Dr. G. Dhanalakshmi works as the Head of R&D and professor of ECE at the AVN Institute of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad. She received a PhD degree in Information and Communication Engineering from Anna University in 2017 and an M.E. degree in VLSI Design from Anna University of Technology in 2010 and secured the university's first rank. Dr. Dhanalakshmi also obtained a B.E. degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the Government College of Technology in 2008. She has 15 years of teaching experience and has established a robotic research laboratory and an IoT research laboratory. She has published more than 30 papers in international and national journals and international conferences. She has guided UG, PG projects and PhD scholars. Her areas of interest are IoT, AI, Low Power VLSI Design, Robotics, and Avionics.

AVN Institute of Engineering and Technology

Can you provide an overview of your role and responsibilities as the R&D Coordinator at AVN College?

As the R&D Coordinator at AVN College, my primary responsibilities involve gathering and disseminating information to department R&D Coordinators, facilitating the initiation of research activities among faculty members, and collaborating on the establishment of R&D policies and procedures. I work towards maintaining records of department-related projects, patents, training programs, and MoUs. Additionally, I oversee the regular update of research-related information on the college website and support faculty in applying for external funding.

How do you collaborate with various departments to foster a culture of research and development within the institution?

Collaboration is key to fostering a culture of research and development. I contribute by preparing an annual research activity plan for the institution and establishing associations with industry partners. Motivating faculty and students to address industry challenges through R&D projects, exploring technological opportunities, and initiating MoUs with various organisations are vital aspects. Furthermore, organising talks by industry experts, encouraging faculty to participate in events, and facilitating student involvement in conferences contribute to a vibrant research culture.

What are the ongoing research initiatives or projects that your department is currently involved in?

Our department is actively engaged in several initiatives. Faculty members have submitted proposals under the DST-Serb-SURE Scheme, and we have planned Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) within their respective domains. The focus areas include ECE, CSE, AI and ML, Data Science, and Cyber Security. Additionally, we are working on organising an international conference and pursuing projects from agencies like AICTE, DRDO, ISRO, DST, IPR, and UGC. Many faculty members are also enrolled in PhD programs and have presented publications at national and international conferences.

How do these initiatives align with the overall goals and mission of AVN College?

These initiatives align seamlessly with AVN College's goals. The institution incentivizes faculty through various means, such as rewards for publications, patents, and funded projects. It fosters a research-friendly environment by implementing policies for the distribution of testing and consultancy charges, supporting faculty with an aptitude for research, and providing resources for in-house project development. The college also encourages the formation of student chapters, enhancing industry-institute relationships, and ensuring compliance with research quality assurance frameworks.

Are there any external collaborations or partnerships in place to enhance the research activities at AVN College?

AVN College has forged collaborative partnerships with 72 entities, spanning universities, industries, and organisations. These collaborations facilitate the organisation of mentorships, seminars, workshops, and hands-on training programs. Engagements range from mentorship and startup guidance to workshops on emerging technologies like cybersecurity, the IoT, and cloud computing. These collaborations contribute significantly to providing students and faculty with a diverse educational experience aligned with industry trends.

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How do these collaborations contribute to the advancement of research within the institution?

Our collaborations contribute positively in several ways. They provide access to specialised resources, facilitate the pooling of expertise, attract increased funding opportunities, and expand the scope of research. Joint ventures often result in high-quality publications, increased visibility, and real-world applications. Furthermore, collaborative research offers valuable experiences for researchers, fostering their professional development and preparing them for academic and professional careers.

How is the budget allocated for research and development activities within AVN College?

AVN College allocates its budget strategically for financially successful R&D. The institute establishes its fund, collaborates with external partners, and supports individual student startups based on merit. It actively seeks partnerships with state governments and external funding agencies, dedicating a minimum of 10% of the total annual budget for innovation and startup-related activities. The institute can set up its own fund and create a fund with the help of multiple stakeholders to assist in the establishment of start-ups approved and admitted to the programme at a very early stage. When the students are ready with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), the institute will help students receive seed funding at their early stage of initiation through partnerships with external angel networks, incubators, and alumni. The institute would also reach out to external funding agencies of the government (state and central) such as DST, MHRD, AICTE, DSIR, MSME, NSTEDB, NRDC, Start-Up India, Invest India, MeitY, etc. and non-government sources.

Can you provide insights into the resources, both human and material, dedicated to R&D efforts?

AVN College allocates resources comprehensively. The institution leverages faculty expertise, provides research grants, and maintains specialised laboratories equipped with advanced tools. Access to library resources, collaborative partnerships, technology infrastructure, and dedicated research support services contribute to a robust R&D ecosystem. These resources collectively empower researchers and students to pursue innovative projects across disciplines.

How does AVN College encourage innovation among faculty and students?

AVN College supports faculty and student-driven startups by offering a range of initiatives. This includes providing space, infrastructure, mentorship support, seed funds, and assistance with legal and IPR aspects. The institution encourages faculty to play operational roles in startups and allows students to earn credits for working on innovative prototypes. Initiatives like training programs, competitions, and various entrepreneurial support mechanisms contribute to creating an environment that nurtures innovation.

Is there a process in place for transferring research findings or technologies developed within the institution to industry or the wider community?

AVN College follows a systematic process for technology transfer. This involves patenting and protecting intellectual property, entering into licencing agreements, supporting startups and spin-offs, organising showcases, fostering industry partnerships, and establishing dedicated offices for research commercialization. The institution actively seeks funding opportunities to support the development and transfer of innovative technologies, ensuring that research findings have a meaningful impact on the wider community and industry. Researchers or institutions may file patents to protect their inventions or discoveries, establish legal rights and facilitate negotiations for licencing or commercialization. Institutions often organise events or showcases to present their research innovations to potential industry partners, investors, or stakeholders, fostering collaboration and commercialization opportunities. Many institutions have dedicated offices that oversee the technology transfer process. These offices manage IP, negotiate agreements, provide legal guidance, and offer support to researchers navigating the commercialization pathway.