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Centre for Internship and Entrepreneurship

Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

About Us

The Himalayan Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HCIE) at the SRHU is designed to support and foster the development of innovative startups founded by students, faculty, and external entrepreneurs. The HCIE incubator provides a comprehensive mix of resources for emerging entrepreneurs, including mentorship, access to funding, workspace, and networking opportunities. It aims to nurture students and early-stage founders by offering guidance on business development, technology commercialization, product development, and market strategy. The HCIE Startup Incubator also facilitates collaboration with industry experts, connects startups with potential investors, and helps refine business models to ensure sustainable growth and success.

rajendra dobhal

Dr Rajendra Dobhal

FNASc, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor

Vice Chancellor's Message

Dear students/faculty members,

I am pleased to share with you an exciting opportunity to participate in creating start-ups at our university with the Himalayan Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HCIE). This centre is designed to be a cornerstone for fostering creativity, encouraging entrepreneurial ventures, and enhancing our focus on innovation.
In today’s world scenario, the role of innovation and entrepreneurship cannot be overstated. Our Centre aims to equip you with the necessary skills and resources to transform ground-breaking ideas into viable start-ups. It will provide support in navigating the complexities of start-ups, ensuring your innovations are protected and your entrepreneurial endeavours are supported from conception to execution.
The Centre offers various programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to guide you through the processes of ideation, development, and commercialization of your ideas. We believe that by nurturing these skills, you will be better prepared to contribute to local and national economy, drive technological advancements, and address societal challenges through your innovative solutions.
I encourage each of you to engage with the HCIE, leverage its resources, and take full advantage of the opportunities it offers. Your journey towards becoming a successful entrepreneur and innovator begins here, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Amjad Husain

Dr Amjad Husain

Director, HCIE

Director's Message

Dear Students and colleagues,

Welcome to the vibrant world of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Himalayan Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HCIE), Swami Rama Himalayan University. As the Director of HCIE, I am thrilled to introduce you to an excellent ecosystem fostering creativity, innovation, startups, and business acumen.
Our Startup Incubation Centre is designed to be the launchpad for your entrepreneurial aspirations. Here, you will find resources tailored to support you in transforming your innovative ideas into successful ventures. We offer working space, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, access to cutting-edge technology, and a collaborative environment that encourages experimentation and learning from ideation till launch.
In addition to our incubation centre, our university's innovation ecosystem is a dynamic network of resources, programs, and partnerships. You may engage with our workshops, bootcamps, networking events, and pitch competitions to connect with like-minded peers, industry experts, and potential investors. These opportunities are crafted to help you refine your business concepts and gain the skills needed to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
I encourage each of you to take full advantage of these resources. Your journey from idea to impact starts here, and our team is committed to supporting you at every step of the entire process. Let’s work together to turn your vision into reality and contribute to a thriving culture of innovation and startups at SRHU.

Our Focus Areas

The HCIE focuses on nurturing start-ups that are cantered around cutting-edge research, technologies, and innovative business models. The goal is to drive impactful innovation that can lead to significant advancements in these fields or relevant areas of study at SRHU. The key focus areas include:

technology-integration

Technology Integration

Encouraging startups that leverage emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain
environmental-sustainability

Environmental Sustainability

Supporting ventures that solve environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices.
heath-biotech

Health and Biotech

Fostering innovations in healthcare, biotechnology, and medical devices.
digital-transformation

Digital Transformation

Assisting startups that are transforming traditional industries through digital solutions.
women-Entrepreneurship

Women Entrepreneurship

HCIE encourages women to take the lead in starting up ventures and aim to contribute to their financial independence and well-being.
social-impact

Social Impact

Emphasizing projects that address social issues and enhance community well-being.

Facilities

Coworking Space

Makers Space

Conference Room

Mentorship

Investor Network

Marketing

Training

IPR Support

Our Startups

2024

ULO Labs Pvt Ltd

ULO Labs develops plant-based nutraceuticals for human health and wellness. The products at Ulo Labs are designed based on the published scientific literature and unique formulations that add to human health and wellness. Ulo Lab is committed to delivering high-quality & efficacious products ensuring a healthier lifestyle.

