Institute Innovation
Council (IIC)
1. Introduction
The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, has launched the ‘MHRD’s Innovation Cell (MIC)’ to actively promote a culture of innovation across Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). MIC's primary goal is to motivate, guide, and support young students to explore new ideas and develop them into prototypes during their formative years. As part of this initiative, MIC aims to establish ‘Institution’s Innovation Councils (IICs)’ in selected HEIs. These IICs will form a network to foster innovation through various approaches, ultimately creating a vibrant innovation ecosystem within campuses.
Career Point University, Hamirpur, set up an Institution Innovation Council (IIC) during the 2019-20 academic year in accordance with the guidelines of the MHRD’s Innovation Cell, Government of India.
2. Vision & Mission of IIC established at the Institute
Vision
To cultivate a thriving ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship at Career Point University, Hamirpur, by fostering creativity, collaboration, and impactful solutions that address societal and industrial challenges.
Mission
- Promote Innovation: Encourage students and faculty to explore innovative ideas and develop practical solutions for real-world problems.
- Build Entrepreneurship: Provide support and resources for entrepreneurial ventures, empowering individuals to transform ideas into successful startups.
- Facilitate Collaboration: Create opportunities for partnerships with industries, government agencies, and other institutions to advance research and innovation.
- Skill Development: Organize workshops, training programs, and events to enhance innovation-driven skills among students and faculty.
- Support Sustainable Growth: Promote sustainable and inclusive innovation practices that contribute to societal and economic development.
3. Journey of IIC established at the Institute
The Institution Innovation Council (IIC) at Career Point University, Hamirpur, was established on in academic session 2019-2020, during the 2020-21 academic session, under the guidance of the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC). With a vision to foster a vibrant culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, the council began its journey with a small yet enthusiastic team of faculty and students, dedicated to cultivating creativity across various disciplines.
Early Beginnings (2019-2020)
Before the formal establishment of the IIC, the university demonstrated its commitment to innovation through 106 activities, which laid the foundation for creating a robust innovation ecosystem.
Establishment and Initial Activities (2020-2021)
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the IIC conducted 2 activities in its first year, focusing on awareness programs, workshops, and ideation sessions. These initiatives aimed to spark interest in innovation among students and faculty members.
Growth and Expansion (2021-2022)
The council expanded its scope, organizing 43 activities, including hackathons, innovation contests, and interdisciplinary problem-solving sessions. Industry-academia interaction events were introduced to provide students with exposure to real-world challenges and solutions.
Strengthening Innovation Culture (2022-2023)
With an emphasis on collaboration and mentorship, the IIC conducted 18 activities, featuring start-up mentorship programs, research collaborations, and events that inspired entrepreneurial mindsets. This year marked a significant step in aligning the council’s goals with national innovation initiatives.
Recognition and Excellence (2023-2024)
The IIC achieved the prestigious 3-STAR Rating (2023-2024) for its outstanding performance and impact. During this year, the council organized 52 activities, focusing on cutting-edge innovation, sustainable solutions, and entrepreneurial empowerment.
Key Achievements
- Activity Highlights: A total of 221 activities have been conducted by the IIC since its inception.
- Student Start-ups: Multiple student-led ventures were successfully launched, showcasing the entrepreneurial potential nurtured by the council.
- Research and Problem Solving: Faculty-guided projects have addressed real-world issues, earning recognition at national platforms.
- Collaborations and Mentorship: Partnerships with start-ups, experienced entrepreneurs, and industry leaders have provided valuable guidance to aspiring innovators.
Looking Ahead
Today, the IIC at Career Point University, Hamirpur, stands as a cornerstone of innovation and entrepreneurship, continuously evolving to meet the challenges of a dynamic world. By empowering students and faculty with resources, mentorship, and opportunities, the council remains committed to its mission of fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem and shaping future innovators.
4. Diversified representation in the IIC established at the institute from industry, Interdisciplinary & Departments/ Units etc.
The Institution Innovation Council (IIC) at Career Point University, Hamirpur, reflects a truly diversified representation, integrating expertise from 14 departments across the university along with active participation from industry professionals. This comprehensive mix ensures a holistic and inclusive approach to fostering innovation.
