UGC Directs Universities To Set Up Intellectual Property Centres, Innovation Labs

In a bid to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all universities and higher education institutions to set up 'Intellectual Property centres' and 'Innovation labs'. "The start-ups, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across the country have appreciably applied their creativity to address social issues. However, it is further needed that a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship must be promoted as there is is no dearth of grassroots level innovations in the country and efforts must be made to facilitate their growth," the University Grants Commission (UGC) said in a letter to universities.

Setting up Intellectual Property Centres at universities, establishing innovation labs, setting up entrepreneurship cells and adding entrepreneurship into the curriculum are among the activities prescribed by UGC. The higher education regulator has also asked universities to encourage the organization of boot camps, mentoring and investor sessions and holding entrepreneurship-focused events at colleges where successful entrepreneurs are invited to interact with students.

Earlier, the UGC had has formulated a scheme for the establishment of chairs in universities in the name of Nobel laureates, illustrious persons and persons of eminence in areas of their outstanding contributions. The UGC had given nod to establish Mahatma Gandhi chair but none has been established so far, said an HRD Ministry official. Meanwhile, the UGC has issued a notification saying that no university should ask students to submit their original academic and personal certificates like mark sheets, school leaving certificates, etc. It also said that varsities will have to face action if they fail to return fees of students in case they withdraw their admission.