|
Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC)
The Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) scheme
was initiated to develop institutional mechanism to create entrepreneurial
culture in S&T academic institutions and to foster techno-entrepreneurship
for generation of wealth and employment by S&T persons. The
EDCs are established in academic institutions (science, colleges,
engineering colleges, universities, management institutes) having
requisite expertise and infrastructure.
The mission of the EDC Scheme is to "develop institutional
mechanism to create entrepreneurial culture in science & technology
academic institutions to develop technocrat entrepreneurs for generation
of wealth and employment ".
Objectives of the EDC:
- To act as an institutional mechanism for providing
various services including information to budding S&T entrepreneurs.
- To create entrepreneurial culture in the parent
institution and other institutions in the region and to promote
the objectives of NSTEDB, including programmes related to women
and weaker sections of the society.
- To foster better linkages between the parent institution,
industries and R&D institutions in the region and other related
organisations engaged in promoting Small & Medium Enterprises
(SMEs) including NGOs and other voluntary organisations.
- To catalyse and promote development of S&T based
enterprises and promote employment opportunities.
- To respond effectively to the emerging challenges
and opportunities both at national and international level relating
to SMEs and micro enterprises.
Functions of EDC:
- To organise Entrepreneurship Awareness Camps,
Entrepreneurship Development Programmes and Faculty Development
Programmes in the region for the benefit of S&T persons.
- To develop and introduce curriculum on Entrepreneurship
Development at various levels including degree/diploma courses
of the parent institution and other institutes in the region.
- To conduct research work and survey for identifying
entrepreneurial opportunities (particularly in S&T areas and
service sector).
- To guide and assist prospective entrepreneurs
on various aspects such as preparing project reports, obtaining
project approvals, loans and facilities from agencies of support
system, information on technologies, etc.
- To organise guest lectures, TV & radio talks,
seminars, etc. for promotion and growth of S&T based entrepreneurship.
- To arrange visits to industries for prospective
entrepreneurs.
- To extend necessary guidance and escort services
to the trainees in obtaining approval and execution of their projects.
- To act as a Regional Information Centre on business
opportunities, processes, technologies, market, etc. by creating
and maintaining relevant databases.
- To provide testing, calibration, quality assurance,
design, tool room, pilot plant and other facilities for entrepreneurs
besides expertise in intellectual property rights, patent search,
etc.
- To render advice to sick enterprises and assist
the entrepreneurs in rehabilitating them.
- To conduct skill development training programmes
leading to self/wage employment.
Criteria for Selection of an
Institution to Set up an EDC
The sponsoring/parent institution should fulfill
the following criteria:
- The institution should be a University/deemed
to be University or a premier Institute/College offering Engineering,
Technology, Science & Management courses for at least 5 years.
In case of a college/institute, it should be duly recognised and
affiliated. In case of private institution, it should be promoted
by a Trust or a Society registered under relevant Acts.
- Qualified and dedicated faculty in various disciplines
with a good Research & Development base and industry related activities.
- Adequate space for locating the Cell and facilities
of office equipment and furniture required for the Cell.
- Availability of workshops, laboratories and computational
facilities.
- Library with a good collection of books and journals.
- Experience in Entrepreneurship Development and
Promotion and Industry related activities such as Consultancy,
Product Development, Testing, Calibration, etc.
|