2024

Ayuda Holistique Pvt Ltd

Ayuda Holistique Pvt Ltd, is a SRHU incubated startup developing a mobile app and Ayurveda e-commerce platform to bring Ayurveda practitioners & patients on a single platform. Ayuda Holistique has a vision to spread the benefits of Ayurveda globally through their dedicated efforts and make India a hub for Ayurveda treatment.

2023

Canfinis Therapeutics Pvt Ltd

Canfinis is an Indian pioneer in oncology innovations, established in 2021 to create cancer treatments using customized cell therapies. Canfinis is developing a novel ex vivo Tumour microenvironment platform to test the efficacy of novel molecules and SOCs in personalized and physiological settings.

2022

Himfla Pvt Ltd

Himfla is a premium brand in India that aspires to provide unrefined, genuine Himalayan salt. According to Himfla, their salt product is all-natural and has no artificial ingredients. Additionally, Himfla is strengthening the hill economy by generating employment and sourcing the ingredients for their product line through self-help groups, and farmers from the hills of Uttarakhand.

2022

Jasarena India Pvt Ltd

Jasarena India Private Limited is helping people hone their skills by providing them with classes, mentorship, and advice.

2019

Meraviglia EQ Academy Pvt Ltd

This start-up is providing training to improve soft skills and assist students become industry-ready is the focus of this start-up.

Pre-Startups

A pre-startup refers to the very early stage of a business idea, before the official formation of a company or startup. A pre-startup stage provides a time window for a startup, to conceptualize the business, conduct initial research, develop the product or service idea, and prepare for the launch. The pre-startup stage give founders the flexibility to explore, learn, and refine their business ideas with minimal risk, laying a solid foundation for future growth and success.

The idea of a pre-startup is particularly beneficial for students and faculty members as it provides them with the time and flexibility needed to explore entrepreneurial opportunities without the pressures typically associated with full-scale startups. Students can leverage academic and entrepreneurial balance in this stage. In this stage, there is creative freedom and much more opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. This stage also helps students in skill acquisition and iterative learning. They can apply what they learn in their academics.

2024

Mindura Yogwell Pvt Ltd

A startup initiative by students of the School of Yoga Sciences, set to launch yoga services in the coming months.

2024

Urbanpure Farms Pvt Ltd

A startup initiative by the students of the School of Biosciences, for commercial production of vertical hydroponics systems.

Entrepreneurship Policy

The competent authorities of SRHU, following the best practices of universities globally, have drafted a robust policy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. SRHU encourages faculty, staff, and students to pursue entrepreneurship-related activities with incubation support from the Himalayan Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Faculty, staff, and students of Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) do considerable R&D in several cutting-edge research fields. Subject to the University Entrepreneurship Policy across various centres and departments, SRHU encourages its faculty, staff, and students to participate in R&D-driven businesses as directors, chairs, promoters, or other roles.

Promoting entrepreneurship aims to incentivize academics and researchers to engage in commercial initiatives, firms, or similar organizations where they may have a financial stake in addition to their current responsibilities as faculty, researchers, or students.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Policy

Incubate With us

Passionate and dedicated minds full of ideas are invited to incubate with HCIE. You only need to fill out an online application form, and then leave your journey to us.

Register Now
   Admissions Form         

Admission Open For 2025

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Nursing Advisor at Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust

Dr. Kathleen M. McKeehan

Dr. Kathleen M. McKeehan is a highly regarded American nursing leader and researcher who has dedicated decades to advancing nursing education and clinical practices at the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT) and Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) in Dehradun, India. Serving as the Nursing Advisor, she has been instrumental in shaping the Himalayan College of Nursing into a center of excellence, emphasizing the integration of compassionate care with modern medical technology.

