Sustainable Nitte

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

PREAMBLE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

At Nitte (Deemed to be University), we recognize that sustainable industrial development, technological advancement, and resilient infrastructure are crucial pillars for inclusive and long-term growth. Our commitment to SDG 9 is reflected through strategic investments in research, collaboration with industry, promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship, and the development of infrastructure that supports both academic excellence and community welfare. Through interdisciplinary initiatives, incubation support, and partnerships with local and global stakeholders, the University strives to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application, thereby contributing meaningfully to national and global development goals.

Nitte (DU) has engaged itself in capacity building in the areas that provide excellent employment opportunities. Nitte (DU) is contributing to society in this sector by providing decent employment to over 672 faculty members and support staff.

                                                               

Proactive steps taken by NU

DST-NUTEC:

Nitte (Deemed to be University) is deeply committed to advancing SDG 9 by fostering innovation, building resilient infrastructure, and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development. A major step in this direction is the establishment of the Nitte University Technology Enabling Centre (DST NU-TEC), one among only ten such centres funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. (https://dstnutec.in/)

Located at the Paneer Campus in Mangalore, DST NU-TEC acts as a pivotal hub for innovation-driven research and industry collaboration. With a growing network of 48 dedicated members, the Centre has conducted over 179 capacity-building and innovation-oriented activities, provided 16 specialized services, and made available 211 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment to researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry collaborators.

The Centre is focused on creating a robust ecosystem that bridges the gap between academic research and industrial application. It supports multidisciplinary translational research, identifies technology needs of the region, fosters entrepreneurship, and promotes the refinement and commercialization of technologies through collaboration with institutions, incubators, and industries.

Through NU-TEC, Nitte University continues to play a vital role in addressing socio-economic challenges by promoting sustainable solutions, nurturing innovation, and contributing to national development goals. The University remains steadfast in its vision to be a centre of excellence that empowers researchers and innovators to transform ideas into impactful technologies for a better tomorrow.

                                                                                   
                                                                                          Nitte University Technology Enabling Centre

Technologies available for transfer as of 2024: 27

Start Ups Initiated as of 2024: 4

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reference center: Nitte (Deemed to be University) has been designated as a FAO Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquaculture by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations—one of only three such centers globally, alongside institutions in the USA and China. This recognition acknowledges Nitte’s expertise and long-standing collaboration with FAO in areas related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As a Reference Center, Nitte will support awareness, surveillance, governance, and responsible use of antimicrobials within the One Health framework, addressing human, animal, plant, and environmental health.

This designation follows Nitte’s previous contributions, including hosting an international FAO workshop on AMR in aquaculture. Dr. Iddya Karunasagar, a former FAO officer and current Advisor at Nitte University, has led multiple international capacity-building efforts across South and Southeast Asia. With this formal recognition, Nitte will intensify its global collaborations to advance sustainable AMR practices and contribute to One Health goals.

                                                                                                                                                   
                                                    The launch event at FAO Rome was attended by Dr. Indrani Karunasagar and Dr. Iddya Karunasagar. The Prochancellor of Nitte University, Mr. Vishal Hegde addressed the event online.


                                                                                   
                                                                                        Nitte University on FAO’s World Map


AIC Nitte Incubation Centre – Igniting Ideas, Empowering Innovation

Atal Incubation Centre – Nitte (AIC Nitte) is a not-for-profit company established under Section 8 of the Companies Act, jointly promoted by Nitte Education Trust and NITI Aayog under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of the Government of India. With a vision "to develop an ecosystem that kindles, fosters, and fuels the entrepreneurial spirit enabling high-impact ventures", AIC Nitte is committed to nurturing start-ups that create employment, drive innovation, and build sustainable solutions.

Spread over a 20,000 sq.ft state-of-the-art facility, the Incubation Centre offers co-working spaces, training and conferencing rooms, and labs dedicated to product development in sectors like Healthcare, Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Information Technology.

Key services include incubation Support through structured 52-week cohorts, financial Assistance via schemes like the Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme, with ₹470+ lakhs disbursed and ₹735+ lakhs raised by incubated start-ups, mentorship in strategy, operations, technology, funding, legal, HR, and more , market Access via strategic partnerships, alumni networks, and digital marketing training, product Development Labs such as soil testing, Bloomberg finance, IT, bio-chemistry, material testing, and fabrication labs and infrastructure & Office Support including furnished offices, meeting rooms, internet, backup power, wellness facilities, and 24×7 access.

                                                                                   
                                                                                    Link to video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0otM_JZ6Z3s


Fab Lab

The AIC Nitte Incubation Centre has successfully established a cutting-edge Biotech Laboratory at Nitte, with funding support from NITI Aayog. This advanced facility is equipped with a wide array of tools and state-of-the-art machinery, enabling the creation and prototyping of innovative products in the field of Biotechnology. Working closely with the Department of Biotechnology at NMAM Institute of Technology, the laboratory acts as a central point for promoting research and innovation in biotechnology.

