Intersectoral collaboration and intervention are imperative for academic institutes in this tech-ade. Close-knit connection with different industries significantly enhances the educational sector and pave the path to narrowing the gap between academia and its application. Such interventions catalyze creativity, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities within educational institutions. This, in turn, elevates the quality of education and service delivered to students and the broader community.

Anna University, Chennai, is setting a great example in this regard by approving the Anna University Strategic Technology Research and Innovation Park (AUSTRIP) policy. The policy allows faculty members to launch startups in priority areas such as biomedical, healthcare instrumentation, environmental sustain ability, and infrastructure development. The institute aims to become home to 50 startups within five years.

Lend your ears to Anna University Vice-Chancellor R Velraj. He says, “Faculty members working in cutting-edge research areas and having innovative solutions can launch startups along with their students. It would help translate the lab research into commercial products.” A new research park will be built at Anna University’s Guindy campus at Rs.50 crore, encrusting 1.2 lakh sqft of built-up area. The University, which has already signed MoUs with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University, is in the process of recruiting academicians with multidisciplinary expertise to enhance its research centers. We dedicate this yearly special issue to the prestigious alumni of Anna University. Do let us know your thoughts.