The session was organised as a MIC-Driven/IIC-oriented activity by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC), AICTE, with the objective of creating awareness about the evolving research and innovation ecosystem in Indian Higher Education Institutions. The session featured Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), who shared valuable insights into ANRF’s vision, priorities, programmes, and support mechanisms for strengthening research and innovation in HEIs.
The session began with an overview of ANRF’s role as a catalyst for building India’s research and innovation capabilities, emphasising the need for a research ecosystem that moves beyond conventional academic outcomes toward quality, collaboration, translation, scalability, and measurable societal impact. The speaker stressed the importance of building strong research capabilities within HEIs by ensuring greater access to infrastructure, funding, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities for researchers, faculty, students, and innovators.
The discussion also covered ANRF’s approach to supporting fundamental, applied, and translational research through both investigator-driven programmes and mission-oriented initiatives addressing key national challenges. The speaker highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative research, noting that complex societal problems increasingly require joint efforts across academia, industry, startups, and government bodies to produce impactful solutions.
A significant part of the session focused on ANRF’s funding and support mechanisms aimed at creating broader, more accessible opportunities for researchers and institutions. Special emphasis was placed on technology translation, with the speaker noting that research outcomes should progress beyond publications toward technologies, products, and solutions capable of generating real economic and societal value.
The session concluded with a call for HEIs to nurture a strong institutional research culture that encourages excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and outcome-oriented thinking among students and faculty. Overall, the session offered a clear understanding of ANRF’s evolving role and the opportunities it presents for strengthening India’s research and innovation landscape