                                                                                   
Fab Lab was inaugurated on Friday 17th May 2024 by Shri N. Vinaya Hegde, Chancellor of Nitte (Deemed to be University), in the presence of Dr. Gopal Mugeraya, Vice President, Nitte (DU), Dr. Niranjan Chiplunkar, Principal of NMAMIT, and Dr. A.P. Achar, CEO of AIC Nitte Incubation Centre.

Fab-Lab (Fabrication Laboratory) at AIC Nitte is a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning. Fab-Lab is equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology to inspire individuals, students and entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into new products and prototypes by giving them access to a range of advanced digital fabrication tools and machines. The aim of Fab-Lab is to facilitate and provide the environment, skill-set, advanced materials and technology to make prototypes low-cost and more efficiently to entrepreneurs, students, artists, small businesses and for research projects.

The Institution Innovation Council (IIC)

The Institution Innovation Council (IIC) at Nitte (Deemed to be University) was established in line with the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) initiative to promote a culture of innovation across Higher Education Institutions. It aims to foster entrepreneurial thinking and guide students in transforming ideas into workable prototypes. Through structured activities like workshops, competitions, and mentorship programs, the IIC contributes to building a vibrant local innovation ecosystem, while also aligning with national initiatives like the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA).

At Nitte DU, IIC has formed Student Innovation Clubs across constituent colleges, regularly engaging students through innovation-focused events and leadership roles. The council also publishes a biannual newsletter, "Avishkara," and maintains an active digital presence. Complementing MIC-mandated activities, the IIC has launched self-driven programs, partnered with the Atal Incubation Centre and DST’s Technology Enabling Centre, and applied for BIRAC funding, ensuring robust pre-incubation support through a collaborative hub-and-spoke model.

Nitte Karavali Startup Programme

AIC Nitte Incubation Centre in partnership with the Institution Innovation Council of Nitte Deemed to be University, initiated the Karavali Startup Programme. The programme is supported by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited and Yi Mangaluru.The event successfully engaged a diverse audience, including potential entrepreneurs and industry experts, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming application phase ending on October 30, 2024. The objectives included encouraging entrepreneurship, promoting innovation and commercialization and supporting regional startups.

                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                Launch ceremony of Karavali Startup programme 2024


Nitte MANAGE Agribusiness Conclave: 15th & 16th Mar 2024

The Nitte MANAGE Agribusiness conclave was inaugurated on 15th march 2024. The Ministry of MSME played a pivotal role in fostering cluster development and supporting micro-entrepreneurs in achieving better market positioning and pricing for their producta. Sessions focused on registration, health, and nutritional benefits of jackfruit. The conclave provided a platform for over 100 micro-entrepreneurs to exhibit and market their ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook jackfruit value-added products.A dedicated session facilitated interactions between potential buyers and sellers to discuss product showcasing, pricing negotiations, order placements, and logistical arrangements, thereby fostering business relationships within the jackfruit value-added industry.

Nitte Jackfruit Processing Cluster

AIC Nitte has been designated as a ‘Technical Agency’ by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, to promote Cluster Development projects in the coastal districts of Karnataka. Currently, AIC Nitte is implementing the Jackfruit cluster. With financial assistance of Rs 500 lacs, the project is expected to provide employment to 1,000 rural women and provide additional income to 400,000 farmers of the Udupi district.

                                                                                   


Activities: AI Skill Lab Inauguration

In a ground-breaking initiative to cultivate AI expertise, Dell and Intel, in partnership with the Dept. of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, NMAM Institute of Technology, unveiled the AI Skill Lab and Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for Intel AI Digital Readiness program on 17th January 2024. The courses offered by Intel will empower and enable students & researchers to achieve greater heights in their careers.

                                                                                   
                                                                                    Inauguration of AI skill lab
Two-day workshop on 'Generative AI in Teaching, Learning & Research - Challenges Ahead

The Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Artificial Intelligence & Data Science in association with IQAC and Staff Development Center, Nitte DU organized a two-day workshop on 'Generative AI in Teaching, Learning & Research - Challenges Ahead' on 15th & 16th February, 2024. The workshop consisted of 6 technical sessions. The workshop had 30 participants including external participants from nearby colleges.

NUCSER signs MoU with Medorganics India Pvt Ltd, Karnataka

NUCSER signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Medorganics India Private Limited (MOI), a division of Meditek India. MOI is a state-of-the-art facility, manufacturing Ayurvedic, Herbal and Nutritional products located at Baikampady Industrial Area, Mangaluru (Karnataka). The signing ceremony was held on 17th February 2024 in the presence of Prof. Dr. Harsha Halahalli, Registrar, Nitte (DU) at the University Enclave, Deralakatte. The MoU addresses the mutual desire to promote qualitative academic (education and research) and scientific exchange, joint activities, visits and internships among researchers and students.

                                                                                   
                                                                                    NUCSER signs MoU with Medorganics India Pvt Ltd
Entrepreneurship in Physiotherapy

Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy organised a Workshop on “Entrepreneurship in Physiotherapy” with Mr. Akshay Agarwal, Founder Director of Training Gurukul, New Delhi as the Resource Person at K S Hegde Auditorium on 27th March 2024. The sessions were brilliantly executed by Mr. Akshay Agarwal wherein he discussed the various market strategies and put the young minds to work through role plays, video demonstrations, group activities thoroughly engaging them throughout the day. All the students actively participated and clarified their doubts. Certificates were distributed to the 255 participants at the end of the program.

