Best Practices in Higher Education for Quality Management

BEST PRACTICES IN MY INSTITUTION

1. Title of the practice - Incubation and Startup Ecosystem Development

2. The context that required the initiation of the practice

The global landscape of education and industry has been rapidly evolving, with an increasing
demand for graduates who are not only academically proficient but also entrepreneurial and
innovative. To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, our
institution recognized the need to foster entrepreneurship and innovation among students.
Additionally, there was a growing emphasis on promoting self-employment and job creation in
the region. This context necessitated the initiation of an incubation and startup ecosystem within
our institution.

3. Objectives of the practice

The primary objectives of establishing the Incubation and Startup Ecosystem were:

 To nurture entrepreneurial spirit among students and faculty members.

 To provide a platform for students and alumni to transform innovative ideas into
viable startups.
 To promote a culture of innovation and problem-solving.
 To contribute to regional economic development by creating job opportunities
through startups.
 To facilitate industry-academia collaboration and knowledge transfer.

4. The Practice

Our institution established a dedicated Incubation and Startup Center equipped with state-of-
the-art facilities, mentorship programs, and access to funding opportunities. The practice
encompasses several key components:
Incubation Programs: We offer structured incubation programs where aspiring entrepreneurs
receive guidance in business planning, market research, legal compliance, and product
development.
Mentorship: We engage experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and alumni to provide
mentorship and guidance to startup founders.
Networking: We facilitate networking events, workshops, and seminars that connect students,
faculty, and startups with industry leaders and investors.
Seed Funding: We provide access to seed funding and venture capital networks to help startups
secure initial capital.
Co-Working Spaces: Our incubation center offers co-working spaces, access to laboratories,
and prototyping facilities to support product development.
Pitching Competitions: We organize pitching competitions where startups can present their
ideas to potential investors.
Legal and Regulatory Support: We assist startups in navigating legal and regulatory
requirements for setting up and operating businesses.

5. Obstacles faced if any and strategies adopted to overcome them

Limited Awareness: Initially, there was limited awareness among students and faculty about the
benefits of entrepreneurship. We addressed this by organizing awareness campaigns, seminars,
and success story sharing sessions.
Access to Funding: Access to funding was a challenge for early-stage startups. To overcome
this, we actively sought partnerships with government agencies, angel investors, and venture
capitalists to create funding avenues for our startups.
Resource Allocation: Allocating physical space, resources, and faculty time for the incubation
center was a logistical challenge. We received institutional support and secured grants to
expand our infrastructure.
Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the incubation center required careful
financial planning. We developed a sustainable funding model that included revenue sharing
from successful startups and alumni contributions.

6. Impact of the practice

The Incubation and Startup Ecosystem at our institution has yielded significant results:
88 Registered Startups: Over the years, we have registered 88 startups under the MSME
category, demonstrating the success of our incubation programs.
Job Creation: These startups have collectively created hundreds of jobs in various sectors,
contributing to regional economic development.
Innovation Culture: The practice has fostered an innovation culture within the institution, with
more students and faculty actively engaging in entrepreneurial activities.
Industry Collaboration: Our institution has formed valuable partnerships with industry leaders,
resulting in collaborative research projects and internships for students.
Recognition: We have received recognition from industry associations for our efforts in
promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.

7. Resources required

- Physical Infrastructure
- Human Resources
- Financial Resources
- Networking and Partnership
- Technology Equipment
- Curriculum and Networking
- Evaluation and Monitoring

8. About the Institution

i. Name of the Institution : Sri Krishna College ii. Year of Accreditation : 2021
Of Technology.

iii. Address : Golf Road, Arivolinagar, iv. Grade awarded by NAAC : ‘A’

Vivekananthapuram, Kovaipudur-641042

v. E-Mail : info@skct.edu.in vi. Contact person for further details :

IQAC Co-ordinator,

Email :iqac@skct.edu.in
vii. Website :skct.edu.in

NAAC for Quality and Excellence in Higher Education

 Best Practices in Higher Education for Quality Management

BEST PRACTICES IN MY INSTITUTION

1. Title of the practice - Industry Driven Curriculum Development and Implementation

2. The context that required the initiation of the practice

In recent years, there has been a growing gap between traditional engineering education
and the evolving needs of the industry. Graduates often lacked the practical skills, industry-
specific knowledge, and readiness to contribute effectively to the workforce. This context
necessitated a shift towards an industry-driven curriculum to bridge the gap and ensure that
students are job-ready upon graduation.

