XLers Unlimited

If you're in Hyderabad on the evening of 10th May this is where you should be !

[Original Post here]

An espresso coffee machine which functions without electricity, a special bamboo which lasts longer and is more durable or medicine for asthma made out of traditional herbs may soon be a reality.

Innovations like these and many more would soon be patented in the innovators’ name if XLRI has its way.

Taking a step ahead in its endeavour to bring grassroots innovation to the mainstream, XLRI has recently selected about 25-odd grassroots-level innovations across eastern India to get a patent and be marketed as business ideas.

The move, to be implemented in association with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), comes in the wake of NIF setting up a research advisory council at the B-school recently.

Set up in association with the department of science and technology, NIF was established to provide institutional support to innovations across the rural pockets of India and grassroots-level workers in transforming their ideas into a profit venture.

“According to the agreement with NIF and XLRI, the regional research advisory council would assess the innovations made at the grassroots in Bihar, Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh. The body would later provide marketing strategies for the launch of these innovative ideas in the market,” said T. Raghuram, the assistant professor in strategic management, XLRI.

The council would comprise B-school professors, NIF members and also senior authorities from institutes like IIT (Kharagpur) and IIT (Guwahati).

“We have so far received about 25 such interesting innovations from absolutely grassroots-level workers — farmers, mechanics and electricians. Right now we are in the process of studying their technical possibilities and validation,” said Raghuram.

Once finalised, the selected innovations would be funded by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) and also be protected under intellectual property rights.

“We are not revealing the innovations for we are in the process of patenting these innovations in the founders’ name so they can be saved from being copied,” added Raghuram.

For organizations that want to reach out and and approach the top HR professionals in Hyderabad, here is the opportunity.

On April 16th, the Dubai alumni met at Hotel Kempinski. The occasion was to bid farewell to Sanjay Chaturvedi (88batch) who is shifting to India/Gurgaon. It also coincided with my maiden visit to Dubai.

...and so about 30-35 of us met, thanks to the meticulous organisation by Johnshon Alexander (81PMIR) and Leya Joseph (93PMIR).... and of course, ANE :0). A very enjoyable evening. For me particularly, it was great to meet some after many many years... and to meet many whom I knew only through the mailids.

Here are some pics of the meet:

Wow!

Check here