Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 12: The Research and Innovation Cell in association with Entrepreneurship and Consultancy Cell of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), here, on July 6 organised Innovation Day - 'Impetus 2021' online mode.
Praveen Kumar Kalbhavi, director and CEO of Novigo Solutions Pvt Ltd, was the chief guest and keynote speaker. Fr Dr Praveen Martis SJ, principal, presided over the programme. Arathi Shanghagn, dean of BBA was the convener and Dr Neelakanthan and Dr Santhosh Rebello were the co-conveners of the programme.
‘Impetus 2021’ has made an attempt to create a platform for budding entrepreneurs, technocrats and environmentalists to present their ideas and project proposals with focus on innovation in their outcomes.
The major takeaways from this event are the experiences of the keynote address by the eminent resource person and the chief guest of the event Praveen Kumar Kalbhavi. Praveen Kumar Kalbhavi has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry and handled various responsibilities including large scale programme management and client engagement for global and fortune 500 clients. He is currently the director and chief executive officer at Novigo Solution Private Limited. Before forming Novigo, he worked with Infosys for more than 19 years as associate vice-president and senior delivery manager in the retail business unit and was also head of Mangalore Development Centre which housed six large business units and a workforce of around 4,000 people. Kalbhavi is also involved with various organisations like KCCI (Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry), CEOL (Centre for Entrepreneurship Opportunities & Learning), CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) to promote start-up culture and entrepreneurship in Mangaluru.
Kalbhavi addressed the gathering virtually on the concept of embedding innovation in start-up business and enlightened the students on the various innovative products available in the market commercialised by the IT professionals.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr Suresh Poojary- dean of Research and Innovation Cell; Fr Dr Praveen Martis S J presented his presidential remarks. The introduction of the resource person was done by Dr Mamata, dean of Entrepreneurship and Consultancy. The theme of the programme was proposed by Arati Shanbhag, the convenor of the programme. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Neelakanthan- the co-convenor of this event.
350 participants gathered virtually for the inauguration programme which was an encouraging move and trend showcased towards the innovation enthusiast culture blooming in the campus. The inauguration was followed by a presentation from student participants on the theme innovation for change and innovation for growth. 11 proposals were received on screening. The participants approached problems with an open mind and a multi-disciplinary approach to resolve them.
The programme concluded with a formal valedictory programme and announcing the list of the winners. The winning proposals and ideas are forwarded to the Entrepreneurship and Consultancy Cell for taking it up for the incubation centre.
Under the category of Innovation for Change, team SOBER - Fiona Anola D'Souza (BCOM) bagged first place and team WARRIER – Anston Saldanha (BCOM) secured second place. Under the category of Innovation for Growth, team ARSS – Anjana, Sabisha, Sushmitha (MSc) bagged first place and team PELO – Giselle, Ruth, Ria, Lleyton, Dion (BBA) secured second place.