Smart Village Innovation Launchpad

The Smart Village Innovation Launchpad, an Innovative Project Exhibition was organized by the Institution Innovation Council (IIC) of Nitte (Deemed to be University) in collaboration with IIC, NMAM Institute of Technology on 12th April 2024. The release of the IIC Project Abstract showcased the selected projects that would serve as a testament to the participants' innovative spirit and vision for rural upliftment through technology. TA panel of judges meticulously evaluated the 15 selected projects, selecting six as winners, based on their potential to bring about a meaningful change in rural communities. The winners were felicitated with Certificates and cash prizes.

                                                                                   
                                                                                    Release of IIC project abstract of The smart village innovation launchpad
World Creativity and Innovation Day

The celebration of “World Creativity and Innovation Day” was marked by a formal inauguration on 30th April 2024. The workshop delved into fundamental aspects of entrepreneurship, covering a wide range of topics relevant to healthcare innovation. Participants had the opportunity to interact with the resource persons, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and knowledge. A total of 50 students & 5 faculty members attended the program.

                                                                                   
                                                                                    World Creativity and Innovation Day
ABSMIDS | A CDE Program on “Artificial Intelligence Applications in Dentomaxillofacial Imaging”

The Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, ABSMIDS conducted a CDE Program on “Artificial Intelligence Applications in Dentomaxillofacial Imaging” on 26th July 2024. Around 149 delegates including faculty, postgraduates & few interns from Yenepoya Dental College, A J Institute of Dental Sciences, Srinivas Institute of Dental Sciences and ABSMIDS participated in the program.

NIA invited to Infrastructure One Design School’s event - Infra Design Mahotsav at Hubli

Over two days of insightful interactions with fun-filled events, engaging workshops and impactful presentations, NIA presented the works of its students at a small exhibition, Infra Design Mahotsav at Hubli and engaged with aspiring young minds interested in exploring their careers in architecture. A small design workshop was also conducted to engage with the students. Prof. Vinod Aranha, Director, NIA and Ar. Dean D’Cruz, Design Chair at NIA enlightened the students about the profession of Architecture.

Workshop on 'Enabling Translation of Research into Technologies’

Gulbarga University, Kalaburgi in association with DST-TEC (NU), Mangalore, on 23rd September 2024 organized a one-day workshop on Enabling Translation of Research into Technologies. The workshop's motto was to guide the researchers and academicians in bringing their research into technology or products.

Training program on “Creating models with 3-D printing”

Students Innovation Club, NUINS, in association with the Institution's Innovation Council, Nitte DU, organized a training program on “Creating Models with 3D Printing” for students and faculty on 30th November 2024 at the College Innovators - Innovation Project & Development Centre (CIIPDC), Paneer Campus. Participants explored the fundamentals of 3D printing, engaging in hands-on activities that highlighted the application of 3D technology in healthcare innovation. A total of 42 students participated in this program.

INDO-UK Collaborative International Conference NMCCER 2024

The Centre for New Materials & Surface Engineering, Dept. of Chemistry at NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte, hosted a SPARC-funded 2-day International Conference on 'New Materials in Carbon Capture & Environmental Remediation' (NMCCER 2024) on 5th & 6th December 2024. This significant event brought together leading academics and researchers from the UK, Germany and Denmark to discuss cutting-edge developments in new materials and carbon capture technologies. The discussions underscored the need for developing novel nanomaterials, such as graphene, MXenes, and other functional nanostructures, as potential solutions to current environmental challenges.

                                                                                   
                                                                                    International Conference on 'New Materials in Carbon Capture & Environmental Remediation'
EXPERT TALK BY DR RAM SIDDAPPA, INVESTMENT MANAGER, UNIVERSITY OF LEIDEN, THE NETHERLANDS

Dr Ram Siddappa, Investment Manager, University of Leiden, The Netherlands visited DST Technology Enabling Center, Nite University on December 26, 2024 and delivered an expert lecture on “IP Protection, evaluation and Licensing strategies”. About 20 faculty and students attended the lecture, which was in hybrid mode. This mode facilitated the participation of two faculties from Gulbarga University

SDG being reflected in research

The Nitte Deemed to be University has made significant contributions to SDG 9, focusing on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. This has been achieved through a range of research publications, innovative projects, and successful funding applications. They collectively address SDG 9 by promoting innovation, advanced materials, digital infrastructure, smart manufacturing, and sustainable industrial solutions. A total of 62 publications related to SDG 9 were published in the year 2024 as sourced to Scopus Scival.

Seed Money under SDG 9 for the year 2024:

In addition, several innovation projects have received targeted financial support as seed money. A total amount of ₹20,45,000 was provided to the faculty of different institutions that belong to Nitte (Deemed to be University) in the year 2024. These projects all contribute to SDG 9 by advancing innovation, technology, and infrastructure in their respective fields.