By promoting employability, entrepreneurship, and inclusive workforce development at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology shows the Decent Work and Economic Growth of its employee and justifies SDG 8. With over 2,300 students landing positions in a variety of fields, including as IT, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture, the institution attained a placement rate of 92% in 2024. During campus recruitment drives, over 150 firms offered excellent packages and international chances. Sathyabama trained 3,500 students in cutting-edge sectors including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and sustainable business practices, while also supporting 120 student-led firms through incubation programs. These quantifiable results demonstrate the organization's dedication to fostering innovation, generating fair employment opportunities, and promoting sustained economic growth.
8.1 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
The University is committed to long-term strategies that focus on creating, promoting, and delivering opportunities that enhance the employability of students and emerging talent. Building a sustainable talent pipeline is a key priority, supported by structured initiatives that equip individuals with the right tools, skills, and resources. By providing an enabling platform for employees and students to excel, the Institution strengthens its long-term success while making a meaningful contribution to the broader community.
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
The University’s productive employment strategy is built on developing and implementing simple, consistent, and efficient processes and systems that support the growth and evolution of its workforce. These mechanisms strengthen employee engagement, well-being, and long-term professional development. All employment policies and practices are fully compliant with legal requirements and uphold fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity. This approach has enabled the University to retain a committed workforce and sustain its reputation as a fair and responsible employer since its inception.
8.2 Graduate Employability
Graduates of Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology are highly sought after by employers, as evidenced by the University’s strong performance in national and international rankings, including the NIRF (India) rankings and the QS Graduate Employability Rankings. The Institution plays a significant role in enhancing employment opportunities for its students and contributes actively to job creation both within India and globally.
The commercialization of research outputs generated by faculty and researchers has had a substantial impact on employment generation and entrepreneurial development. Many graduate-led ventures demonstrate growth and survival rates that exceed the national average, reflecting the strength of the University’s research ecosystem and its positive influence on innovation-driven employment.
8.3 Study Programmes
The University’s robust curriculum design, accredited by national and international agencies, plays a pivotal role in shaping responsible, ethical, and globally aware citizens. Aligned with global initiatives led by the United Nations, the Institution effectively disseminates principles of Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainable and Green Engineering, and socially responsible management practices through its teaching, learning, and research frameworks. Continuous technology upgrades, innovation-driven academic practices, and a wide range of value-added courses across disciplines have created pathways for employment that significantly enhance economic productivity.
A strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation is fostered through the University’s Technology Business Incubators, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (Government of India) and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Government of India). Mission-oriented approaches that promote inclusive, social, and digitally enabled innovation for sustainable development particularly in the growth of formal MSMEs with improved access to financial services have been widely recognised and appreciated by stakeholders. These initiatives collectively strengthen the ecosystem for job creation, entrepreneurial ventures, and economic growth.
8.4 Informal Student employment initiatives
The “Earn while You Learn Programme,” launched in 2010, is one of the University’s most sought-after initiatives, providing students with meaningful career opportunities during their period of study. This programme enables students to develop essential skills, gain work experience, and enhance their employability while contributing productively to the campus ecosystem.
The University also promotes inclusive access to knowledge by supporting basic literacy, open access to scientific and technological resources, and flexible intellectual property practices that allow fair use. Students benefit from access to physical infrastructure, digital platforms, hands-on learning environments, and open repositories of scientific and technological information. These efforts collectively advance the goal of achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all—women and men, including young people by 2030, in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
8.5 Integration of persons with disabilities
With growing emphasis on the principle of inclusive education for students with disabilities, the University has incorporated systematic measures to ensure supportive and accessible conditions within higher education. A transparent, fair, and effective method of financing education through designated grants is actively practiced to reduce barriers and promote equal access.
The Institution is strongly committed to integrating persons with disabilities by upholding impartial standards that ensure equal pay for work of equal value. This approach reflects the University’s broader vision of fostering an inclusive academic and work environment where all individuals regardless of ability,receive equal opportunities for participation, growth, and recognition.
8.6 Educational equity and community Development
Shared accountability and the coordinated integration of services related to education, health, and livelihood promotion have significantly contributed to the joint development and welfare of the local community. The University implements a variety of Skill Development and Capacity Building programmes aimed at poverty alleviation, the promotion of small businesses, financial security, and overall community empowerment. These initiatives also address essential areas such as health and hygiene, physical and psychological well-being, literacy, and personal safety for both men and women. Through these sustained efforts, the Institution supports economic inclusion, enables individuals to build assets, and contributes to long-term community sustainability and resilience.