With representation from diverse disciplines such as engineering, sciences, management, law, and humanities, the council thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration. Industry experts bring invaluable real-world insights and mentorship, while faculty members contribute specialized knowledge from their respective fields. This blend of technical proficiency, creative problem-solving, and business acumen enables the IIC to address complex challenges and drive impactful solutions.
By encouraging participation from all departments and units, the IIC cultivates a vibrant ecosystem where varied perspectives converge, sparking innovative ideas that are both practical and visionary. This diversity not only strengthens the university’s innovation initiatives but also ensures that they remain relevant across industries and sectors.
5. Brief mention of key functionaries at the IIC Institute
Dr. Rahul Sharma serves as the President of the Institution Innovation Council (IIC) at Career Point University, Hamirpur, and as the Nodal Officer of The Pioneer Incubator, the university’s incubation center. A dedicated academician and visionary leader, Dr. Sharma has been at the forefront of driving innovation and entrepreneurship within the university.
With a Ph.D. in Chemistry and years of experience in teaching and research, Dr. Sharma seamlessly integrates scientific expertise with a deep commitment to fostering creativity among students. Under his dynamic leadership, the IIC has achieved significant milestones, including the prestigious 3-STAR Rating (2023-2024) and the execution of 221 innovation-focused activities since its establishment.
As the Nodal Officer of The Pioneer Incubator, Dr. Sharma has played a pivotal role in nurturing start-ups, forging industry partnerships, and providing mentorship to budding entrepreneurs. His interdisciplinary approach encourages collaboration among the university’s 14 departments, industry experts, and government bodies, ensuring impactful and sustainable innovation.
Dr. Sharma’s vision and dedication have resulted in numerous start-ups, impactful research projects, and a thriving culture of innovation at Career Point University. His efforts continue to inspire the university community to pursue excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation, positioning the institution as a hub for transformative ideas.
Dr. Shailja Kumari, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology, serves as the Vice President of the Institution Innovation Council (IIC) at Career Point University, Hamirpur. A dedicated academician with a passion for interdisciplinary research and innovation, Dr. Shailja plays a key role in fostering creativity and entrepreneurial thinking among students and faculty members.
With a strong background in zoology and life sciences, Dr. Shailja brings a unique perspective to the council, encouraging the integration of biological sciences into innovative solutions. Her expertise in environmental and biological systems has contributed to the development of projects that address real-world challenges in sustainability, healthcare, and biodiversity.
As Vice President, Dr. Shailja works closely with the President and other council members to organize workshops, ideation sessions, and innovation challenges. She actively mentors students, guiding them to transform their ideas into viable prototypes and solutions. Her collaborative approach has strengthened the council’s activities, promoting an inclusive and interdisciplinary ecosystem at the university.
Dr. Shailja Kumari’s commitment to innovation and her leadership in advancing the IIC’s mission continue to inspire the Career Point University community, driving impactful outcomes in research and entrepreneurship.
Er. Anshul Sharma, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), serves as the Convenor of the Institution Innovation Council (IIC) at Career Point University, Hamirpur. A dynamic educator and technologist, Er. Anshul is dedicated to integrating cutting-edge technologies with innovation-driven initiatives.
With expertise in computer science, software development, and emerging technologies, Er. Anshul plays a pivotal role in steering the council’s activities toward technology-based solutions. His contributions have been instrumental in organizing hackathons, coding competitions, and technical workshops that encourage students to explore fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and app development.
As Convenor, Er. Anshul ensures the smooth execution of the IIC’s programs and fosters collaboration between departments, enabling interdisciplinary projects. His guidance has empowered students to develop tech-driven prototypes and start-ups addressing real-world problems, contributing significantly to the innovation ecosystem at the university.
Er. Anshul Sharma’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to nurturing technical excellence have made him a cornerstone of the IIC’s success, inspiring students to embrace technology as a catalyst for impactful innovation.
