PhD-DRIVE

PhD Program leading to Deep-tech Research, Innovation, Value generation & Entrepreneurship

Introduction

In order to drive more deeptech firms based on research driven entrepreneurship, BITS Pilani is introducing a PhD program with a focus to initiate a venture based on the research undertaken or inventions, within the program. The program would begin with a research problem in a few contemporary but futuristic domains. The core of the program would also include course work on venture creation, and mentoring by entrepreneurs and investors. The program would see PhD completion in 3-4 years of timeframe.

Vision

BITS Pilani to be the forerunner in deep science and technology ventures by PhD scholars

Mission

BITS Pilani shall create 100 deep-tech ventures founded/co-founded by PhD graduates by 2030

Objectives

  1. Create ventures in cross disciplinary areas solving biggest societal challenges
  2. Create PhD output with high TRL (>5)
  3. Strengthen overall IP based entrepreneurial ecosystem
  4. Establish BITS’ leadership in specific domain areas, in Indian and globally
  5. Significantly increase the quality and quantity of research and innovation outcomes, both in terms of Academic Research and Industrial Know-how
  6. Promote a culture of collaboration through providing a platform for co-founder matching amongst PhD, Postgraduate and Undergraduate students

Program Design and Framework

A. Research Problems

Mode 1: Research Problems as identified by the Faculty

  1. An open call to faculty at BITS shall be initiated for submitting research problems under the program.
  2. These research problem can be part of on existing research / invention, or focus on new research problems. But they should preferably be cross-disciplinary in nature and lead to high TRL.
  3. The faculty must assess these problems for potential translation into a product or solution that can be commercialised as a venture.
  4. The broad areas / problems would be advertised and the applicants would apply with their research approach towards the problem

Mode 2: Research Problems as identified and submitted by the Applicants

  1. Applicant Scholars, wishing to take admission to this program can also come up with their own research problems.
  2. The problems must be innovative, and have demonstrable / inherent potential for commercialization as a venture
  3. Any prior work done on the problem would be an added advantage.
  4. All such problems will be assessed for their potential by BITS faculty and industry experts associated with the program.

B. Supervisors and Guide:

  1. Along with the main faculty supervisor, an industry expert on the particular domain would be added as a co-supervisor. The expert will help align / nudge the research problem with commercialization potential.
  2. In addition, an entrepreneur or a venture capitalist may also mentor the PhD student either as an external mentor or as an invited member of her/his Doctoral Advisory Committee (DAC), to help the student stay aligned on the path of launching ventures.

C. Ideal Applicants:

The program would ideally be for

  1. Entrepreneurship focussed science and engineering graduates,
  2. Professionals returning to academics for innovation and research
  3. Existing entrepreneurs with deep-tech based government grant such as BIRAC-BIG, IDeX, NIDHI PRAYAS etc. intending to pursue Ph.D.