8.7 Strategy for Economic empowerment
The series of reforms and enablers of the Government in the Economic package to make India Atmanirbhar and measures for relief and credit support to businesses, especially MSMEs to support Indian Economy’s fight against COVID-19 have been followed to address rural and urban employment generation activities. The startups initiated at the university have been supported to contribute efficiently to the labour market with a distinct focus on inclusive and indiscriminative approach towards equity and sustainability.
SDG 8 at Sathyabama is reflected through:
Strong employability & placement outcomes,
A robust innovation & startup ecosystem, and
Skill-development & entrepreneurship training aligned to industry and SDGs.
b. 2023–24 Initiatives
Innovation & Incubation Ecosystem
A dynamic Incubation Centre supports innovators and entrepreneurs with infrastructure, mentorship and funding, leading to several successful startups across domains.
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Cell (IEDC) guides students through idea validation, prototype development and market strategies.
Workshops on Research, IPR, Entrepreneurship & Skills
In 2023–24, Sathyabama conducted 403 workshops/seminars on research methodology, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), entrepreneurship and skill development.
Entrepreneurship Best Practice – “Fostering Innovation for Entrepreneurial Excellence”
Recognized as a Best Practice (7.2.1), this initiative includes:
The Innovation Hangar for ideation & prototyping;
Mentorship, grants and Startup India Seed Fund (Rs. 95 lakh);
PCB printing facilities;
Sathyabama TBI with startups like Happy Walk and Greater Greener Technologies;
More than 15 startups, 50+ prototypes, and 200+ students in innovation challenges.
Research Funding & Projects
Government research grants in 2023–24 totalled INR 1,739.43 lakhs, and non-government/industry funding was INR 99.84 lakhs, supporting an innovation-driven growth environment.
Placement, Higher Studies & Competitive Exams
3,210 students were placed through campus recruitment, 211 students progressed to higher education, and 599 students qualified in competitive exams, confirming strong graduate outcomes.
c. Outcomes & Evidence
Strong research funding, startup pipeline and high placement numbers align well with THE’s SDG 8 metrics on decent work, growth and innovation linkages.
Events :
Sathyabama TBI’s initiative, Startup SME Growth School, organized a session on MSME Awareness focusing on Udyam Registration to explore its possibilities and complexities on January 23, 2024. Attendees benefited from comprehensive insights, gaining valuable knowledge essential for business growth and compliance. The session included practical tips for navigating the registration process and understanding the regulatory requirements. Participants were also provided with resources to help them implement what they learned effectively in their own ventures.
Sathyabama TBI Organized a Mentor Development Program for the faculty members of Engineering & Technology from January 6, 2024, to January 7, 2024. Mr. Gaddam Sudarshan, Mentor at Bhartiya Yuva Shakti Trust, trained the mentors to support aspiring student entrepreneurs in building successful ventures. This program aimed to equip faculty members with the necessary skills to guide students through the entrepreneurial process. The interactive sessions included best practices for mentoring and strategies for fostering innovation and growth in startups.
Sathyabama TBI and Open Weaver jointly organized the “Scale Your Startup” training on February 27, 2024, at the Sathyabama TBI Training Hall. The program, led by Mr. Ashok Balasubramanian, CEO of Open Weaver, provided practical insights for scaling startups in today’s competitive landscape. Around 50 students attended, gaining valuable strategies for navigating startup challenges. The training covered key topics such as growth strategies, operational efficiency, and market expansion. Participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive sessions and receive personalized advice from the expert, enhancing their ability to implement effective scaling strategies in their ventures.
“Startup Voyage” – An Entrepreneurial talk series was organized by Sathyabama TBI, to promote growth stage startups with valuable insights and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs. The program focused on skills for startup and aspects of fund raising for successful business.
“Startup Voyage” – An Entrepreneurial talk series was organized by Sathyabama TBI, to promote growth stage startups with valuable insights and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs. The program focused on skills for startup and aspects of fund raising for successful business.
3rd International Conference on Waste, Energy and Environment
Governance and policies supporting decent work
Employment standards: Policies for non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and safe workplaces; staff development and transparent recruitment.
Student employability: Structured placement support, internship facilitation, and industry partnerships embedded into academic planning.
Responsible operations: Procurement and vendor engagement aligned with ethical labor, safety, and compliance norms.
Programs advancing economic growth and employability
Placement and career services: Annual placement cycles, employer engagements, and skills bridging programs.
Entrepreneurship and incubation: Support for student startups, innovation challenges, and mentorship networks to catalyze local job creation.
Community skilling: Outreach training for youth and marginalized groups, aiming at employability, micro-entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion.