Dr. McKeehan’s academic background is extensive, including a Ph.D. in nursing from the Case Western Reserve University and post-doctoral research at Ohio State University. Before her long-term commitment to the Himalayan Institute, she held prestigious academic positions, such as the Dorothy Rider Pool Professorship at Allentown College. Her research expertise spans oncology nursing, continuing education strategies, and innovation diffusion in healthcare settings.

At HIHT, she is a central figure in tradition and mentorship, often leading the symbolic Lamp Lighting and Oath Ceremony for new nursing students. Her work focuses on fostering a vibrant research culture and ensuring that nursing curricula meet international standards while remaining rooted in the visionary humanitarian principles of the institute's founder, H.H. Dr. Swami Rama.

Former Director, LBSNAA

Dr. Sanjeev Chopra (IAS Retd.)

Dr. Sanjeev Chopra (IAS Retd.) is a distinguished former Indian Administrative Service officer (1985 batch, West Bengal cadre), historian, and author. He is most widely recognised for his tenure as the Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) from 2019 until his retirement in March 2021. Throughout his 36-year bureaucratic career, he served in high-profile roles, including Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal and Secretary of Industrial Development in Uttarakhand.

Since retiring, Dr. Chopra has emerged as a prominent literary figure and public intellectual. He is the Founder and Festival Director of Valley of Words, an international literature and arts festival based in Dehradun. An acclaimed author, his works include We, the People of the States of Bharat: The Making and Remaking of India’s Internal Boundaries (2022) and The Great Conciliator: Lal Bahadur Shastri and the Transformation of India (2025).

He holds a PhD in Management and has been a fellow at prestigious institutions like Cornell University and the World Bank. Currently, he continues to contribute as a columnist for ThePrint and serves as a Senior Fellow in Contemporary History at the Prime Ministers' Memorial and Library.

FRSB, FRSB

Prof. Graham Roy Ball

Prof. Graham Roy Ball, FRSB, is a distinguished expert in bioinformatics and computational systems biology. He currently serves as a Professor at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), where he is the Director of the Medical Technology Research Centre. He also holds a significant role as the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Intelligent OMICS Ltd, a company specializing in AI-driven biomedical discovery.

Prof. Ball's work focuses on applying Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and machine learning to solve complex biological problems. His research spans cancer systems biology, drug discovery, and the development of "molecular digital twins" for disease states. He is particularly noted for his work on the Nottingham Prognostic Index Plus (NPI+), a system that uses biomarkers to improve breast cancer patient stratification.

Before joining ARU, he was a Professor of Bioinformatics at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) for over two decades, where he led the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre’s biostatistics efforts. He has published more than 280 journal papers and holds multiple patents in the field of AI and omics data analysis. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) and serves on the editorial boards of prominent journals like Proteomics.

Prof. & Researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Vinay Nadkarni

Dr. Vinay Nadkarni, MD, MS, is a world-renowned leader in pediatric critical care and resuscitation science. He serves as a Professor and Endowed Chair at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He is the founding director of the CHOP Academy for Resuscitation of Children and the Center for Simulation, Advanced Education and Innovation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Nadkarni has served as President of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (2023-2024) and Co-Chair of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). His research focuses on advancing CPR quality, sepsis management, and pediatric life support, contributing to over 850 peer-reviewed publications. He has also been a key figure in global health initiatives, including the ABC Stop the Bleed program in India and missions with Operation Smile.

Dr. Nadkarni has received numerous accolades, such as the American Heart Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the AAP Distinguished Career Award. He continues to mentor over 150 clinician-scientists while leading international efforts to strengthen the "chain of survival" for critically ill children worldwide.

Former Director General, UCOST

Mr. Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal

Mr. Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal is a highly accomplished civil servant and technocrat who served an illustrious 29-year tenure in the Industries Department of the Government of Uttarakhand. While he is often associated with leadership in state councils, he is most distinguished for his role as the Director of Industries. During his service, he was instrumental in positioning Uttarakhand as a leader in the MSME and Startup sectors.