3. Objectives of the practice

 To align the curriculum with the evolving needs and trends of the industry.
 To equip students with practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on
experience.
 To enhance students' employability and job readiness.
 To foster collaboration between academia and industry.
 To ensure graduates meet the expectations and standards of employers.

4. The Practice

Industry Collaboration: The institution actively collaborates with a network of industry partners,
including prominent companies in relevant sectors. These partnerships involve regular meetings,
workshops, and advisory boards.

Needs Assessment: Industry experts are engaged to conduct needs assessments and identify the
skills and knowledge required for specific job roles. This information is then used to shape the
curriculum.

Curriculum Design: Curriculum development teams, including faculty and industry experts,
work together to design courses and programs. The curriculum is designed to incorporate real-
world projects, case studies, and practical experiences.

Industry Experts as Instructors: Industry professionals are invited to teach specialized courses,
share their experiences, and mentor students. This provides students with exposure to real
industry challenges and practices.

Internships and Co-op Programs: The institution facilitates internships and cooperative
education programs with industry partners, allowing students to gain practical experience while
pursuing their degrees.

Capstone Projects: Students undertake capstone projects sponsored by industry partners. These
projects often involve solving real problems faced by the sponsoring companies.

Continuous Feedback Loop: Regular feedback sessions are held with industry partners to
evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum and make necessary adjustments.

5. Obstacles Faced if Any and Strategies Adopted to Overcome Them:

Resistance to Change: Some faculty members may resist the shift towards an industry-driven
curriculum. To overcome this, the institution provides training and professional development
opportunities for faculty to stay updated with industry trends.

Finding Industry Partners: Establishing strong industry partnerships can be challenging. The
institution employs a dedicated team for outreach, relationship building, and collaboration.

Curriculum Update: Maintaining a dynamic curriculum that aligns with rapidly changing
industry needs requires constant effort. The institution maintains an agile curriculum
development process that can quickly adapt to emerging trends.

6. Impact of the practice

Enhanced Employability: Graduates are better prepared for industry roles and are more
attractive to potential employers.

Higher Placement Rates: Students who have undergone industry-driven programs tend to have
higher job placement rates upon graduation.
Industry Engagement: The institution's close ties with industry partners have resulted in
research collaborations, funding opportunities, and projects that benefit both academia and
industry.

Positive Reputation: The institution's commitment to industry-driven education has enhanced its
reputation and ranking.

7. Resources required

 Industry Partnerships: A network of industry partners from various sectors.

 Industry Experts: A pool of professionals willing to engage in teaching and mentoring.
 Curriculum Development Teams: Comprising faculty, curriculum designers, and
industry experts.
 Training and Development Programs: For faculty and staff to stay updated with
industry trends.
 Internship and Co-op Programs: Collaboration with industry for student placements.
 Funding: To support curriculum development, infrastructure, and faculty training.

8. About the Institution

i. Name of the Institution : Sri Krishna College ii. Year of Accreditation : 2021
Of Technology.

iii. Address : Golf Road, Arivolinagar, iv. Grade awarded by NAAC : ‘A’

Vivekananthapuram, Kovaipudur-641042

v. E-Mail : info@skct.edu.in vi. Contact person for further details :

IQAC Co-ordinator, Email:
iqac@skct.edu.in

vii. Website :skct.edu.in

NAAC for Quality and Excellence in Higher Education