BITS Pilani launches PhD Program to create Deep Tech Ventures

The program will include courses in entrepreneurship, incubation program, funding for building a solution or product, and most of all, access to BITS alumni network for further investments. 

BITS Pilani has announced the launch of an innovative PhD Program that would result in creation of a startup based on research done during the PhD. The program will focus on creation of deep tech and deep science startup ventures, that will solve some of the most critical societal and business challenges. 

The new program, to be called as PhD-DRIVE, short for Deep-tech Research, Innovation, Value generation & Entrepreneurship, will admit students with expertise in technology and science, and a clear intent to set up a startup. 

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani said, “The world requires our best researchers and academics to put their innovative research to use in solving the biggest challenges facing humanity. As a country, we haven’t done enough in the area of Deep Technology and Deep Science ventures, where a startup takes a long time to become viable. With this new program, we want PhD scholars to become an entrepreneur along with becoming an innovator, and not just look at an academic career post their PhDs”. Goal will be to incubate 100 startups through this program by 2030, said Prof. Rao. 

BITS Pilani alumni have created over 7400 startups of value all over the world so far including 13 unicorns and a decacorn. 

He further added, “Our current focus areas include solutions to address issues related to homeland and cyber security, healthcare, environment, agriculture, space and energy. Many sub-domains in these areas related to climate change, industry 4.0, food-technology etc will be of interest. The idea is to make advanced technologies such as quantum science and nanotechnology work for people at the grassroots. The PhD students under this startup track shall join a centre of excellence or a specialized lab at BITS Pilani working in these areas.”

The scholars will be working in various Centre of Excellences that BITS has already set up in the areas of Semiconductors, Bio-Cyber Physical Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Medical Diagnostics and Infectious Diseases, amongst others. The scholars would be supported through a much higher stipend, and would be provided a prototyping grant during the program. 

Suresh Kabra, alumnus of 82-87 batch, under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Suman Kapoor Memorial Charitable Trust, has decided to sponsor 3 women Ph.D. Scholars with innovative ideas in the Biological Sciences area, along with the seed funds. 

The admission for this program will be round the year and notifications for the program shall be posted on BITS website and its social media channels. BITS Pilani is leveraging its strong alumni network and corporate partners for funding and mentorship support. 

Read more:

• BITS Pilani Direct Admissions 2023 for Board Exam toppers; Know how to apply
• BITS Pilani receives US $1 Million from alumnus for Semiconductor Research