05/01/2026
Glad to be part of Round Table Discussion.
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A Global Platform to top 100 Deep-Tech ventures associated with (or aspiring to be associated with) the innovation infrastructure at MoE’s Higher Education Institutes and Centrally Funded Technical Institutes. Showcasing the variegated depth of India’s Innovation infrastructure across a range of technology themes in France 🇫🇷 in 2026 , Its an initiative under the Principal Scienctific Advisor to Govt of India.
31/12/2025
Glad to be part of a IIT Ropar delegation visit to Punjab Raj Bhawan yesterday for a meeting with Honourable Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh UT Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria Ji to discuss areas of engagement with Chandigarh UT Goverment.
Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS
29/12/2025
Honoured to be invited to be a part for a roundtable discussion on "Identification of Export Potential and Certification Requirements for Handloom and Handicraft products of Assam "
An initiative by IIT Guwahati in collaboration with State Innovation and Transformation Aayog ( SITA) Govt of Assam.
The Round Table discussion emphasised around three aspects:
Firstly Loom to Label: Opportunities , Challenges and Role of Certification in Assam' s Handloom and Handicraft Sector.
Secondly Leaving the Way Forward : Making Assam's Handloom Sustainable, Certified and Future Ready.
Thirdly Crafting Soultions :Enhancing Certification, Market Access and Youth Engagement in Assam's Handicraft Clusters
My deliberations centred around technology Interventions probabilities for weavers and grass root level stake holders for Product & Process Innovation, Ease of Market Acquisition and access to ease finance options, performance linked incentives and benefits.
The session gave new insights and multiple thought sharing by eco system players with participation from Govt. of Assam , Ministry of Handloom and Textile Govt. of India , IIT Guwahati and local entrepreneurs from the sector.
Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati
Himanta Biswa Sarma
Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS
14/06/2025
Earlier this week, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Plaksha University, a vibrant and future-forward institution that’s redefining innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education. The visit was made even more special as I was joined by Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, and we were graciously hosted by the Infoedge Centre for Entrepreneurship.
As we stepped into the beautifully designed campus, I was immediately struck by the energy and vision that Plaksha embodies. From the cutting-edge makerspace to the advanced robotics lab, the infrastructure spoke volumes about the university’s commitment to fostering hands-on learning and innovation. Every corner of the campus seemed to tell a story of ambition and bold ideas coming to life.
During our visit, we had insightful discussions around ecosystem partnerships — exploring how institutions like ours can come together to build bridges for innovation, mentorship, and real-world impact. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with Plaksha’s leadership — including the Pro Vice-Chancellor, dedicated faculty, and passionate executive team — whose warmth and collaborative spirit truly stood out.
As a strong believer of the power of partnerships to nurture India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This visit reaffirmed that belief. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to co-creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, startup incubation, and collaborative innovation with Plaksha University.
Here’s to building a stronger, united front for entrepreneurship in India.
19/05/2025
Today, I had the privilege of meeting the Hon’ble Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh UT at his office, where we engaged in a meaningful discussion around fostering collaboration in the areas of startups, entrepreneurship, innovation, skilling, and competency development.
At IIT Ropar Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF), we are committed to building bridges between academia, government, and industry to catalyze impactful change. Our conversation focused on exploring ways to integrate industrial research with policy implementation to drive inclusive growth and create real socio-economic value through technology.
We envision working together with the Chandigarh UT Administration to co-develop a structured framework that aligns innovation with public interest — ensuring that the entrepreneurial energy of our youth finds the right support, direction, and ecosystem to thrive.
I believe that with collective effort and strategic partnerships, we can lay the foundation for a future where innovation becomes the engine of empowerment and startups become the vehicles of transformation.
19/05/2025
🚀 Fuelling Deep-Tech Dreams at IIT Ropar - TBIF
It was a pleasure to host New Laser, a promising deep-tech startup, at the IIT Ropar Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF). Their passion for building next-generation laser technologies for industrial applications is both inspiring and indicative of the innovation potential thriving in India’s startup ecosystem.
During our round-table discussion, we explored their technology roadmap, funding strategies, and the importance of structured mentorship in scaling deep-tech ventures. Conversations like these are central to our mission at TBIF — to not just incubate startups, but to walk alongside them as growth partners.
Some of New Laser’s breakthrough innovations include:
🔹 Lasers Blue – High-power laser systems for precision metal processing
🔹 Chiller – All-solid-state water chillers for thermal efficiency
🔹 Art – An advanced 2D metal laser printer pushing the boundaries of fabrication
At TBIF, I firmly believe in nurturing such pioneering ideas by creating a collaborative ecosystem that connects founders to knowledge, mentorship, and cutting-edge infrastructure.
To all aspiring entrepreneurs: The journey of innovation is tough, but with the right support, your ideas can shape industries. Let’s continue to build, innovate, and transform the future.
28/04/2025
I had the privilege of interacting with the students from Government Senior Secondary School in Ferozepur, as part of the IIT Ropar Technology Business Incubator Foundation. Welcoming 90 enthusiastic students who were eager to explore the realms of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship was an immensely rewarding experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed my interaction with them, sharing my own journey and offering a glimpse into the vibrant world of startups. Hosting these future change-makers and contributing, even in a small way, to building a strong foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level is something we deeply value at the Foundation. Their visit has left me feeling optimistic about the future and the potential that lies within these young individuals.