Bennett University: A varisity that won’t just teach but help you start up

Being part of something new is full of excitement and anticipation, especially when you are surrounded by some wonderful talent and reputable mentors, and belong to an institution fully invested in your future.

At Bennett University, the first batch of 200 students can't wait to discover academic modules designed carefully for them, industry interactions lined up, the benefits of tie-ups with foreign universities the institution promises, and a 'hatchery' to help bring to fruition entrepreneurial ideas.

Inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday, the university is offering programmes in engineering and management at its state-of-the-art campus in Greater Noida this year, with students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programmes. From next year, the university will also offer programmes in media, law, public policy and design. The enrolment target for the current year is 300 students.

In tune with the need of the present times, the university has decided to lay special emphasis on entrepreneurship and research-oriented study. The hatchery, a part of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is dedicated to this.

"We will have around 180 credits, of which two will be on entrepreneurship," says Prof Suneet Tuli, dean of engineering and applied sciences. "Next year, 20 deserving candidates will get a chance to train at the renowned Babson College of Massachusetts. Then, towards the end of the course, the students will be get an opportunity for training or internship with other international schools," he adds.

Located on the university's top floor, the hatchery, says Prof Tuli, "aims to expose students to the practicalities encountered while setting up a startup".
"This is something that aims to provide a formal platform for any kind of innovative idea. The students will have the faculty's guidance, a suitable environment and up to Rs 10 lakh of funding if the project is viable," the dean says.

Arnab Bose, a B.Tech first-year student who is from Jamshedpur, says, "Many students have an idea but don't know how to develop it because there is no guidance. Money is another issue. The hatchery facility will be of help to those who want to start something of their own."
The university has a 25 faculty members, among them former IIT professors.