Review Meeting of Diploma in STEM Program

06 September 2024

A review meeting of the Diploma in STEM Program was held at the CIED-IUST Foundation under the direction of its Director, Prof. Parvez A. Mir.

Prof. Parvez A. Mir inaugurated the meeting and extended a warm welcome to the SIDBI team, particularly Smt. Anamika Rajkumari and Mr. Adil Ahsan. The primary objective of the meeting was to provide SIDBI members with a comprehensive overview of the STEM Program, including its structure, achievements, and alignment with industry needs.

Dr. Basharat Nabi, Coordinator of the STEM Program, presented key aspects of the program, showcasing its structure, achievements, and overall impact. His presentation highlighted how the program integrates core STEM education with practical business and entrepreneurial skills. Detailed faculty profiles were shared, emphasizing their expertise and contributions. The presentation also featured examples of industrial visits undertaken by students, illustrating the real-world exposure and hands-on experiences provided by the program.

Mr. Wazir, Finance Officer at IUST, presented the overall budget of the STEM Program, covering allocations for curriculum development, faculty salaries, infrastructure, industrial visits, student projects, and exhibitions.

Smt. Anamika Rajkumari, Assistant General Manager at SIDBI, shared insights into enterprise development and evaluated how the STEM Program aligns with these objectives. She discussed various support mechanisms available for new enterprises, including financial assistance, mentorship, and access to networks. Her engagement with students included receiving their feedback on the program.

Mr. Adil Ahsan, Assistant General Manager at SIDBI, provided an overview of the program’s initiation and its alignment with regional educational needs, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He outlined the original goals and vision behind the STEM Program and emphasized the importance of student feedback in assessing its effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. He detailed the methods used to gather feedback, including surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews.

The meeting facilitated a productive exchange of ideas between CIED-IUST Foundation and SIDBI representatives. Both parties identified potential synergies to enhance support for entrepreneurial students and contribute to broader economic development goals. The insights and recommendations shared by Smt. Anamika Rajkumari will play a vital role in refining the STEM Program and enhancing its effectiveness in fostering successful entrepreneurs.