Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Cell
From Bold Ideas to Real VenturesThe IED Cell is Acharya Institute of Technology's dedicated platform for innovation, mentoring, and entrepreneurship. We exist to turn student ideas into prototypes, prototypes into startups, and startups into successful ventures — building a culture of innovation across every department of AIT.
IED Ecosystem
Student Innovation Journey
Our Vision
To create a dynamic innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem at Acharya Institute of Technology that empowers students and faculty to become innovators, problem-solvers, startup creators, and socially responsible entrepreneurial leaders with global competence.
Our Mission
- Foster a culture of innovation, creativity, design thinking, and entrepreneurship across every department at AIT.
- Identify, mentor, and support student and faculty innovators through ideation, prototyping, startup development, incubation, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Strengthen industry, startup, incubation, and research collaborations while championing interdisciplinary, socially impactful innovation.
What We Do
- Promote innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking among students and faculty.
- Support ideation, prototyping, startup development, and research commercialisation.
- Build student leadership, industry exposure, and entrepreneurial skills through experiential learning.
- Forge strong collaborations with industries, startups, incubators, mentors, and innovation networks.
- Establish AIT as a vibrant hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup ecosystem development.
Student-Led, Faculty-Mentored
The IED Cell is powered by an energetic Student Council led by a President and three Vice Presidents overseeing Internal Affairs, External Affairs, and Startups & Incubation. Backed by a General Secretary and Department Student Coordinators in every program, dedicated student teams drive everything from hackathons, entrepreneurship events, and media & content, to industry partnerships, alumni relations, IPR, and funding outreach — ensuring every idea finds the right support to grow.
Our Leadership
| Position | Faculty Lead | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Dean – Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development | Dr. Abhishek Venkateshwar | 99809 66677 |
| Associate Dean – IED & Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) Coordinator | Dr. Attel Manjunath | 94481 66202 |
| MSME Business Incubation Coordinator | Dr. Pakkirappa H | 94486 15407 |
| Industry Institute Cell Coordinator | Dr. Ramesh C. Raina | 99997 97340 |
| Industry Institute Cell Coordinator | Dr. Nataraju A. B | 98455 95744 |
| Technology Business Incubator (TBI) Coordinator | Prof. Arunmani C. S | 95970 19479 |
Our Innovation Hub
A dedicated IED Cell space at the EC Block, 2nd Floor Cubicle, serves as the central innovation coordination office, a startup mentoring room, and a buzzing zone for prototype discussions, industry interactions, and brainstorming — equipped with workstations, discussion tables, whiteboards, and startup display boards.
2026 Focus Areas
Department Activation
Bringing every program into the innovation fold with dedicated coordinators and activities.
Student Engagement
Engaging 1,000+ students in hands-on innovation and entrepreneurship experiences.
Industry Interaction
Connecting students with mentors, founders, and industry experts for real-world exposure.
Startup Ecosystem Foundation
Laying the groundwork for a sustainable, thriving startup culture at AIT.
Flagship Programs & Events
Grand Entrepreneurs Meet (GEM)
A flagship gathering bringing together founders, investors, and innovators to celebrate and inspire the AIT entrepreneurial community.
Ideathon Challenge
A high-energy ideation contest where student teams pitch original solutions to real-world problems.
Founder Mentorship Connect
One-on-one mentoring sessions pairing student innovators with experienced startup founders.
ACE 1.0 – 2026 (Acharya Challenge for Entrepreneurs)
AIT's flagship entrepreneurship challenge, spotlighting and rewarding the most promising student startups of the year.
Entrepreneurs' Relay
A team-based relay challenge where students pass the baton on solving startup problems, building quick-fire pitching and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Where We're Headed
By December 2026, Acharya Institute of Technology aims to achieve:
- A fully functional, institution-wide innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
- A dedicated, always-on IED Cell space for students and innovators.
- Active innovation structures across every department.
- Stronger industry interaction and mentorship pipelines.
- A growing culture of innovation participation campus-wide.
- The foundation of a sustainable startup ecosystem at AIT.
Have an idea? Bring it to the IED Cell — we'll help you build it.
EC Block 2nd Floor Cubicle - Acharya Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Road, Acharya P.O., Soladevanahalli, Bangalore – 560107
Email: iedc-ait@acharya.ac.in
