Confido APAC Onboards with SSSRIF to Drive Global Corporate Advisory Innovation
We are delighted to welcome Confido APAC Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. into the incubation program at the Sri Sathya Sai Research and Innovation Foundation (SSSRIF).
Led by Mrs. KSR Lakshmi Madhuri, Confido is a dynamic startup focused on offering Corporate Advisory and Business Life-Cycle Management solutions to clients across the globe. With a clear vision to become one of the Top 100 women-led ITeS firms in Andhra Pradesh within the next five years, Confido brings both ambition and experience to the innovation ecosystem of SSSIHL.
The formal agreement of incubation was signed on 28 June 2025, between Mrs. KSR Lakshmi Madhuri, Founder & Director, and Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad, Chairman & Director, SSSRIF and Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL.
The signing ceremony was graced by:
- Sri K. Chakravarthi (IAS Retd.), Hon’ble Chancellor, SSSIHL
- Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL
- Sri. Pavan Kumar T. L., CEO, SSSRIF
In the words of the founder:
“CONFIDO is your partner of choice for solving your growth challenges. We are a team of corporate leaders with decades of experience in assisting businesses from various sectors—technological, corporate, and services—to realise their full potential.”
As an incubatee at SSSRIF, Confido will benefit from structured mentoring, access to networks, and strategic guidance to further its growth journey. This collaboration is a significant step in our continued efforts to empower and nurture women-led enterprises within the SSSIHL ecosystem.
Welcome aboard, Confido APAC!
Read MoreCelebration of Universal Human Values
As part of the Birth Centenary Year celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Centre for Sri Sathya Sai Studies (CSSSS) at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), in association with the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, will conduct a series of events from 6-10 July 2025 at Prasanthi Nilayam, under the overarching theme of “Celebration of Universal Human Values.” The celebrations will comprise three interlinked segments:
- 6–8 July: Summer Course in Indian Culture and Human Values
- 9 July: Sri Sathya Sai Human Values Conference – The Clarion Call for Universal Transformation
- 10 July: Guru Poornima Celebrations
This special gathering will bring together over 2500 students and young adults from Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations and the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council.
Event Highlights
6–8 July | Summer Course in Indian Culture and Human Values
Designed to immerse young minds in the spiritual and cultural ethos of India, the Summer Course will feature talks by eminent speakers, interactive panel discussions, student-led reflective sessions, and cultural programmes. Topics will explore the application of human values across governance, leadership, sustainability, music, health, and more.
9 July | Sri Sathya Sai Human Values Conference – The Clarion Call for Universal Transformation
This one-day event will include presentations by distinguished thought leaders, educationists, and administrators, focusing on the role of universal human values in education, governance, social cohesion, and ethical conduct. A key highlight of the conference will be the unveiling of the Prasanthi Declaration on Universal Human Values, a collective reaffirmation of the need to integrate human values at the heart of global transformation efforts.
10 July | Guru Poornima Celebrations
The final day will be dedicated to honouring the timeless tradition of the Guru. With devotional offerings, spiritual reflections, and collective gratitude. The day will pay homage to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Divine Teacher and Eternal Guide.
A Legacy of Transformation
The Summer Course is one of the most cherished traditions at SSSIHL, dating back to the early years when Bhagawan Baba personally guided students, imparting the essence of righteousness, devotion, and selfless service. Today, it serves as an induction programme at the start of each academic year, introducing all students and young adults to Bharat’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
More than just a series of sessions, the Course represents a foundational experience in SSSIHL’s integral education model, nurturing the intellect, character, and spirit of every Sai student. Rooted in love, discipline, and self-reflection, the Summer Course continues to shape students into ideal citizens and torchbearers of universal human values.
Events Schedule
Click here to view a full programme of events.
Gen AI in Education and Administration
A workshop on “Generative AI in Education and Administration – Concepts and Practice” was conducted on 21st June 2025 at the Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. Organised by the IQAC team of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL), the initiative aimed to introduce the transformative potential of Generative AI (Gen AI) to non-teaching staff from various campuses of SSSIHL, hospitals, and allied trust organisations. Around 100 participants enthusiastically took part in this full-day programme.
Opening Session
The workshop commenced with a soulful Vedam chanting by members from different campuses, setting a spiritual ambience.