A leather technology engineer from HBTU Kanpur with a Master’s in Economics, Nautiyal’s career spanned the private sector, public sector banking, and the Ministry of MSME. He is credited with leading the state to secure the first position in the North India Geographical Indication (GI) festival in 2022, successfully promoting indigenous products like Munsiyari Rajma and Ringal Craft.

Currently, he serves as a member of the Pravasi Uttarakhandi Cell in the Chief Minister’s Office, where he continues to facilitate investment and entrepreneurship for the state’s diaspora. His proactive approach has made him a respected figure in Indian industrial circles, recently earning him recognition at the Raj Bhavan for his lifelong contributions.

Former Fellow University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

Prof. Prabhu Narayan Mishra

Prof. Prabhu Narayan Mishra is a renowned Management Guru and academician with over 40 years of experience in teaching, research, and consulting. He is particularly recognized for his tenure as a Fellow in the Department of Economics & Accounting at the University of Liverpool, UK, where he served from 1996 to 1997. His international academic footprint also includes serving as a Senior Visiting Faculty at Tulane University, USA.

In India, Prof. Mishra has held several prestigious positions, including Director of the Institute of Management Studies (IMS) and officiating Vice Chancellor of Devi Ahilya University, Indore. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Allahabad and is widely known for pioneering the study of Indian Ethos in Management, blending ancient Vedic wisdom with modern business theories.

A prolific scholar, he has supervised numerous doctoral students and authored several books and research papers. Prof. Mishra is also a dedicated philanthropist, serving as the Founder President of organizations like the Shri Krishna Foundation and Utkarsha, which focus on spiritual wisdom and community development. His multifaceted career is marked by prestigious awards, including the Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship and the United Nations Fellowship.

Ex Director, National JALMA

Prof. Kiran Katoch

Prof. Kiran Katoch is a highly respected academic researcher and medical scientist who served as the Director of the National JALMA Institute for Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases (NJILOMD) in Agra. With over four decades of experience, she has been a leading figure in the research and treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis in India. Her work is characterized by a unique focus on bridging clinical medicine with laboratory research to improve patient outcomes in mycobacterial infections.

A prolific scientist, Prof. Katoch has authored or co-authored over 150 research publications in prestigious national and international journals. Her seminal contributions include studies on the efficacy of multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy and the investigation of cardiovascular involvement in leprosy patients. For her outstanding research, she was honored with the Dr. C. G. S. Iyer Oration Award in 1989.

Beyond her administrative and research roles, she has served as the Editor of the Indian Journal of Leprosy and the President of the Tuberculosis Association of India (TAI). Even after her tenure as Director, she remains active as an ICMR Distinguished Scientist Chair, continuing to advocate for integrated health systems and innovative research to solve local health challenges.

Executive-in-Residence, S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research

Mr. Prabhat Pani

Mr. Prabhat Pani is a distinguished corporate leader and academician with over 40 years of experience, currently serving as an Executive in Residence and Executive Director of the Centre for Impact in Sustainable Development at SPJIMR, Mumbai. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, he began his career with the Tata Administrative Services (TAS) and has held numerous leadership roles across the Tata Group.

His corporate journey includes serving as the CEO of Ginger Hotels (Roots Corporation Ltd) and as the Executive Director of Taj SATS Air Catering. He also spent significant time in the telecom sector, holding senior roles at Tata Teleservices, Airtel, and BPL Cellular. Prior to his academic transition, he served as Head of Partnerships & Technology at Tata Trusts, where he led large-scale social impact initiatives.

At SPJIMR, Pani focuses on Sustainable Development and social sector interventions, bridging the gap between corporate efficiency and developmental needs. He is also a Senior Advisor at The Conference Board and continues to mentor social sector professionals. His work remains centered on building institutional capacity and leveraging technology for broad-based community impact.

