The Inauguration of “Innovation cell” was held on 30th August 2018 at AICTE Head Quarters, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi to promote a culture of innovation and research in higher education in the country. The day started with the registration at 9:00 am followed by inauguration at 10.30 am by Hon’ble Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar, using smoke free candle and lamp. Later a short video on innovation and start up/initiatives were played. The dignitaries are welcomed by Shri. S.S. Sandhu, AS (TE), MHRD. The aim of the “Innovation Cell” is to encourage healthy competition (among Higher Educational Institutions) and foster innovation in the country. It is headed by a Scientist and comprise of a senior Ministry official and young professionals who bring to the table new ideas in promoting innovation. Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of AICTE, New Delhi briefed about innovation cell. After this “Innovation cell” was launched by Hon’ble Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar. Dr. Abhay Jere, CIO, MIC and architecture of this innovation cell gave a presentation about the activities of the cell. In his presentation he explained the Global Innovation Index of India in 2017 was 81st position and in 2018 reached to 57th position because India has improved its standing in innovation inputs and innovation efficiency. The strongest points for the country happened to be a large number of science and engineering graduates, the increased investment by Global R&D companies in India, the improved QS University rankings and high rank in the highly cited research publication, global leadership in the IT service experts and leadership in export of creative goods. Shri. Subramanyam, Secretary (HE), HRD, briefed about ranking of institution on innovation. Shri. Sathyapal Singh, MoS, MHRD, GoI shared his experience about innovation and gave one of the example that a Police Constable gave innovative idea to Director General of Police to catch dacoits in Chambal valley. HRD Minister released Atal Rankings Institution on Innovation achievement (ARIIA) Dr. Abhay Jere, gave the information about ARIIA and parameters considered for ranking which mainly focus on 5 parameters 1. Budget expenses and revenue generated through innovation and entrepreneurship development 2. Facilitating access to advance centres/facilities and entrepreneurial support system 3. Idea to Entrepreneurship 4. Development of innovation ecosystem supported through teaching and learning 5. Beast innovative solutions developed in-house for improving Governance of institution 2 Hon’ble Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar in his speech that steps taken by Government to emphasis on innovation as a measure to improve the economic growth and the standard of living, is bearing fruit. The Minister said that more than 120 Technology Business Incubators covering all the institutions in the country. The focused attention of the Government to allocate more funds through Higher Education Funding Agency (HEFA) for fast tracking Innovation and Research infrastructure in country’s top central technical institutions and Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) to 1000 top students from these institutions will give further push to India’s Innovation and Research efforts and also help prevent brain-drain, the Minister added. Prof. M.P.Poonia, Vice- Charman, ICTE, New Delhi Proposed vote of thanks. Presentations and Q&A were started at 12:00 onwards. Dr. Ramanan, Mission Director, Atal Innovation mission, Additional Secretary Niti Ayog gave a presentation on 7 major “Challenges in India” like Health care, Swachh Bharat, Affordable housing, Vocational and Distance education, Clean Drinking water, Rural infrastructure and rural live hood. He also mentioned about Atal Tinkering labs for School students and in all higher education institutions and under the NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission. Dr. Partha, Director IIT, Khargapur, explained about “Skillable Innovation” and mentioned that which should reach the bottom of the pyramid. In his presentation 4 steps in Skillable innovation like 1. Concept of knowledge to new knowledge 2. Knowledge to invention/discovery 3. Conversion of invention to innovation 4. Innovation to socio-commercialization.