Lucknow: Saraswati Dental College & Hospital, Lucknow took a pioneering step toward fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in the State by hosting a two-day National Conclave on Innovation and Entrepreneurship titled SPARKOFEST 1.0 – Idea 2 Impact. The event held on 14 &15 March was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi, IAS (Retd.) Chief Advisor to CM UP. Shri Amit K Ghosh, IAS, Addl Chief Secretary, Medical health & Family welfare and Medical Education and Vice Chancellor of ABVMU Maj Gen Amit Devgan were the Guests of honor. Invest UP was represented by Mr Anuruddhh Kshatriya, GM Investment Promotion. Dr GN Singh, Chief Advisor (Health/Pharma) to CM UP also graced the event. The audience witnessed lectures on challenges and opportunities in innovation & entrepreneurship, design thinking, Startups, Funding opportunities, innovation mindset and Product Market fit. During panel discussion on its impact for Viksit Bharat 2047, Shri Awasthi encouraged entrepreneurship and startup culture as well as the transformation of ideas into impactful ventures by students, faculty members, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators alike. He said UP is also actively promoting this culture. ACS Health Shri Amit Ghosh said that we would like to associate such hubs of innovation with Govt ecosystem for fostering this culture. The Valedictory ceremony was graced by Sarika Mohan IAS, Secretary to Govt of UP Medical Education Department & DG Medical Education.
The Spark-o-fest1.0 conclave was conceptualised by incubation cell ‘SPARK’ and powered by ZoopUp. The organising Chairman Cdr Sumit Ghosh informed that it is designed as a dynamic platform where bright minds converge to exchange ideas, collaborate on solutions, and explore pathways to innovation-driven growth and SPARKOFEST 1.0 Idea 2 Impact would bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application. Shri Ghosh said that this event encourages faculty and researchers to translate their research insights into scalable solutions with societal impact. By nurturing an ecosystem that supports experimentation and risk-taking, the institution aims to empower participants to think beyond conventional boundaries.
The event saw talks by eminent speakers, industry experts, academic leaders, and startup founders from across the country. This event was attended by over 700 delegates from various organizations from UP and other parts of India. It was also graced by other senior dignitaries of the UP Government, Directors of acclaimed institutions. Chairperson of Saraswati Group Mrs Madhu Mathur and members of management of the college were also present. The two day conclave had 6 keynote lectures, 3 panel discussions and 4 competitions. The deliberations focused on the role of innovation and entrepreneurship to fulfil the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, health tech innovation & entrepreneurship and ‘idea to implementation’. This event also highlighted how innovation is no longer confined to technology sector alone alone but has become equally vital in healthcare and dental sciences, where novel approaches can significantly enhance patient care and service delivery. Participants engaged in ideathon, Startup pitch, prototype display and poster competitions including interactive workshops. Special focus is planned on mentoring young innovators and guiding them through the essentials of startup development, funding opportunities, intellectual property rights, and business strategy formulation.
The logo and mascot of SPARK-O-FEST were unveiled during the event which also featured a trade exhibition where various stalls showcased innovative products and solutions. Attractive prizes were won by students, faculty and professionals.
The conclave marked a significant milestone in Saraswati Dental College’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and societal contribution. With SPARKOFEST 1.0, the institution hopes to inspire a new generation of innovators capable of transforming visionary ideas into tangible solutions, strengthening India’s growing startup ecosystem and reinforcing the spirit of entrepreneurship in higher education. The energy and enthusiasm of delegates was skyhigh.