Dr. S Balasubramanian, Coordinator, IQAC, delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting the relevance of AI tools in today’s educational and administrative landscapes.
Sri P Balaganesan, Deputy Manager (Finance), SSSIHL, introduced the guest speakers and outlined the objectives of the workshop.
Morning Session: Exploring the Concepts and Ethics of Gen AI
The morning session was led by Sri Rajesh Dhuddu, Partner – Emerging Technologies, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), SSSIHL Alumnus and Gold Medallist, who inspired the audience to reflect on the deeper dimensions of technology. Sri Dhuddu delivered a comprehensive introduction to Generative AI, its capabilities, and its implications in modern professional environments.
Key Concepts Covered:
- The fundamental difference between Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI
- Core features of Gen AI and how these tools function
- Overview of popular Gen AI platforms including ChatGPT, Gemini, Notion, and Jasper
- Understanding the data sources and mechanisms that power these tools
Responsible Use and Ethical Guidelines:
- Exercise discretion and critical thinking when interpreting AI-generated content
- Refrain from sharing confidential or sensitive information
- Use clear and effective prompts for optimal outputs
- Uphold ethical standards and institutional values while using AI tools
Practical Applications in Daily Workflows:
- Idea generation and brainstorming support
- Creative writing and user interaction
- Producing contextual and relevant responses
- Image creation for presentations and reports
- Supporting validation and refinement of ideas
The session concluded with a highly engaging Q&A and open discussion. Participants raised thoughtful queries on how Gen AI could be meaningfully applied in their specific domains such as:
- Healthcare and medical documentation
- Accounting and financial processes
- Ethical, administrative, and social implications of AI usage
Afternoon Session: Practical Applications and Hands-on Training
The post-lunch session focused on practical engagement with Gen AI tools and was facilitated by Sri Sanket Waykar, Manager – Emerging Technologies, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The session began with the honouring of guest speakers by Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL, in a gesture of appreciation for their contributions and continued support to the Institute.
Participants reconvened at the Computer Centre, where they explored the practical use of Gen AI tools through a series of interactive exercises designed to replicate real-world administrative scenarios.
Hands-on Activities Included:
- Drafting professional emails using Gen AI suggestions
- Enhancing productivity through AI-powered Excel functionalities
- Designing logos and visuals using generative design platforms
Participants responded with great enthusiasm, actively experimenting with the tools and showcasing outputs that reflected creativity, functionality, and purpose-driven application of technology.
Conclusion
The workshop concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. A S Vishwanathan, Deputy Coordinator, IQAC. The feedback received from participants was overwhelmingly positive and insightful.
The workshop successfully demystified Generative AI for the non-teaching staff of SSSIHL and its sister organisations. It not only introduced the fundamental concepts and tools but also provided meaningful practical exposure. Participants left with a clear sense of how Gen AI can assist in ideation, communication, and operational efficiency—anchored in ethical usage and value-based practices.
Shroom Technologies LLP Onboarded as BioTech Incubatee at SSSRIF
We are pleased to announce that Shroom Technologies LLP, a promising biotech startup focused on probiotic research and precision mushroom cultivation, has signed an agreement for incubation on 19 June 2025 with the Sri Sathya Sai Research and Innovation Foundation (SSSRIF).
The formal agreement was signed and exchanged between:
- Mr. Prithviraj Jayakumar, CEO & Designated Partner, Shroom Technologies LLP
- Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad, Chairman & Director, SSSRIF and Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL
The signing was held in the presence of:
- Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah, Dean – Innovation & Entrepreneurship and President, Institution’s Innovation Council
- Mr. Pavan Kumar T L, CEO, SSSRIF
- Sri Venkataramanan Srinivasan, Company Secretary, SSSIHL
About the Collaboration
Under this agreement, Shroom Technologies will be incubated at the state-of-the-art innovation and incubation facilities at SSSRIF. The startup will benefit from:
- Dedicated office and lab space
- Shared infrastructure and supporting amenities
- Access to advanced equipment and resources
- Potential academic R&D collaboration with faculty and research scholars of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL)
This partnership is aligned with SSSRIF’s mission to foster a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures deep-tech, biotech, and health-tech startups—driven by innovation, scientific research, and a commitment to societal well-being.
