Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9—Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure—aims to foster innovation, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive industrialization. BML Munjal University (BMU) aligns strongly with this goal through its commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurial learning to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
Research and Innovation Infrastructure at BMU
Research Facilities and Policies: BMU has established itself as a research-driven institution by continually updating its research infrastructure and policies. The research policy at BMU encompasses a range of focus areas, including research promotion, Ph.D. programs, innovation, patents, consultancy, incubation, and start-ups. This well-defined policy framework, supported by the Research Promotion Committee, regularly reviews and updates existing practices to ensure the research ecosystem aligns with current technological and scientific advancements.
Website link: https://www.bmu.edu.in/research/
Research Centers of Excellence: BMU has established several specialized research centers, each focusing on advanced and interdisciplinary research fields. These include:
- Center for Advanced Materials and Devices (CAMD): Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like physical vapor deposition systems, scanning electron microscopes, and Raman spectroscopy for material and surface engineering research.
- Center for Automation, Robotics, and Mechatronics (CARM): Dedicated to automation and robotics innovations.
- Center for Computational and Complexity Sciences (C3S): Engages in complex computational research, supporting data-driven industries.
Website link: https://www.bmu.edu.in/cccs/
- Center on Law, Regulation, and Technology (CLRT) and Center for Inclusive Innovation (CII): Focused on regulatory, social, and inclusive innovation studies.
Website link: https://www.bmu.edu.in/clrt/
Investment in Cutting-Edge Equipment: BMU continually invests in upgrading its research infrastructure to support advanced experimental needs, ensuring that researchers have access to the latest technology. For instance, CAMD’s facilities include advanced analytical equipment like x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopes, enhancing the university’s capability to conduct high-impact research.
Funding and Incentives for Research: To encourage impactful research, BMU provides seed funding and professional development grants. Faculty and researchers benefit from internal and external funding sources, including grants from government and private sector bodies like DST, SERB, MEITY, and NITI Aayog. These resources support foundational research, enable the acquisition of prestigious government-sponsored projects, and facilitate industry partnerships.
Revenue Sharing and Financial Incentives: BMU’s policy includes a generous revenue-sharing scheme, where faculty can earn up to 70% on intellectual property (IP) revenues and 90% on consultancy projects. This incentivizes faculty to pursue commercially viable research, contributing to BMU’s commitment to innovation and its translation to industry.
Recognition and Awards: BMU acknowledges research achievements through initiatives such as the Research Excellence Award, motivating faculty members to aim for excellence in research output and publication in high-impact journals. Financial rewards are also provided for publishing in top-tier journals, reinforcing a culture of quality research.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Support for Start-Ups:
Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I2E): BMU fosters an entrepreneurial culture through the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I2E), which coordinates closely with university schools to drive innovation initiatives. The I2E supports curricular and extracurricular activities, leading to BMU’s recognition in national rankings like the ARIIA and a 5-star rating for its Institution Innovation Council.
Website link: https://www.bmu.edu.in/acic/
Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC): With financial support from NITI Aayog and BMU’s own resources, the ACIC-BMU Foundation provides a robust ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. The center encourages start-up development, supporting students and faculty with access to infrastructure and expert mentorship.
Website link: https://www.bmu.edu.in/acic/
Incubation and Co-Working Space: Propel: BMU’s on-campus incubator, Propel, offers co-working spaces and access to university resources such as laboratories and workshops. Propel is designed to nurture start-ups by providing contemporary facilities, access to equipment, and a network of mentors, including industry experts and venture capitalists.
Policy Support for Entrepreneurship: BMU’s entrepreneurship policy facilitates start-up development by allowing deferred placements for students, giving them the freedom to explore ventures without immediate job placement pressures. This policy creates a conducive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks and innovate.
IPR Cell and Start-Up Commercialization: BMU’s Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell supports the commercialization of viable innovations. By managing intellectual property created by students and staff, BMU encourages the practical application of research outcomes. Student clubs like T-Sec and Sierra also play a significant role by organizing events and promoting entrepreneurial spirit on campus.
Academic Support and Curriculum Integration: The university offers courses in innovation and entrepreneurship across various schools, with plans for a Minor Program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. These courses equip students with the skills required to contribute to and lead within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Collaboration and Community Engagement:
National and International Collaborations: BMU collaborates with global institutions, including Singapore Management University, Warwick University, and Imperial College London, to foster a global perspective in its entrepreneurial and research initiatives. Additionally, associations with bodies like the Indo-US Chamber of Commerce and StartupIndia enhance opportunities for growth and development.
Delhi Science and Technology Cluster: BMU’s active role in the Delhi Science and Technology Cluster, coordinated by IIT Delhi, exemplifies its commitment to fostering regional and national development in line with SDG 9. The partnership with the National Entrepreneurship Network further strengthens BMU’s reach within India’s innovation landscape.
Events and Programs to Encourage Innovation: BMU organizes flagship events such as The Pitchfest, The Hult Prize, Foundation Program for Aspiring Entrepreneurs, and Hackathons. These events create momentum and provide a platform for students and faculty to showcase their innovations, develop business ideas, and engage with the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Website link: https://www.bmu.edu.in/university/collaborations/
Website link to events: https://www.bmu.edu.in/campus-life/club-central-events/
Commitment to SDG 9 and lasting impact:
BMU’s commitment to SDG 9 is evident in its investment in advanced research infrastructure, support for innovation, and entrepreneurial initiatives. By fostering a culture of research, encouraging start-ups, and creating a supportive environment for innovation, BMU is well-aligned with the goals of building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive industrialization, and fostering innovation. Through these ongoing efforts, BMU contributes to national and global development by preparing students and faculty to lead in a sustainable and innovation-driven economy.