Sat Nov 29 18:29:03 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article:

Summary:

An IIT alumni-led initiative, PALS, has partnered with ITEL (IIT Madras) and AIC Anna Incubator to mentor and support early-stage startups from partner institutions. PALS also hosted the EDC 360° conclave at IIT Madras, bringing together leaders from 40 engineering institutions to foster entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems within colleges. Experts emphasized focusing on local challenges, nurturing entrepreneurial talent, and fostering industry-academia collaboration to drive innovation and build future-ready engineers. PALS aims to help each partner institution create at least one successful startup.

News Article:

IIT Alumni Initiative Boosts Startup Ecosystem in South India

CHENNAI, INDIA – November 29, 2025 – PALS, a voluntary initiative spearheaded by IIT alumni, is expanding its reach in supporting budding entrepreneurs across South India. The organization announced Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Immersive Technology & Entrepreneurship Labs (ITEL) at IIT Madras and AIC Anna Incubator, aiming to provide mentorship and resources to early-stage startups emerging from PALS partner institutions.

The announcement coincided with PALS’ hosting of the EDC 360° conclave at IIT Madras. The event brought together leaders and senior staff from 40 engineering institutions across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Nepal. The conclave focused on strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems within engineering colleges and equipping institutions to cultivate future-ready engineers.

Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Chairman of ITEL and former president of IIT Madras Research Park, urged participants to address pressing local issues such as waterlogging, urban transport, and cybersecurity, viewing them as fertile ground for innovation. He believes that with the right support, 15% of students can successfully pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

R. Krishnamurti Rao, PALS Champion and Head of the PALS Innovation Tower, highlighted the growth of the initiative, stating, “What began as a small alumni initiative has now grown into a robust bridge connecting IITs, industry, and private engineering institutions.”

Mohan Narayanan, Governing Board Member, PALS, added, “PALS’ entrepreneurship forum has set a vision for itself to help create at least one successful startup from every institution that partners with it. Today’s EDC conclave is a step to understand common issues, challenges, and opportunities our institutions face so that we can fine-tune our offerings that will help them successful in their journey to create successful entrepreneurs.”

Shankar Venugopal, VP – Technology & Innovation at Mahindra & Mahindra, emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. He noted that real-world industry challenges can serve as catalysts for innovation labs within engineering colleges, facilitating quicker problem-solving and enhancing student skills.

The partnership and conclave signal a significant push to foster a vibrant startup ecosystem and promote innovation across engineering institutions in the region.

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