The FOUNTAIN Project will address the lack of strategic university-industry partnerships in Asian universities in terms of student employability, blended learning, invention and innovation, techno-entrepreneurial skills, curriculum development, multidisciplinary joint research, and many other aspects. Through need assessments conducted with partners in Thailand and Sri Lanka, FOUNTAIN identifies gaps in university-industry collaboration, aiming to align industrial interests with public interests, particularly in agro-industries. Its objectives include enhancing university curricula with robust industrial training programs, strengthening university-business links, and establishing a community of practice involving university and industry actors in the field of agro-industries. Additionally, the project seeks to facilitate the transition of ideas into practice, promote business start-ups, and establish a center of excellence in invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship to meet the needs of graduates, academics, farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and other industries in the country and the region.
The FOUNTAIN Project boasts an impressive list of partnering organizations, including the University of Ruhuna, University of Peradeniya, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Horizon College of Business & Technology, Naresuan University (Thailand), Chiang Mai University (Thailand), Tallinna Tehnikaülikool (Estonia) and Mid Sweden University (Sweden).