SSSRIF welcomes Shroom Technologies into its incubation program and looks forward to enabling the organisation to grow into a value-based, innovation firm, deep into probiotic research and precision mushroom cultivation to deliver potent, bioavailable products that offer both gut and cognitive health.
Read MoreSSSIHL and Virchow Biotech Pvt. Ltd. Sign Strategic MoU to Drive Industry-Academia Collaboration
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) is pleased to announce the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Virchow Biotech Pvt. Ltd., a leading biopharmaceutical company known for its global presence in the healthcare sector.
This collaboration aims to build a strong bridge between academia and industry in the domains of biosciences, biotechnology, and translational research, with an emphasis on real-world applications, student development, and societal impact.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- Industry-Sponsored Student Training & Research: Hands-on industrial exposure and skill development through Virchow Foundation initiatives.
- Collaborative Research Projects: Joint research in cutting-edge areas of biosciences and biotechnology.
- Sponsored PhD Programs: Industry-supported fellowships to empower future research leaders.
- Shared Research Infrastructure: Access to SSSIHL’s advanced Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF) for joint R&D.
- Technology Development & Commercialization: Support for translating research outcomes into real-world innovations.
- Student Recruitment: Enhancing career opportunities for students through active placement support.
The MoU was signed on 13 June 2025 at Virchow Biotech Pvt. Ltd. between Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL and Dr. Murali Tummuru, Managing Director of Virchow Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
The event was graced by:
- Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad – Vice Chancellor, SSSIHL
- Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah– Dean of Innovation & Entrepreneurship and President, Institution’s Innovation Council, SSSIHL
- Dr. B. E. Pradeep– Department of Biosciences, SSSIHL
- Prof. Pallu Reddanna, Executive President, FABA, whose continued guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in advancing academia-industry engagement in the life sciences sector.
This partnership marks a significant step in SSSIHL’s mission to foster values-based research, innovation, and entrepreneurship that meaningfully contributes to both scientific progress and societal welfare.
SSSIHL and Promea Therapeutics Sign MoU to Advance Innovation in Healthcare and Life Sciences
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Promea Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd., a rapidly expanding healthcare and biopharmaceutical company. This partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening the institute’s industry-academia interface and advancing translational research, skill development, and innovation in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.
Key Areas of Collaboration
This MoU will facilitate a range of collaborative activities designed to bridge academic excellence with industrial relevance:
- Industry-Integrated Training and Research: Promea will provide SSSIHL students with hands-on industrial training, project internships, and exposure to real-time challenges in pharmaceutical and medical device development.
- Joint Research Initiatives: Faculty and researchers from both institutions will co-develop projects in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biosimilars, translating scientific discoveries into real-world solutions.
- Sponsored Doctoral Programs: Promea will support industry-aligned PhD fellowships to promote cutting-edge research addressing national healthcare priorities.
- Shared Research Infrastructure: The collaboration includes access to SSSIHL’s Central Research Instruments Facility (CRIF) to support advanced R&D initiatives.
- Innovation to Commercialization: A joint focus on transforming research into tangible healthcare technologies with direct patient impact.
- Recruitment and Career Development: Promea will explore career and mentorship opportunities for SSSIHL students through placements and collaborative engagement.
MoU Signing Ceremony
The MoU was formally signed on 13 June 2025 at Promea Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd., in Hyderabad, between:
- Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL
- Mr. Gopi Lekkala, Director, Promea Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd.
The event was graced by:
- Prof. B. Raghavendra Prasad – Vice Chancellor, SSSIHL
- Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah – Dean, Innovation & Entrepreneurship and President, Institution’s Innovation Council, SSSIHL
- Dr. B.E. Pradeep – Faculty Member, Department of Biosciences, SSSIHL
- Prof. Reddanna Pallu, Executive President, FABA, whose continued guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in advancing academia-industry engagement in the life sciences sector.
This collaboration is a reflection of SSSIHL’s commitment to values-based, research-driven education that not only fosters academic excellence but also cultivates socially relevant innovation. Through this partnership, both institutions aim to empower the next generation of scientists, researchers, and professionals to solve real-world healthcare challenges with compassion, competence, and creativity.
