Anna University calls for research ideas from students for start-up programme

The Centre for Entrepreneurship Development of the Anna University has formed a technical committee to choose the right start-up idea to help students to turn entrepreneurs. Sources from the university said about 30 innovations from students were under consideration.

A senior official of the institution said the innovations include portable desalination unit to convert seawater and saline water to drinking water; temperature monitor system in engine valve; design and manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCBs); developing app for repairing household applications and increasing the availability of electricians and plumbers; scientific kit development for children’s education; floating farms for evaporation control; and automated hand sanitiser dispenser among others.

All these innovations were at various stages to reach start-up level, he said, adding that the university would to allocate funds for these products to be commercialised through companies.

The main aim of the programme was to embrace entrepreneurship mindset among PG and doctoral students, the official said.

“During the process students and researchers will understand various funding opportunities available for start-ups,” he said. The students would also benefit through Innovation Voucher Programme (IVP), the Tamil Nadu government’s flagship grant-in-aid scheme for supporting start-ups, the official noted.

During enrolment, the students should identify the start-up idea and should file it online, he said. “If selected, the applicant will be called for technical committee meeting by the State-run Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI). Once the selection process is over, funds up to Rs five lakh will be granted to each start-up, depending on the product innovation,” added the official.