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The BRIDGE Initiative: Everything You Need to Know About UVCE’s New Innovation Hub
The BRIDGE Initiative: Everything You Need to Know About UVCE's New Innovation Hub
Understanding UVCE's latest step towards research, innovation, and entrepreneurship
In November 2025, the UVCE Graduates Association (UVCEGA) marked an important milestone in the institution's journey by launching the BRIDGE Initiative — short for Building Research & Innovation, Driving Growth & Entrepreneurship. The initiative was formally inaugurated at the historic Senate Hall, UVCE, bringing together students, faculty members, and alumni from across generations.
The launch of BRIDGE reflects UVCE's growing emphasis on creating structured pathways for students to engage in research, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking alongside their academic pursuits.
A coordinated effort to convert student ideas into prototypes, solutions, and ventures through alumni support, faculty guidance, and institutional backing.
The Launch Event at Senate Hall
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished alumni and leaders, including Mr. Naganand Doraiswamy, Mr. Vaidyanathan A, and Maj. Gen. Neelakantappa (1963 batch). Their participation underscored the importance of alumni involvement in shaping the future of UVCE.
The Director of UVCE, Prof. Subhasish Tripathy, also addressed the gathering, sharing thoughts on the relevance of innovation-driven education and the need to bridge academia with real-world applications.
Faculty members and alumni speakers highlighted the importance of hands-on learning, industry relevance, and nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets among engineering students.
Role of UVCEGA and Alumni Support
Speaking on behalf of UVCEGA, the association leadership emphasized that BRIDGE is envisioned as a seamless pipeline from idea to prototype to solution. The initiative aims to harness what was described as "student-driven innovation energy" and position UVCE as a nationally recognized center for innovation and entrepreneurship.
UVCEGA committed long-term support to BRIDGE through mentorship, access to professional networks, and strategic guidance, ensuring that the initiative grows sustainably over time.
The Two Core Components of BRIDGE
BRIDGE brings together two complementary hubs that address different stages of the innovation journey:
| Hub | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| MARVEL | Applied research, prototyping, experimentation, and collaboration with faculty and alumni mentors |
| E-Cell | Ideation, validation, pitch training, and early-stage venture development with industry and alumni entrepreneurs |
Together, MARVEL and E-Cell form a complete innovation pipeline, enabling students to move from early ideas to tangible outcomes in research or entrepreneurship.
Sir M. Visvesvaraya Entrepreneur & Startup Fellowship
Alongside the BRIDGE Initiative, UVCEGA announced the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Entrepreneur & Startup Fellowship. The fellowship is intended to support student innovators by providing encouragement and resources during the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
Named in honor of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the fellowship symbolizes UVCE's commitment to responsible engineering, innovation, and societal impact.
Looking Ahead
With the launch of BRIDGE and the associated fellowship, UVCE enters a new phase — one that builds upon its strong legacy while actively shaping the future of engineering education. The initiative lays a foundation for deeper collaboration between students, faculty, alumni, and industry.
As part of the Sampada Spotlight series, BRIDGE stands as a significant step toward strengthening UVCE's research and entrepreneurial ecosystem and reinforcing the sense of community that defines the institution.