BlogsDEI Monthly Newsletter – July 2026

DEI Monthly Newsletter
July 2026

July 2026 | 11 mins read

Highlights of the Month

July 2026 was a month of ideas moving outward — from the lab bench to the market, and from the classroom to the ecosystem. DEI supported a national conversation on commercialising research at Synergy Summit 2026, ran awareness sessions on intellectual property, entrepreneurship, startup law and early-stage funding across departments, joined the launch of an AI Centre of Excellence at RTIH Amaravati, and kept BioNEST busy with hands-on molecular and instrumentation training.

Synergy Summit 2026 – Patents to Product

The Directorate of Entrepreneurship & Innovation (DEI), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, was pleased to support the Innovation & Strategy session at Synergy Summit 2026, featuring a panel discussion on "Patents to Product – The Journey from Lab Prototype to Commercialisation." The session brought together distinguished experts from academia, technology transfer, and the startup ecosystem, who shared valuable perspectives on transforming research into market-ready innovations.

We sincerely thank our esteemed panelists — Dr. Kalpana Sastry Regulagedda, Society for Technology Management (STEM); Dr. Thirumalai Srinivasan, Director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, SRM University, AP; and Mr. Mrutyunjay Suar, PhD, CEO, KIIT-Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI). A special note of appreciation to Mr. Chandran Krishnan, Managing Director & CEO, Campus Angels Network, for expertly moderating the panel and steering a thought-provoking conversation that fostered meaningful dialogue and audience engagement.

We also extend our gratitude to Dr. Leenus Martin, Dean, College of Engineering and Technology, SRMIST, for organizing Synergy Summit 2026, and to all the faculty members and participants for their enthusiastic engagement. Together, we continue to build a stronger ecosystem where ideas evolve into impactful technologies and successful ventures.

Patents to Product panel discussion on stage at Synergy Summit 2026Panelist addressing the audience during the Innovation and Strategy session at Synergy Summit 2026Panelists on stage at Synergy Summit 2026, Dr. T.P. Ganesan Auditorium, SRMISTPanelists and moderator of the Patents to Product session at Synergy Summit 2026

Creating Value in Research

Creating value in research goes beyond discovery — it is about transforming ideas into real-world impact. DEI conducted an insightful session on "Creating Value in Research," empowering participants to understand the journey from research to innovation, intellectual property, technology commercialization, and societal impact. Together, we are building a culture where research creates value beyond the laboratory.

Session on Creating Value in Research, covering qualitative market analysis
Speaker presenting the Voice of Customer framework at the Creating Value in Research sessionSpeaker walking through qualitative market analysis at the Creating Value in Research session, SRMIST

IP Awareness – School of Computing

DEI conducted an engaging session on IP Awareness for School of Computing students aspiring to be selected for the iOS Development Program. The session highlighted how minor and major projects can evolve into impactful innovations through intellectual property, technology commercialization, and industry collaboration — empowering students to transform ideas into real-world solutions. Here's to building innovators who create value that extends beyond the classroom.

IP Awareness session in progress at the School of Computing iOS labStudents attending the IP Awareness session ahead of the iOS Development ProgramWide view of the IP Awareness session at the School of ComputingSchool of Computing students during the session on intellectual property and commercialization

Entrepreneurship Awareness Workshop with ECE

For many students, entrepreneurship feels like a distant dream. But every successful founder once started with a single question: "What if I could solve this problem?" DEI, in collaboration with the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), organized an Entrepreneurship Awareness Workshop that encouraged students to think beyond placements and discover the possibilities of creating impact through innovation.

From cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and navigating uncertainty to hearing firsthand experiences from startup founders and understanding the support available within the innovation ecosystem, the workshop gave students practical insights into what it truly takes to build a venture. The next great startup could begin in a classroom today — register here.

Entrepreneurship Awareness Workshop, 27 July 2026, organized with the Department of ECEDr. Shantanu Patil, Director, DEI, addressing students at the Entrepreneurship Awareness WorkshopStartup founders sharing their experience with students at the workshopStudents attending the Entrepreneurship Awareness Workshop with the Department of ECE

AI Centre of Excellence Launch – RTIH Amaravati

Every great ecosystem begins with a conversation. RTIH Amaravati officially launched its AI Centre of Excellence, bringing together leaders from academia, industry, startups and government to explore how AI can drive innovation, research and real-world impact — and to shape what comes next.

