IIT Madras GDC Focuses on Democratising Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India
The Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (GDC) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has taken significant strides towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across India. On January 17, 2026, the GDC organized its 6th Annual Symposium, themed “Democratising Innovation & Entrepreneurship in India.” This event aimed to highlight the crucial role of entrepreneurs in driving India’s deep-tech and innovation-led growth.
Focus on Entrepreneurs
The symposium brought national attention to the need for a stronger focus on developing capable entrepreneurs as a vital component of scaling innovation in India. With the rapid rise of startups emerging from Tier II and Tier III cities, increased participation from women founders, and the broader access provided by digital platforms, the event underscored the importance of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset and skill set.
Key Themes of the Symposium
Several key themes emerged during the discussions at the symposium:
- Role of Policymaking: There is a pressing need for policymakers to prioritize mentorship and funding aimed at building capable entrepreneurs.
- Focus on Deep-Tech Startups: The symposium reaffirmed the GDC’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of faculty and researchers at STEM universities across India to foster deep-tech startups through translational research.
- Long-Term Success Factors: While technology, funding, and infrastructure are essential, long-term entrepreneurial success relies heavily on mentoring and nurturing individuals, particularly in deep-tech ventures that often have long gestation periods.
Notable Speakers and Insights
The symposium featured several prominent speakers who shared their insights on innovation and entrepreneurship:
Mr. Lakshmi Narayanan
Mr. Lakshmi Narayanan, Co-founder and former Vice Chairman of Cognizant Technology Solutions, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized that scientists and researchers can adopt entrepreneurial roles in various ways. He stated, “Besides launching startups to bring their innovations to market, scientists can also be equally impactful by solving difficult technological challenges within the framework of large corporations or government projects.” He encouraged GDC and IIT Madras to support such entrepreneurial successes.
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), joined the symposium via videoconferencing. He discussed ANRF’s initiatives aimed at catalyzing research and translating it into impactful outcomes. Dr. Kalyanaraman highlighted several programs operationalized this financial year, including:
- ANRF MAHA mission mode programs in sectors like Electric Mobility and MedTech.
- PAIR & PM Professorship program for uplifting research in emerging institutions.
- ATRI translational programs and Fundamental Research Programs.
He also mentioned the RDI patient capital fund of ₹1 lakh crore, which is being operationalized in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) as the anchor ministry. Dr. Kalyanaraman emphasized the importance of impact-oriented capacity development, stating, “We want to be impact-oriented in everything we do.”
Mr. Srinath Ravichandran
Mr. Srinath Ravichandran, Co-founder and CEO of Agnikool Cosmos, a deep-tech startup from IIT Madras, shared his perspective on the significance of the university environment in shaping startup culture. He remarked, “Given a chance, I would always start off with the tagline that ‘We are an IIT Madras startup,’ because I do not think we should ever fully emerge from that umbrella.”
Addressing Gaps in the Ecosystem
Despite the progress made, the symposium highlighted critical gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The sustained development of an entrepreneurial mindset and skills is essential for the long-term success of startups, particularly in the deep-tech sector. The discussions called for enhanced collaboration between academia, industry, and government to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
The GDC’s annual symposium serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. By focusing on the democratization of innovation, the GDC aims to empower a new generation of entrepreneurs who can drive India’s growth in the coming decades. The commitment to nurturing talent and fostering an entrepreneurial culture is crucial for achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the press release from IIT Madras and reflects the events and discussions that took place during the 6th Annual GDC Symposium.
