The awards aim to recognise outstanding faculty researchers, promising young scientists among students, and mentors who nurture them into future leaders

The National Institute of Engineering (NIE), Mysuru, in association with Kachigere Sidde Gowda Krishnappa, a New York-based medical practitioner, has instituted the Smt. Meenakumari and Dr. Sidde Gowda Krishnappa Puttachi Scientific, Innovative, and Impactful Research Awards.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr. Krishnappa's designee, Dinesh Puttachi, and NIE representatives, M.S. Ranganath, honorary president of NIE Management Committee, and Rohini Nagapadma, principal of NIE.

The MoU establishes a ₹1 crore corpus, the annual interest of which will be utilised to promote impactful research among NIE's faculty and students. The awards aim to recognise outstanding faculty researchers, promising young scientists among students, and mentors who nurture them into future leaders.

Accordingly, the first-ever edition of the research awards was presented during the Endowment Awards ceremony held at the conclusion of the first-year induction programme for the 2025-26 academic session here on Monday.

The event took place in the presence of key dignitaries, including Sreekanta Aradhya, technical director, NTT Data Centre, Singapore, who was the chief guest, and Dinesh Puttachi, the special guest of honour. The function was presided over by K.C. Manjunath, vice-principal, NIE.

Sathyakumar N., treasurer, and Rajkumar R.S., director of the NIE Management Committee were present.

Imran Jamadar, dean (R&D), NIE, coordinated the event and expressed gratitude to Dr. Krishnappa for his generous endowment. The awards were distributed in three categories - Young Scientist Awards, Best Research Paper Awards, and Outstanding Teacher Awards in Research.

Mr. Aradhya praised the innovative spirit of NIE researchers and emphasised the importance of aligning research with societal and industrial priorities. Dr. Dinesh Puttachi congratulated the awardees and mentors and encouraged students to pursue research that addresses real-world problems.

Mr. Manjunath reiterated NIE's commitment to nurturing research and innovation. "The awards reaffirm NIE's vision to promote impactful research, recognise talent, and encourage mentorship that prepares the next generation of innovators and leaders," the college said in a note here.

NIE launches research awards backed by ₹1 cr. endowment