SSSIHL Partners with ASPIRE, University of Hyderabad to Foster a Values-Driven Innovation Ecosystem
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) is pleased to announce the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ASPIRE – the Section-8 company of the University of Hyderabad that oversees the University’s leading incubation centres:
- TIDE (Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs)
- TBI (Technology Business Incubator)
- BioNEST (Biotech Incubation Centre)
The MoU was formally signed on 13 June 2025 at ASPIRE BioNEST, University of Hyderabad.
MoU Signatories:
- Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL
- Prof. Samrat L. Sabat, Director, R&D Cell, University of Hyderabad
Distinguished Attendees:
From ASPIRE / University of Hyderabad:
- Prof. Reddanna, Founder Director, ASPIRE & Executive President, FABA
- Dr. P. Ratnakar, PAC Member, ASPIRE BioNEST
- Dr. Ramakrishna, CEO, TIDE & TBI
From SSSIHL:
- Prof. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor
- Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah, Dean – Innovation & Entrepreneurship & President, Institution’s Innovation Council
- Sri J. Lakshminarasimhiah, Finance Officer
- Dr. B.E. Pradeep, Department of Biosciences
- Mr. T.L. Pavan Kumar, CEO, Sri Sathya Sai Research and Innovation Foundation (SSSRIF)
- Mr. Kotikala Krishnamurthy, Member, Finance Committee
Purpose and Scope of the MoU
This partnership lays the groundwork for a long-term collaboration aimed at:
- Supporting the operationalization of Sri Sathya Sai Research and Innovation Foundation (SSSRIF), the Institute’s Section-8 not-for-profit entity
- Facilitating the establishment of a robust innovation and incubation ecosystem at SSSIHL
- Enabling knowledge exchange in governance, financial modelling, and startup acceleration strategies
A highlight of the event was Dr. Ramakrishna’s presentation on ASPIRE’s incubation architecture, operational models, and industry partnerships. His insights offered valuable direction for shaping SSSIHL’s innovation framework.
Towards a Values-Based Innovation Culture
With this MoU, SSSIHL takes a significant step forward in nurturing deep-tech, biotech, and health-tech innovations rooted in academic research, societal needs, and integral human values.
This partnership reflects the shared vision of both institutions to create a values-based innovation ecosystem that empowers students, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs to drive impactful change across India.
We look forward to a fruitful and purpose-driven collaboration.
SSSIHL Partners with FABA to Empower the Next Generation of Biotech Innovators
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) to launch a transformative initiative aimed at empowering students in biotechnology and life sciences. An MoU was formally signed on 13 June 2025 at the ASPIRE-BioNEST facility, University of Hyderabad.
The agreement was signed between Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL, and Dr. Ratnakar Palakodeti, Secretary, FABA.
The event was graced by:
- Prof. Reddanna, Executive President, FABA,
- Dr. Jagadeesh Gandla, Chief Operating Officer, FABA.
Representing SSSIHL were:
- Prof. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice Chancellor
- Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah, Dean, Innovation & Entrepreneurship & President, Institution’s Innovation Council
- Dr. B.E. Pradeep, Department of Biosciences
- Sri Lakshmi Narasimhiah, Finance Officer
- Sri T.L. Pavan Kumar, CEO, Sri Sathya Sai Research and Innovation Foundation
- Sri Kotikala Krishnamurthy, Member, Finance Committee
About the Collaboration
The MoU paves the way for the establishment of Biotech Finishing School programs at the SSSIHL Prasanthi Nilayam campus. These programs aim to:
- Provide hands-on, industry-aligned training in key areas of biotechnology
- Expose students to current trends in diagnostics, therapeutics, and research
- Enhance professional readiness and career prospects in the biotech sector
This partnership aligns with the institute’s vision of integrating values-based education with cutting-edge skill development, preparing students to lead with competence, integrity, and innovation in the life sciences domain.
Integrative Approaches in Mathematical Modeling and Bioinformatics: A Comprehensive FDP Overview
The Faculty Development Program (FDP) on Advances in Mathematical Modeling Techniques, AI/ML and Bioinformatics was organized online by the Centre for Excellence in Mathematical Biology (CEMB), SSSIHL, in collaboration with ISMMACS, from April 12–19, 2025, as part of the Sri Sathya Sai Centenary Celebrations. It brought together 72 participants—faculty, researchers, and students—from across India.
