n this insightful session, Prof. Rajagopal will explore how a thriving innovation ecosystem can transform classroom ideas into market-ready startups. Drawing from his vast experience at IIT Madras, he will share practical strategies that institutions can adopt to build enabling environments for student-led entrepreneurship, foster impactful industry-alumni collaboration, and promote a multi-disciplinary culture of innovation.
Participants will gain firsthand knowledge of how innovations supported by faculty, industry partnerships, and strong institutional structures can lead to real-world solutions with lasting community impact.
The session will also highlight collaboration opportunities between Riara University and IIT Madras, offering students and staff a gateway into one of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems.
About the Guest Speaker: Prof. Prabhu Rajagopal
Prof. Prabhu Rajagopal is the Head of the School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at IIT Madras, where he also serves as Advisor, Office of Innovations and Entrepreneurship. A Swarnajayanti Fellow, and recipient of India’s highest mid-career science award, the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (2024), Prof. Rajagopal has pioneered breakthrough work in automation, ultrasonic sensing, robotics, and data systems.
He has co-founded several award-winning startups including:
Planys (submersible inspection robots)
Solinas (robotics for sanitation, contributing to the elimination of manual scavenging)
Xyma Analytics (high-temperature ultrasonic sensors)
Plenome (blockchain and AI in healthcare)
Prof. Rajagopal’s work blends academic research with deep societal impact, making him a leading figure in translating scientific innovation into scalable ventures.
🔗 Connect with Prof. Rajagopal on LinkedIn
