Manipal, 13 May 2021.

“There is a lot of opportunity for technology development not only in the digital domain but also in other areas of Science & Engineering” said Mr. C N Raghupathi, Senior Vice President & Head, India Business, Infosys. He was delivering the keynote address during the Online National Technology Day & MIT Foundation Day program jointly organized by Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) and Manipal Universal Business Incubator (MUTBI), Manipal on May 11, 2021. He shared his experience of technology development in the areas of Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering. He also explained howtechnology has advanced in the field of cancer diagnosis& treatmentand other fields of medical science. He narrated how digital revolution was possible because of simultaneous development of IC technology and software domain. Mr. Raghupathi also highlighted, how the type of problem, associated cost, scalability and ecosystem development could lead to success of technology.

As a remembrance of Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998 and India's technological advancements, National Technology Day is celebrated every year on May 11. The theme for this year is “Science & Technology for a sustainable future”. 

Presiding over the function Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) mentioned about contribution of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India during the last 50 years. He also urged faculty, students and alumni to come forward and make use of facilities at MAHE & its Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and develop technologies for the benefit of society.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. D Srikanth Rao, Director, MIT narrated the story of genesis of MIT, way back in 1957 on this day. He continued to share the story of development of Innovation Center and MUTBI to support Innovation, technology development and startups. Today, not only students, but also faculty and alumni of MIT are involved in technology development and have their startups in the campus. MAHE has two TBIs supported by DST, Government of India and Government of Karnataka. More than 50 technologies have been developed at MAHE and currently 30 startups are working in the campus on technology development in various domains of Health Science and Engineering. He narrated a classic story of how a faculty PhD work was converted into a startup towards commercialization of technology.

Dr. B H V Pai, Joint Director, MIT welcomed the gathering and Dr. Mohammad Zuber, Assistant. Director (Innovation & Incubation), MIT proposed vote of thanks. Dr. Y Shrihari Upadhyaya, CEO, MUTBI moderated the program.