BENGALURU | 28 MAY 2025 — In a bold step towards transforming India’s doctoral education landscape, Alliance University has announced the launch of Ph.D. VISTA (Venture Innovation for Social Transformation and Advancement) — the country’s first multidisciplinary Ph.D. program that seamlessly integrates research with entrepreneurship.
Positioned as a platform for nurturing scholar-entrepreneurs, the program aims to transform traditional academic pursuits into impactful, real-world ventures. Open to scholars from diverse fields including Business, Law, Liberal Arts, and Engineering, Ph.D. VISTA encourages interdisciplinary problem-solving and innovation to address complex social challenges.
Conceptualized and curated by renowned angel investor and social innovation advocate Nagaraja Prakasam, the program is deeply rooted in field immersion, grassroots problem-solving, and sustainable development. “We are building a generation of scholar-practitioners who don’t just research problems but work hands-on to solve them,” said Prakasam. His vision is reflected in the mandatory course ‘Solving for Bharat’, based on his book “Back to Bharat”, which prioritizes 80% fieldwork and 20% classroom learning.
Ph.D. VISTA encourages collaboration with industry, government bodies, NGOs, and local communities, enabling scholars to translate their research into tangible outcomes—ranging from policy impact to startup ventures. Candidates receive mentorship from academic experts, investors, and sector leaders, along with support in legal, branding, HR, financial planning, and intellectual property management. The university also provides assistance in patent filing, innovation licensing, and commercialization.
Dr. Priestly Shan, Vice-Chancellor of Alliance University, emphasized the program’s transformative potential: “This initiative reflects our commitment to ensure research results in actionable solutions. Ph.D. VISTA is a bridge between knowledge and societal impact.”
Admission to the full-time program requires a master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks. Candidates are selected through an entrance exam, an interview, and submission of a preliminary entrepreneurial problem statement. The program duration ranges from three to six years, with degree conferral contingent on academic performance, publication, and demonstrable impact in line with UGC norms.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly collaboration and innovation, the program positions Alliance University at the forefront of purpose-driven education and societal transformation.
Applications are now open. For more details, visit: https://www.alliance.edu.in/programme/phd-in-vista
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