Interview: Srinivasa Prasanna on Innovation, Research, and Student Mentorship

With more than two decades of experience in the field of electronics and communication, Srinivasa Prasanna has dedicated his career to advancing research, guiding students, and fostering innovation. As the Head of the Research Center and a senior faculty member in the Electronics and Communication Department at M N Technical Institute in Bangalore, he has played a key role in developing impactful engineering projects alongside his students. In this interview with our news portal, he reflects on his 22-year journey, the challenges and breakthroughs in research, and his vision for creating new opportunities for students through innovation and entrepreneurship. Can you share with us your journey in the field of electronics and communication that led to this prestigious recognition?  "I have been working in electronics and communication for about 22 years. During this time, I worked closely with my students on several research ideas. One of our key projects was developing a unique robotic system for laser surgery, and that work contributed greatly to this recognition."

What innovations or projects from your 22 years of experience are you most proud of, and how have they impacted your field? "Two projects stand out for me — the robotic project for laser surgery and another on electromagnetic separation of materials. Both projects won second prize at the national level in the engineering category, which was a proud moment for our team."

How has your role as the Head of the Research Center at M N Technical Institute shaped your approach to leadership and innovation? "Being the Head of the Research Center has taught me the importance of teamwork. I’ve received a lot of support from my colleagues and the management, which helped us achieve many milestones, including this award."

What are the key challenges you have faced in your career, and how have you overcome them to achieve success? "We faced a few technical challenges, especially during the design and 3D printing stages of our projects. But with patience, dedication, and belief in our work, we were able to overcome them."

Looking ahead, what are your future aspirations and goals in the field of electronics and communication? "This recognition has motivated us to think bigger. We are planning to start a startup initiative that will help students do internships and work on projects within our institute itself. It will give them more practical experience."