The Importance of Research and Innovation

Universities and research have always been the world’s engine rooms for innovation. The collaborations have given life to many blockbuster discoveries over the years. To keep abreast with the global needs and changing market demands, Chandigarh University promotes a research-intensive environment and has curated an industry-relevant curriculum, based on research and associated to the global market outcomes.

The emphasis on research and innovation is laid to encourage continuous field learning and give opportunities to the students to meet and engage with top organizations and industry leaders. Over the years, Chandigarh University has earned several accolades for playing a dynamic role in elevating research and the learning process of the institution.

A Glimpse into Research at Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University encourages a conducive environment by providing students with the best of lab facilities and an intensive research environment. Consequently, Chandigarh University ranked number 1 in filing the highest number of patents. With 2000+ Patents filed,  10 000+ Research publications and 50 Research Centers, Chandigarh University has certainly raised the bars of excellence.

Recognized by SIRO (Scientific and Industrial Research Organization), CU incorporates wide-ranging and profound research activities with the University scholars conducting research in practically every domain. The university has a separate annual budget of Rs 15 Crores dedicated to research. Apart from it, Chandigarh University's research is strengthened by an additional 52 Crore of funded research by the government bodies and corporates.

Additionally, there are 20+ Centers of Excellence where students, researchers and the faculty carry out their research to develop understanding and generate solutions. Similarly, the 50 Research Centers on the university campus have 67 funded ongoing projects in various domains.

One of the many research centers on the CU Campus, the Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science & Technology is one of the prominent research centers in India and has been in the limelight for multiple reasons. A center for research and the university’s own Satellite Ground Station,  the Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science & Technology has facilitated the students in creating their own student-satellite and much more. It was this research center where India's 1st IoT & AI-based Satellite was designed and developed by the students of Chandigarh University.

Promoting Innovation & Entrepreneurship with Research

Chandigarh University known as a University of innovation also promotes the culture of 'Creating Jobs' through Technology Business Incubator to stimulate and nurture inquisitive minds to shape their ideas in actual business. In order to promote the spirit of job creation among its students, Chandigarh University has taken important initiatives to provide a conducive environment focusing on research and discovery.

As a result of its rigorous efforts, Chandigarh University-Technology Business Incubator has 120+ Startups and 22 pass out Startups which are running successfully. 

The Entrepreneurship Development Cell, one of the other important initiatives undertaken to promote the idea of becoming job creators shows the efforts made by Chandigarh University in this direction. These initiatives also fulfill the vision of our Honorable PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’

Enlisted below are the names of such startups started by Chandigarh University students:

1. Smart Bicycle Manufacturing Unit with latest features such as GPS Tracker and Navigation device.
2. MCSSAN Is the Startup in Which Wrong Car Parking Solution App is launched.
3. The Expert Community – Tech Solution company offering multiple digital solutions.
4. An Organization Dedicated Towards Entrepreneurial Development among School Students.
5. Delicious homemade food delivered at door steps.
6. ADVERTISING TOMORROW TODAY - The Eco-Friendly
7. HAPPY FARMERS - Direct Selling of Agri- Products from Farmer to Companies.
8. HIGHWAY DIP - A New-Age Dhaba serving traditional Indian food.
9. REVEDA - National Exposure through talent Evaluation Program
10. BITTY HELP – Best Deals in different segments like Food, Groceries, Services, etc.
11. Mission Education India

Summary

Emphasizing on contributing towards new and Innovative India, Chandigarh University has been recognized and ranked Number 1 by the Government of India's Controller General Patents, Designs and Trademarks in the filing of Patents. Chandigarh University, since inception, has moved up the ladder and has been recognized for filing over 2000+ Patents and creating new National Records. The university promotes spirit of research & innovation and fosters a community of dynamic and curious thinkers for the real world. Also, students are encouraged to score, not in terms of marks, but in terms of research, discovery and innovation. In that direction, University Center for Research and Development (UCRD), CU’s dedicated department is fully devoted to coordinating and encouraging research and consultancy activities among students. Apart from providing financial support to the students, the UCRD incorporates national and international research faculty who help students hone the skills that are vital to succeed as a researcher.

Note: The views expressed in this article are of Chandigarh University and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha