Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi has called on IIT Madras alumni to take a more active role in supporting young innovators and strengthening India’s technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Joshi made the remarks while addressing the seventh edition of SANGAM, an initiative of the IIT Madras Alumni Association, held in Bengaluru. The event was organised around the theme “Atmanirbhar Bharat - Building a Self-Reliant India”.
The minister highlighted the potential role of experienced IIT Madras alumni in helping young innovators take their ideas forward. He also stressed the need to encourage technology commercialisation and deep-tech entrepreneurship while creating stronger links between India’s innovation ecosystem and international markets.
“I called upon the distinguished IIT Madras alumni to play an even greater role in this national journey by mentoring young innovators, accelerating technology commercialisation, supporting deep-tech entrepreneurship and connecting India’s innovation ecosystem with global markets and opportunities,” the minister said in a post on X.
Joshi also pointed to the broader connection between technology, education, industry and entrepreneurship. According to him, collaboration among these areas can contribute to India’s development and innovation ambitions.
“This new confluence of technology, education, industry, and entrepreneurship stands as the tangible embodiment of innovation propelling India toward ViksitBharat2047. IIT Madras continues to consistently demonstrate how scientific research and knowledge can be transformed into tailored solutions for modern technology, enterprises, and real-world challenges,” he added.
The SANGAM event brought together the IIT Madras alumni community around discussions linked to technology, entrepreneurship and India’s self-reliance goals.
Joshi’s call for greater alumni involvement also comes as the Education Ministry is promoting initiatives aimed at encouraging young innovators to develop practical solutions. On September 25, he launched the website and registration portal for the Seva First Innovation Challenge at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru. The initiative is being jointly undertaken by the Education Ministry, AICTE and UGC, with IISc Bengaluru as the nodal institute.
The challenge encourages students and young innovators to identify problems in their communities and develop solutions that can be tested, refined and implemented. It is open to students from schools, ITIs, polytechnics, colleges and universities, with the national finale scheduled to be held in December in New Delhi.