Committee Members
| Post | Name of nominated faculty/experts |
|---|---|
| President | Dr. Rahul Sharma |
| Vice- President | Dr. Shailja Kumari |
| Coordinators | Dr. Karan Thakur, Dr. Shikha Kumari, Dr. Anjana Devi |
| Members | Dr. Manu Sharma, Dr. Asha Kumari, Dr. Priyanka, Dr. Neeraj Kumar, Ms. Raksha Chandel, Ms. Sakshi Sabbarwal, Mr. Akshay Dehal |
| IPR Cordinator | Dr. Anjana Devi |
| Startup Coordinator | Dr. Karan Thakur |
6. Portfolio/graphical/Tabular representation of Resource strength (human capital and Physical capital) of the IIC institution
- Total No. of IIC Members: 11
- Total No. of IAs: 06
- Total No. of faculty Mentors: 12
- Pre-Incubation Units: 02
- IP Facilitation Unit: 01
- Technology Transfer Unit:1
7. Highlight Facilities, Infrastructure of Pre-Incubation & Incubation kind and Student bodies/clubs engaged in promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the campus.
- Innovation Labs & Maker Spaces: Equipped with cutting-edge tools to encourage hands-on innovation and prototype development.
- Start-up Incubation Centre: Offers comprehensive support including mentorship, seed funding, and business development assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Modern Research Equipment: Well-equipped facilities for research and experimentation to support innovation.
- Collaborative Workspaces: Designated areas that foster teamwork and idea-sharing among students and entrepreneurs.
- Innovation Club: Encourages innovation by organizing hackathons, ideation sessions, and other events that promote creative problem-solving.
- Workshops & Hackathons: Regular events to engage students in hands-on learning, helping them refine their ideas and develop viable business solutions.
These resources collectively aim to nurture and support the entrepreneurial spirit on campus, empowering students to transform ideas into successful ventures.
8. Highlight Achievements (Narrative/Graphical/tabular representation)
- Number and Different types of I&E and IPR activities Conducted: 53
- Number of student’s & faculty ideas generated: 5
- Number of student’s & faculty Innovation/prototypes developed: 5
- Number of IPs generated, published and granted: 22
- Number of Student & Faculty Start-ups/Ventures established: 8
9. Best IIC Faculty/Student members and their achievements/ Rewarded for the innovations at different forum
Team Payabarnam, comprising dedicated students from Career Point University Hamirpur, achieved remarkable success in the Smart India Hackathon 2020. Their collective efforts were recognized as they emerged victorious in the competition. Below are the notable members of the team:
- Er. Rishi Sharma – Winner of Smart India Hackathon 2020
- Mr. Shashi Kant Thakur – Winner of Smart India Hackathon 2020
- Mrs. Archie Thakur – Winner of Smart India Hackathon 2020
- Mrs. Manu Vineet – Winner of Smart India Hackathon 2020
- Mrs. Diksha Sharma – Winner of Smart India Hackathon 2020
- Mr. Rajat Kumar – Winner of Smart India Hackathon 2020
Their victory highlights the exceptional talent and innovation fostered by the IIC at CPUH, encouraging students to contribute to real-world solutions through creative problem-solving and teamwork.
Dr. Anjana Devi
Dr. Anjana Devi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy at Career Point University Hamirpur (CPUH) and an active member of the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC). She also serves as the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Coordinator at the university, playing a pivotal role in promoting awareness and facilitating the protection of intellectual property for students and faculty. With a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Devi has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in pharmaceutics and pharmacognosy.
Through her work as IPR Coordinator, Dr. Devi actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship, helping students and faculty navigate the complexities of intellectual property protection. Her contributions significantly enhance the academic and entrepreneurial ecosystem at CPUH, inspiring future leaders in pharmaceutical sciences and innovation.
Dr. Asha Kumari
Dr. Asha Kumari is an Assistant Professor and the Head of the Department (HOD) of the Department of Chemistry at Career Point University Hamirpur (CPUH). She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and is a prominent researcher in the fields of nanotechnology and environmental remediation. In addition to her academic responsibilities, Dr. Kumari serves as the Nodal Officer for MSME Business Incubator, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty. She is also an active member of the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) at CPUH, driving initiatives to cultivate a culture of innovation and support startup ventures. Through her leadership roles, research, and active involvement in IIC activities, Dr. Kumari continues to play a key role in enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem at CPUH, fostering the development of the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Susheel Kumar
Dr. Susheel Kumar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce and Management Studies at Career Point University Hamirpur (CPUH). He holds a Ph.D. in Management and is actively involved in both teaching and research in the field of management studies. Dr. Kumar is also a dedicated member of the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) at CPUH, where he plays a key role in organizing and promoting innovation-related activities on campus.
