Technopark to boost innovation at TePP outreach centre

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Kerala's IT space, Technology Angels, under the umbrella of the TePP (Technopreneurship Promotion Programme) Outreach Centre of Technopark, came face to face with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).

The move was aimed at bringing in experts from various sectors in the state to strengthen the innovative activities of the TePP Outreach Centre.

The Technology Angels shared their experiences of evaluating various projects sent to DSIR for funding.

According to Amarnath, chairman, TePP screening committee, who highlighted the manner in which any innovative project was to be evaluated, said that "Innovation is like a fire in a candle, and the need of the hour is to nurture the seed of innovation and mentor it in such a way to bring out the innovation to excel."

He also lauded the way Achuth Sankar, honorary director, Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, who was also present at the meet, had mentored and helped Sooryakiran Bioinformatics, transform an excellent innovation into commercialisation.

Sankar suggested that such innovation technologies can be transferred to student teams who will come forward to start own ventures.

Technopark CEO R K Nair said the Technopark had decided to hold the Technology Angels meeting every three months to strengthen this relationship with DSIR and also to develop the committee to be recognised nationally as well as internationally for project evaluation.