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A day-long BIS-Start-up Interactive Workshop held at the prestigious IIT Madras served as a platform for fostering discussions and exchanges aimed at promoting innovation, growth, and standardization among start-ups. The workshop, which was inaugurated with the presence of eminent dignitaries from multiple sectors, marked a significant step toward integrating standardization practices into the start-up ecosystem. The key attendees included:
- Sh. Rajeev Sharma (DDG Standardization, BIS)
- Sh. Praveen Khanna (DDG South, BIS)
- Prof. Radhakrishna Pillai (Professor in charge, IIT Madras Research Park)
- Prof. Rupen Goswami (BIS Standardization Chair, IIT Madras)
- Dr. Tamaswati Ghosh (CEO, Incubation Cell, IITM Research Park)
- Sh. Nat Malupillai (Group CEO, IIT M Research Park
The program started with a warm welcome and introductory remarks from Prof. Goswami.
Prof. Pillai, who set the stage for the day’s discussions underscored the need for collaboration between start-ups and the National Standards Body.
Dr. Tamaswati Ghosh provided an in-depth presentation about the IIT Madras Research Park (IITM RP), highlighting its history, growth, and development. She also emphasized the impressive valuation and the success stories of various start-ups that have flourished within the park.
In his keynote address, Sh. Rajeev Sharma highlighted the pivotal role of start-ups in the evolving landscape of standardization. He discussed the critical concepts of 3S (speed, skill, and scale) and explored how standardization plays an essential role in the growth and scaling of start-ups. He encouraged start-ups to actively participate in the standards development process, contributing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the industry.
Following this, Sh. Aditya Das, SE E, presented a comprehensive overview of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). He detailed BIS’s three major activities: Standards formulation, Conformity Assessment, and laboratory activities. Additionally, Sh. Das addressed queries from the participants about product certification, providing clear and thorough explanations.
The session continued with a presentation by Sh. Arunkumar S, Sc E, who focused on the potential collaboration opportunities between BIS and startups, particularly in the area of standardization. He elaborated on the avenues through which BIS can support startups, including assistance with certification processing fees, access to testing facilities, and opportunities for startups to contribute to the creation of standards. Participants were also guided on how to access the BIS portal with the help of Ms. Nayajathini, Sc C, MHD.
In the post-lunch session, separate group discussions were held focusing on specific fields:
1. Electrical & Electronics
2. Medical & Healthcare
3. Mechanical, Civil, Services & Other
During these discussions, various start-ups presented ideas and thoughts related to the preparation of standards for their respective products and components. The BIS team, including Ms. Reena Garg, Head (Electronics and IT), Shri Asit Maharana, Head (EETD), and Mrs. G. Bhavani, Head Chennai Branch office of BIS, actively engaged with the participants, answering their queries and offering valuable insights. The BIS officers also made visits to some of the start-ups, further enriching the interactions.
The BIS-Start-up Interactive Workshop at IIT Madras was a resounding success, bridging the gap between start-ups and standardization. It empowered innovators to better align their solutions with industry standards and take crucial steps toward scaling their businesses. The collaboration between start-ups and BIS has the potential to foster innovation, enhance product quality, and contribute to the sustainable growth of India's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The BIS Team also met Dr.V Kamakoti, Director,IIT Madras and had a discussion. Dr.V Kamakoti appreciated the efforts of BIS and assured that IIT M will extend its support for BIS.