SGT University is a UGC-recognised private institution based in Gurugram, Haryana, delivering multidisciplinary education to the Delhi NCR. Anchored in research excellence, innovation, and holistic development, the university offers more than 160 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across engineering, medicine, law, management, humanities, design, agriculture, and allied health sciences. At the core of this academic ecosystem, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FASC) distinguishes itself as the first ICAR-accredited private agricultural institute in Delhi NCR and Haryana. Through nationally benchmarked curricula, 55 acres of dedicated research farmland, state-of-the-art laboratories, experiential learning models, deep industry partnerships, sustainability-driven practices, and consistently strong placement outcomes, FASC cultivates nationwide employability and sector-ready graduates.
Against this backdrop, The Interview World engaged in an exclusive conversation with Dr. Pooja Pant, Associate Dean, FASC, SGT University, at the 4th All India Progressive Farmers Convention organised by the Agriculture Today Group. In this wide-ranging interaction, Dr. Pant outlines the university’s strategic roadmap for advanced agritech education aligned with emerging technologies. She further details SGT University’s entrepreneurship-led programmes and incubation initiatives, explains the integration of AI and data analytics into the agricultural curriculum, shares perspectives on research, development, and patents, and articulates a forward-looking vision for Indian agriculture by 2047. The following are the key takeaways from her insightful and thought-provoking dialogue.
Q: What strategic initiatives and academic frameworks does SGT University plan to adopt to introduce advanced Agritech programmes aligned with emerging technologies?
A: As mandated, ICAR designs the core syllabus and curriculum framework; however, it permits universities to modify up to 30 percent of the content. SGT University leverages this academic flexibility with clear intent and strategic foresight. Rather than merely aligning with government systems, the university positions itself a step ahead by systematically embedding emerging technologies into the existing agricultural education model.
To advance this vision, SGT University prioritises deep collaboration with leading international universities. Through these partnerships, it identifies proven, large-scale technologies already transforming global agriculture and adapts them to the Indian context. This approach ensures dual impact: it equips farmers with next-generation solutions while enabling students to transition from learners to agripreneurs.
Consequently, students do not remain confined to conventional employment pathways. Instead, they gain the capability to launch their own ventures and build scalable startups grounded in advanced agritech. Supporting this ambition, SGT University has dedicated more than 200 acres of land to commercial production, research, and development.
Within this infrastructure, the university has established high-tech facilities, including fully automated greenhouse systems. Here, teams actively work on hydroponics, soil health management, and climate-resilient cultivation practices. Together, these interventions address critical stress-related challenges prevalent in southern Haryana, while simultaneously creating a living laboratory for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agricultural transformation.
Q: What entrepreneurship-focused programmes and incubation initiatives does the university offer to promote innovation and venture creation in agriculture and horticulture?
A: SGT University operates its own Atal Innovation Center, supported by government funding, as a cornerstone of its innovation ecosystem. Through this platform, the university actively encourages students to ideate, experiment, and convert concepts into viable solutions.
As a result, students have already launched multiple agri-startups, including an innovative and sustainable beekeeping system designed to modernise traditional beehives. In parallel, they have developed a low-cost hydroponic system that enables the cultivation of diverse vegetable crops. Notably, students themselves conceptualised, designed, and executed these solutions, reinforcing a strong culture of applied learning.
To further institutionalise innovation, the university regularly organises agri-hackathons. These forums identify and nurture high-potential innovators by giving students a structured platform to articulate their ideas, test their feasibility, and refine their execution models. Crucially, SGT University does more than encourage ideation; it provides financial support to promising concepts. By funding student-led initiatives, the university enables innovators to transform ideas into operational agri-startups, thereby strengthening entrepreneurship and self-reliance within the agricultural sector.
Q: How does the university integrate artificial intelligence and data analytics into its agriculture curriculum to enhance precision farming, research, and decision-making?
A: SGT University has taken a decisive and forward-looking step in educational innovation. Extending well beyond agriculture, the university has introduced a flagship course titled “AI for Everyone” for all first-year students. This mandatory course spans the university’s entire academic structure, encompassing all 19 schools, and is delivered in the very first semester of the undergraduate journey.
Through this initiative, every student acquires a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence as it applies to their respective discipline and programme. As a result, AI literacy becomes a shared academic baseline rather than a specialised add-on. Moreover, students who wish to deepen their expertise can seamlessly progress to advanced learning pathways. In subsequent semesters, they may enrol in specialised certificate programmes offered by the university’s dedicated Center for Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, where they apply AI technologies directly within their chosen fields. This structured progression ensures both broad-based awareness and discipline-specific mastery of AI.
Q: In light of the university’s emphasis on research and development, how many patents have been granted to date?
A: As 2025 draws to a close, SGT University has secured approximately 45 granted patents, reflecting a robust and outcome-driven research ecosystem. Notably, students have authored the majority of these patents, while faculty members account for the remainder. Together, these innovations span critical domains, including advanced horticultural systems, sensor-based irrigation technologies, and intelligent field-protection solutions. Collectively, this portfolio underscores the university’s strong emphasis on applied research, student-led innovation, and technology-driven problem solving in agriculture.
Q: What is SGT University’s long-term vision for 2047?
A: Looking ahead, SGT University has articulated a clear and expansive strategic vision. Central to this roadmap is deeper collaboration with leading international universities, complemented by robust student exchange programmes. Through these global engagements, the university aims to directly absorb advanced agricultural technologies developed abroad and implement them effectively within the Indian context.
In parallel, SGT University plans to establish a dedicated agriculture-focused incubation centre. This facility will identify, mentor, and support high-potential student ideas across the agricultural value chain. By providing structured guidance, infrastructure, and early-stage backing, the university seeks to accelerate innovation and systematically produce a new generation of agripreneurs, firmly positioning entrepreneurship as a core outcome of its agricultural education ecosystem.
