SRM University-AP signs an MOU with the Association for Scientific Pursuits in Innovative Research BioNEST (ASPIRE BioNEST) of the University of Hyderabad, facilitating a dynamic transformation in the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem of the institute. Prof. S Rajagopal, Director ASPIRE BioNEST and Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, SRM University-AP signed the MOU in the presence of Dr Anil Kondreddy, COO, ASPIRE BioNEST, Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Associate Dean-Sciences, SRM University-AP and Dr Pitchaiah Cherukuri, Assistant Professor, SRM University-AP.
The agreement will ensure guidance and support from ASPIRE BioNEST in establishing, operating and maintaining the best innovation and incubation practices at the SRM AP incubation centres. ASPIRE BioNEST will also provide support in selection of incubates/start-ups, finalising facilities/designs, procurement of instruments and help in formulating guidelines and policies for operating incubation centres at the university.
The MOU is a significant milestone for the young innovators and venturers at SRM AP as ASPIRE BioNEST will furnish internship opportunities with incubatees and startups at ASPIRE, mentor support for startups, collaboration in applying for grant proposals and raising funds, and training and skill development programmes.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora expressed his ardour on the collaboration. He stated that “ASPIRE BioNEST is one of the Best Bio-incubator where most of the innovative research is translated into technologies. As an institute that prioritise innovation and entrepreneurship, this MOU will stimulate and enrich SRM University-AP’s entrepreneurial culture, helping us to become one of the preferred incubation and innovation centres in Andhra Pradesh.”
ASPIRE BioNEST of the University of Hyderabad is a deep-tech life sciences incubator established in 2018 with the support of BIRAC, Government of India and ASPIRE, a section 8 non-profit company established by University of Hyderabad. One of the key objectives of ASPIRE BioNEST is to provide support and guidance, including technological, professional and collaborative inputs to help other incubation centres raise their entrepreneurial culture. With the agreement, both SRM University-AP and ASPIRE BioNEST have undertaken to synergistically support each other in the larger interest of innovation and entrepreneurship.