Media Executive & Board Member, Times Group

Mr. A.P. Parigi

Mr. A.P. Parigi, is a veteran leader in the Indian media, entertainment, and telecommunications sectors with over 40 years of experience. He is most widely recognized as the Co-Founder of Radio Mirchi, where he served as the Managing Director and CEO of Entertainment Network India Ltd. (ENIL). Under his leadership, Radio Mirchi grew into India's largest private FM radio network, fundamentally changing the country's audio landscape.

Throughout his career, Parigi has held several high-profile roles, including Group CEO of Network18, CEO of BPL Mobile, and MD & CEO of Eros International Media. His strategic vision also spearheaded the Times Group’s entry into the Out-of-Home (OOH) media business. Beyond corporate leadership, he has served on the boards of major entities like Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. (The Times of India) and has been an advisor to global institutions such as the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

An alumnus of the Delhi School of Economics and the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi, Parigi was the first non-American to receive the Rensselaer Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2009. Today, he continues to mentor next-generation leaders and advise organisations on growth, corporate governance, and digital transformation.

Former Director, IHBT

Dr. Sanjay Kumar

Dr. Sanjay Kumar, FNA, is a distinguished agricultural biotechnologist and the former Director of the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT). Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), where he oversees the selection of top-tier scientific talent for India’s agricultural research sector. His leadership is defined by a commitment to converting high-end biotechnology into sustainable livelihoods for farmers in the Himalayan region.

During his tenure at CSIR-IHBT, Dr. Kumar achieved major milestones, including the historic introduction of Heeng (asafoetida) and monk fruit cultivation in India. His research spans plant molecular biology and genomics, specifically focusing on how Himalayan flora adapts to extreme environments. A fellow of all three major Indian science academies (FNA, FNASc, and FNAAS), he has published over 120 research papers. His work continues to play a vital role in strengthening India's bio-economy and ensuring long-term food security through innovation.

Pro-Chancellor, Perdana University, Malaysia

Dr. Mohan Swami 

Dr. Mohan Swami is a distinguished physician, entrepreneur, and educational visionary who currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Perdana University, Malaysia. A graduate of Mysore University, India, he began his medical career in 1978. He initially gained prominence in Sabah, where he established the largest private medical group practice, laying the foundation for his extensive career in healthcare management and corporate leadership.

Dr. Swami is widely recognized as the driving force behind the establishment of Perdana University in 2011. Under his leadership, the institution launched as a landmark public-private partnership, collaborating with world-class entities like the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Beyond academia, he is the Executive Chairman of Chase Perdana Sdn Bhd and has held significant leadership roles in various multinational corporations across the healthcare, property, and hospitality sectors.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Swami is a deeply spiritual individual. He serves as the President of the AHYMSIN (Association of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies International) and Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University. For his immense contributions to education and the Malaysian economy, he was conferred the title of Tan Sri. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of Botswana in Malaysia, bridging international relations through diplomacy and philanthropy.

Mahamandleshwar Juna Akhara

Swami Avdheshanand

Swami Avdheshanand is one of India’s most influential spiritual leaders and the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara, the largest order of Hindu monks. Born on November 24, 1962, in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, he displayed a profound spiritual inclination from childhood. Seeking higher truths, he renounced worldly life at a young age to practice intense meditation and austerity as a hermit in the Himalayas.

His teachings are rooted in Advaita Vedanta, focusing on self-realization, universal brotherhood, and the harmony of all religions. Beyond his role as a monastic leader, he is a globally respected philosopher who has addressed the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, advocating for global peace and environmental sustainability.

As the founder of Prabhu Premi Sangh, he oversees extensive social welfare projects, including healthcare initiatives, educational programs for the underprivileged, and environmental conservation efforts like the "Green Kumbh." A prolific author and orator, his discourses reach millions via television and digital platforms. Known for his serene demeanor and intellectual depth, Swami Ji continues to bridge the gap between ancient Vedic wisdom and modern global challenges, guiding seekers toward a life of purpose and spiritual clarity.