Unveiling of the AI Centre of Excellence Amaravati plaque, inaugurated by Smt. P. Dhatri Reddy, IAS, CEO of Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, on 28 July 2026Address from the RTIH podium at the AI Centre of Excellence launch, AmaravatiAttendees from academia, industry, startups and government at the AI Centre of Excellence launch session

Protein Purification & Gel Dock System Workshop

Where science meets hands-on innovation. The one-day workshop on Protein Purification & Gel Dock System at SRM BioNEST @ MCH & RC offered participants the opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge laboratory equipment and techniques — a day dedicated to learning, collaboration, and advancing scientific research.

Opening session of the Protein Purification and Gel Dock System workshop at SRM BioNESTParticipants at the one-day workshop on protein purification and gel documentationParticipants and organizers of the Protein Purification and Gel Dock System workshop at SRM BioNEST MCH and RC

Visit to IHFC – TIH of IIT Delhi

An enriching visit to IHFC (Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi), Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, exploring the state-of-the-art facilities at the mPragati Centre.

DEI team with IHFC staff beside a CNC machining centre at the mPragati Centre, IIT DelhiDr. Shantanu Patil and the DEI team at a Tornos Swiss-type precision lathe during the IHFC visitThe visiting team at the DMP Flex 350 metal 3D printer in the mPragati Centre workshop

Start-up Legal & Ethical Steps

DEI, in association with the Department of Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, successfully organized a session on "Start-up Legal & Ethical Steps." The programme encouraged students to understand that successful startups are built not only on innovative ideas but also on strong legal compliance, ethical decision-making, and responsible business practices.

A sincere thank you to all the participants for their enthusiastic engagement and to everyone who contributed to the successful conduct of the session. Innovation creates value. Law protects it. Ethics sustains it.

Session on Start-up Legal and Ethical Steps with the Department of EIESpeaker addressing students during the Start-up Legal and Ethical Steps sessionOverview of the SRM innovation ecosystem presented during the sessionDiscussion on legal structures suitable for early-stage startups

Angel Investment & VC Funding for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs

DEI, in association with the Department of Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, successfully conducted a session on "Angel Investment / VC Funding Opportunities for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs." Participants gained a clear understanding of how startups can progress from innovative ideas to investment-ready ventures by developing scalable business models and presenting compelling value propositions.

A heartfelt thank you to the speaker and all the participants for making the session engaging and impactful. Great ideas attract attention; well-prepared startups attract investment.

Session on Angel Investment and VC Funding opportunities for early-stage entrepreneursStudents learning how startups become investment-readyParticipants at the session on funding opportunities for early-stage entrepreneursSpeaker presenting on scalable business models and value propositions

BioNEST Monthly Journal – July Highlights

As students settled into the new academic year, BioNEST organised hands-on learning, technical exploration, and collaborative growth. From specialized molecular training to facility tours for biomedical students, the incubation centre continues to push practical research forward while newly graduated entrepreneurs build their proof-of-concept solutions.

  • 3D Bioprinting Session: Interns gained direct operational experience with BioNEST's advanced 3D bioprinter systems.
  • Biomedical Student Tour (July 8): A guided walkthrough covering equipment functionality, lab protocols, and real-world applications.
  • MUGENICS Workshop (July 17): Focused on rapid pathogen detection using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP).
  • AKTA Pure & Gel Documenter Workshop (July 31): Hands-on training on protein purification and digital gel imaging workflows.
Interns working on the 3D bioprinter at BioNEST

Interns working on the 3D bioprinter

Biomedical students touring the BioNEST facility on 8 July 2026

08.07.2026 – Biomedical students lab visit

Participants of the MUGENICS workshop on molecular identification of pathogens using LAMP

MUGENICS workshop on molecular identification of pathogens using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) – 17.07.2026

Facility Access

Are you a researcher, student, or startup founder in need of high-end analytical instrumentation or wet lab infrastructure to elevate your work? BioNEST offers streamlined digital access to its research facilities. Reserve equipment and lab slots online at birac.srmdei.com/FacilitiesServices.

Closing Note

July brought the ecosystem closer together — panels on commercialising research, awareness sessions that reached students across departments, new partnerships explored at IIT Delhi and Amaravati, and a steady stream of hands-on training at BioNEST. We remain committed to building an environment where ideas are protected, funded, and carried all the way from prototype to product.

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