He is instrumental in coordinating workshops, seminars, and hackathons that encourage students to think creatively and engage in entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Kumar is also responsible for the regular updating and promotion of IIC activities on various social platforms, ensuring that the university’s innovation ecosystem reaches a wider audience. His leadership in IIC initiatives significantly contributes to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at CPUH, helping students transform their ideas into viable business opportunities.
Dr. Manu Sharma
Dr. Manu Sharma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Law at Career Point University Hamirpur (CPUH). She holds a Ph.D. in Law and has a strong academic background in legal studies. Dr. Sharma is an active member of the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) at CPUH, where she contributes to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and legal awareness on campus.
As part of the IIC, Dr. Sharma plays an essential role in organizing workshops, seminars, and events that encourage students to explore creative solutions to legal challenges. Dr. Sharma’s research interests include socio-legal aspects of social media, neuroscience and criminal responsibility, and the historical perspectives on drugs, with her work contributing to the development of modern legal thought. Her leadership in IIC activities helps cultivate a culture of legal innovation and supports students in developing entrepreneurial initiatives grounded in law and ethics.
10. IIC Calendar Session 2024-25
| Sr. No | Activity | Level | Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIC Calendar Activity | |||
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Organize an Inter/Intra Institutional Innovation Competition/Challenge/Hackathon and Reward the Best Innovations and deposition in the Institution’s YUKTI Innovation Repository-Offline | 3 | 9-18 |
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Innovation Showcase: Demo Day/Exhibition/Poster Presentation of Innovations/Prototypes & linkage with Innovation Ambassadors/Experts for Mentorship Support- Offline | 3 | 9-18 |
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Field/Exposure Visit to Pre-incubation units such as AICTE Idea Lab, Fab lab, Makers Space, Design Centers, City MSME clusters, workshops etc. –Offline | 1 | 2-4 |
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Session on Achieving Problem-Solution Fit & Product-Market Fit Offline/Online | 1 | 5-8 |
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Workshop on Effective Sales and Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs /Start-ups – Offline/Online | 1 | 5-8 |
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Expert talk on “Process of Innovation Development & Technology Readiness Level (TRL)” & “Commercialisation -of Lab Technologies & Tech-Transfer” – Offline/Online | 1 | 2-4 |
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Organizing Innovation & Entrepreneurship Outreach Program in Schools by engaging active Atal Tinkering Labs and School Innovation Council (SIC) – Offline | 1 | 2-4 |
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Workshop on Design Thinking, Critical thinking and Innovation Design – Offline | 2 | 5-8 |
| Celebration Activities | |||
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National Science Day | 28 Feb, 2025 | – |
| Self Driven Activity | |||
| 1. | Activity related to following topics: Startup, Entrepreneurship, IPR & Capacity Building/Business Models/ Organize an Inter/Intra Institutional Innovation Competition/Challenge/Hackathon | These activities may be performed anytime in a quarter | – |
| Sr. No | Activity | Level | Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIC Calendar Activity | |||
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Workshop on Prototype/Process Design and Development.-Offline/Online | 3 | 9-18 |
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Session/ Workshop on Business Model Canvas (BMC) – Online | 3 | 9-18 |
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Field/Exposure Visit to Incubation Unit/Patent Facilitation Centre/Technology Transfer Centre such as Atal Incubation Centre etc.-Offline | 3 | 9-18 |
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Session on “How to plan for Start-up and legal & Ethical Steps”-Offline/Online | 1 | 2-4 |
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Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and IP management for start-up Offline/Online | 2 | 5-8 |
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Organize an Inter/Intra Institutional Business Plan Competition and Reward Best Innovations –Offline | 4 | >18 |
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Mentoring Event: Demo Day/Exhibition/Poster Presentation of Business Plans & linkage with Innovation Ambassadors/Experts for Mentorship Support – Online/Offline | 4 | >18 |
| Celebration Activity | |||
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International Women’s Day | 8 Mar, 2025 | – |
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World Creativity and Innovation Day | 21 Apr, 2025 | – |
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World Intellectual Property Day | 26 Apr, 2025 | – |
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National Technology Day | 11 May, 2025 | – |
| Self Driven Activity | |||
| 1. | Activity related to following topics: Startup, Entrepreneurship, IPR & Capacity Building/Business Models/ Organize an Inter/Intra Institutional Innovation Competition/Challenge/Hackathon | These activities may be performed anytime in a quarter | – |