Alliance University launches a doctoral programme-Ph.D. VISTA (Venture Innovation for Social Transformation and Advancement).
MUMBAI, May 29 (The CONNECT)- Alliance University, South India’s first UGC-recognized private university, has launched a doctoral programme-Ph.D. VISTA (Venture Innovation for Social Transformation and Advancement).
Described as India’s first such programme, this advanced initiative reimagines research as a catalyst for societal impact, aiming to cultivate scholar-entrepreneurs who transform academic insights into real-world ventures and scalable solutions, the university said.
Designed for scholars across disciplines such as Business, Law, Liberal Arts, and Engineering, the program bridges academic research with entrepreneurial innovation. It encourages interdisciplinary exploration, enabling scholars to convert domain knowledge into sustainable, practical solutions for complex social challenges. As a pioneering initiative, Ph.D. VISTA redefines conventional doctoral education by integrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven research.
Curated by Nagaraja Prakasam, a renowned champion of grassroots innovation, Ph.D. VISTA is built on the belief that India’s progress lies in transforming local challenges into global opportunities. Drawing from his extensive experience mentoring impact-driven startups, he has shaped a doctoral journey rooted in field immersion and socially relevant research.
Prakasam said by bridging academia with industry, government, and civil society, te programme empowers scholars to address urgent environmental, economic, and social issues through practical solutions.
The program includes a mandatory course on “Solving for Bharat” a unique multidisciplinary course already offered in Alliance taught by Nagaraja Prakasam based on his book “Back to Bharat – in search of a sustainable future”. This course follows a distinctive format, 80% field exposure and 20% classroom theory, exposing the scholars to problem solving mindset.
The minimum duration of the Ph.D. VISTA program is three years, and it may extend up to six years depending on the scholar’s research trajectory. Degree conferral is subject to the completion of coursework, successful evaluation by the doctoral committee, and fulfilment of UGC norms for publication or measurable impact outcomes.
Dr. Priestly Shan, Vice-Chancellor, Alliance University, said with the launch of Ph.D. VISTA, the institution is are creating a platform where knowledge meets action, and where scholars are empowered to drive innovation that benefits society at large.
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