthy highlights was from the technical sessions catering to diverse portfolios and audiences and also including the hint of academia with the presentation of research papers by scholars. Every topic of the presentation was insightful and ingenious. The bridging of the academic and industrial gap was rightly addressed with the highlight of discussion on novelty. The issues of patent, First Examination Report (FER), market potential, and the targeted audience were repeatedly discussed showcasing varied sustainable businesses. The event brought forward technologies and research, presenting an open field of magnificent and tangible opportunities for students looking for business plans, teams, funding, and the push to move ahead.

Rupinder Tewari, Department of Science and Technology- DST (Ministry of Science and Technology) appointed mentor of TEC, emphasized the energetic and budding world of start-ups and the immense potential of the youth. Industry analysts and veterans who were presiding over the proceedings helped the presenters with feedback on their presentations and encouraged students to participate and converse. Raman Suri, Chairman of the management committee of TEC,  reminisced about the evolution of research and appreciated the bundle of opportunities that the technologies of today present.

The presenters openly explained their conducted works in the labs and strategically displayed their respective problem statements, methods, and solutions. There was proper inclusion of the commercial and funding queries. The platform also proved successful in focusing on the need for indigenous products and the ‘Make-in-India’ motto. Presenters had prepared the prototypes of their research and received adequate suggestions from the people in the audience.

The venues were abuzz with a magnificent display of enthusiasm and fervor. The interesting and thought-provoking presentations included remarkably monumental technologies which the students and the audience were greatly inspired and motivated by. Many of the cutting-edge technologies were a big hit and truly showcased the promising future and talent that not just these scientists but the world in general possesses. The day culminated with bright minds coming together and looking forward to the future of optimal amalgamation of science and technology in all industries.