Over eight days, expert speakers from premier institutions worldwide delivered sessions covering key domains such as optimal control, parameter estimation, epidemiological modeling, delay differential equations (DDEs), stochastic modeling, bioinformatics, and scientific machine learning. The program balanced theory with hands-on training, using tools like Python, MATLAB, and JAMOVI to simulate real-world scenarios in population dynamics, disease spread, cancer research, and more.
Highlights included sessions on machine learning techniques like Extreme Learning Machines, cryptographic applications of graph theory, and hybrid modeling approaches combining AI and mechanistic models. Real-life case studies, such as modeling the effects of insecticides on crops or hereditary cancer diagnostics through bioinformatics, added practical value.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, praising the program’s interdisciplinary nature, clarity of instruction, technical depth, and smooth organization. Many appreciated the accessibility of complex topics and the provision of session recordings for continued learning. The FDP successfully enriched participants’ knowledge base and provided a robust platform for future research and collaboration in mathematical biology and computational modeling.
Workshop on Attracting Investments for Research and Innovation by Dr. Anand Govindaluri – A Report
The Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) successfully organized a one-day hands-on workshop titled “Attracting Investments for Research and Innovation” on 25 April 2025 at the Multimedia Learning Centre, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus.
The workshop comprised three interactive sessions and saw participation from over 50 attendees, including faculty members, research scholars, and students from all four campuses of SSSIHL.
Session I
Following the traditional Vedam chanting, the event commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by distinguished dignitaries:
- Dr. Anand Govindaluri, Guest Speaker and Founder & CEO, Govin Capital, Singapore
- Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, SSSIHL
- Dr. Srikanth Khanna, Registrar, SSSIHL
- Prof. Pallav Kumar Baruah, Dean of Sciences and President of IIC, SSSIHL
- Dr. Raghunatha Sharma, Director, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus
Dr. B. E. Pradeep, IPR Coordinator, IIC-SSSIHL, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the day. The inaugural address was presented by Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, who emphasized the significance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the role of investment in scaling scientific research.
Ms. Premembika from the Anantapur Campus introduced the guest speaker. Dr. Anand Govindaluri then delivered a compelling keynote address on the topic, “Attracting Venture Capital Funding to Scientific Research and Innovations”. Drawing from over two decades of experience in venture investment and entrepreneurship, Dr. Anand shared valuable insights and inspiring real-world examples. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, during which he provided in-depth responses to participants’ queries citing real-world cases and insights.
Watch the recording of Session I: https://www.youtube.com/live/p-Um1VMFpvc?si=MEZ8-FmAXMyC69MN
Session II
The second session was a closed-door hands-on workshop, where selected participants showcased their research and entrepreneurial ideas through a concise “One-Slide Presentation”. The participants included:
- Sai Darshini, Research Scholar, ATP campus
- Amrita Shaw, Research Scholar, ATP campus
- Mounika Pandey, Research Scholar, ATP campus
- Dr. Vishweshwar, Assistant professor, DCHEM, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus
- Dr. Murali Ravi, Assistant Professor, DPHY, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus
Each presentation received detailed feedback from Dr. Anand Govindaluri, who expressed a strong interest in two of the projects, noting their potential for commercialization and investment. This endorsement provided a major boost to the confidence and motivation of the participants.
Session III
The concluding session included another enlightening talk by Dr. Anand titled, “Social and Scientific Innovations and Investors’ Dilemma”, where he elaborated on the challenges and opportunities that innovators and investors face in the current global scenario.
An open house discussion allowed for a free exchange of thoughts, clarifications, and further learning. The event concluded with remarks by Dr. Murali Ravi, who appreciated the inspiring guidance provided by the speaker and the active participation of the attendees, followed by a vote of thanks and Mangala Aarathi.
Watch the recording of Session III: https://www.youtube.com/live/-KPq8k3at9g?si=11XjzVObQRfJaJFC
The workshop proved to be a highly impactful initiative, leaving participants better informed about the venture capital ecosystem and inspired to transform their research innovations into real-world solutions.
