‘DEEPEX’ Essential for Skilled and Entrepreneurial Workforce – Higher & Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil

Encouraging Research Alongside Technology in India – Scientist Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy

Pune : Considering the global demand for a skilled workforce, ‘DEEPEX’ is playing a crucial role in providing talented and entrepreneurial manpower. In the coming years, it is expected to fulfill various social needs through its initiatives, stated Higher & Technical Education Minister Chandrakant (Dada) Patil. Meanwhile, Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, former Chairman of DRDO, emphasized that research and technology are being actively promoted in India.

Both dignitaries spoke at the inauguration of ‘DEEPEX-2025,’ jointly organized by the Department of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, CEOP University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, and Srujan Sanstha. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, Dr. Suresh Gosavi (Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University), Dr. Sunil Bhairud (Vice-Chancellor, CEOP University of Technology), Dr. Sanjeev Sonawane (Vice-Chancellor, Yashwantrao Chavan Open University), and Dr. Rajendra Hiremeth (President, Srujan Sanstha), among others.

Minister Patil highlighted that ‘DEEPEX’ began in Sangli in 1986 and has since encouraged innovative, skill-based projects from talented students. These innovations, developed into practical models, contribute to addressing societal needs.

With a growing research culture and a surge in innovative startups across India, new discoveries are gaining global demand. As India strengthens its domestic defense manufacturing sector, there is immense potential for defense exports. ‘DEEPEX’ serves as a platform to foster student innovations, and Minister Patil urged students to take full advantage of it.

Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy stressed that IITs, universities, and colleges are actively promoting research and technological advancements. He encouraged students to work diligently so that their innovations gain global recognition and elevate India’s status internationally. He also emphasized that by 2047, India will be a global leader, and it is the responsibility of the youth to contribute towards a developed nation.

Dr. Sunil Bhairud suggested that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be integrated into DEEPEX, and students should incorporate the insights gained from DEEPEX into their research.

During the event, Ashish Chauhan, Sankalp Phaldessai, Dr. Shantinath Bagewadi, Atharva Kulkarni, Prasenjit Fadnavis, and entrepreneur Prakash Dhoka also shared their thoughts.