Successful Organization of IIC Regional Meet 2025 at Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur

Another significant step towards developing a robust innovation and startup ecosystem was taken by Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur, by successfully organising the IIC Regional Meet 2025. This activity was conducted under the joint aegis of the Innovation Cell, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

More than 500 innovators, representatives from institutions, startup founders, and students from Rajasthan and surrounding states participated in this activity. The primary objective of this activity was to encourage innovation in higher educational institutions, facilitate policy-level discussions, develop the startup ecosystem, and exchange new developments and best practices related to the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC).

The event started with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, where senior officials from the AICTE Innovation Cell, the Ministry of Education, and the university administration gathered to mark the beginning of the event. Prof. (Dr.) N. D. Mathur, Vice-Chancellor of VGU, felt honoured to host such a prestigious event and wished all the budding entrepreneurs success. Dr K. R. Bagaria, Vice Chairperson of VGU, said that events like this motivate students to progress in life and that entrepreneurs play an important role in enhancing society. Dr M. R. Bagaria, Patron of VGU, referred to the participants as the “backbone of the nation” and said that their efforts would help the Government of India achieve its vision of Viksit Bharat.

Naresh Kumar Grover (Director, AICTE) was the Chief Guest and discussed how innovation impacts society today as an important challenge; he also warned those present that understanding the role of innovation in their own lives could be the key to their future, encouraging them all to embrace this change. He further stated that while many may not believe it now, “India will become one of the largest economies through its innovation-driven businesses,” therefore all students and entrepreneurs need to think about how they can embrace innovation within their businesses and education systems. In addition, Naresh discussed several initiatives being implemented by AICTE (including IIC Model, Startup Policy, PoC Grants, Innovation Competitions, Mentorship Initiatives, and Incubation Facilities) aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and students throughout India as they start to build their futures.

At the close of the inaugural session, Prof. Dr. D. V. S. Bhagavanulu, Pro Vice-Chancellor of VGU, extended his gratitude to all the guests and participants for their presence and contributions.
 

Technical and Entrepreneurship Sessions:

Throughout the day, several sessions were held focusing on:

• The IIC framework and innovation.

• Pre-incubation and incubation models for startups.

• YUKTI innovations.

• Presentations on best practices by various institutions.

• Q&A sessions with national experts.

• Motivational talks by startup founders sharing their experiences.

Institutions that performed exceptionally well under the IIC framework were honoured, encouraging healthy competition and motivating others to adopt better practices.

New Initiatives by VGU

During the event, VGU announced new steps to boost innovation, including:

• Advanced startup support for students.

• Stronger industry collaborations.

• New innovation laboratories.

• Specialised incubation programs.

According to the university, this event provides VGU with an opportunity to promote the university’s innovative work to a wider audience and to learn about other universities’ innovation practices. VGU experienced precedent-setting levels of participation from students, faculty, and guests, with many participants stating the meet provided new knowledge, opportunities for collaboration, and networking opportunities.

AICTE Innovation Cell officials also expressed appreciation to VGU for their efforts in hosting this regional event and stated how important these events are to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, and start-up companies as part of the National Vision of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In addition to a formal vote-of-thanks, the program concluded with a closing ceremony to foster the spirit of nationalism.