Guwahati: The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) is taking significant strides in developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Northeast region. The institute has formalised two critical Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering innovation, supporting startups, and enhancing industry-academia collaboration. These collaborations are with:
- Assam Startup through Assam Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (AIIDC): This partnership focuses on promoting entrepreneurship and impactful programs by providing access to technology, industry, innovation, and value-added activities.
- Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI): This collaboration is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Northeast.
The MoUs were signed today at the IIT Guwahati campus by Prof. Devendra Jalihala, Director of IIT Guwahati, Mr Chinmoy Prakash Phookan, ACS, Managing Director of AIIDC, and Mr Sumeet Gupta, Assistant Secretary-General of FICCI. Other dignitaries present included Mr Rajarshi Sarma, COO of Assam Startup, Mr Kankan Jyoti Khargharia, Community Manager, along with Prof. Subhendu Sekhar Bag, Associate Dean (R&D), Prof. Senthilmurugan Subbiah, Faculty in-charge of IITG Technology Incubation Centre, and Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Dean PRBR from IIT Guwahati.
Prof. Devendra Jalihala, Director of IIT Guwahati, remarked, “IIT Guwahati is proud to serve as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in the northeastern region and the entire country. Through our recent collaborations with FICCI and Assam Startup, we are hopeful that the collective measures and initiatives we aim to provide will help foster a vibrant ecosystem where budding entrepreneurs can transform their innovative ideas into successful businesses. This collaboration will further enhance our support for mentorship, funding opportunities, and market access, ensuring the Northeast emerges as a vital hub for global economic activity.”
MoU with Assam Startup through AIIDC
The Assam Startup Policy, launched by the state government, aims to catalyse the startup movement by motivating youth to become job creators and providing necessary ecosystem support. The recent MoU outlines that IIT Guwahati and Assam Startup will:
- Co-incubate startups selected under various programs, with IIT Guwahati offering mentoring and technological support and Assam Startup providing business support.
- Provide access to industry, innovation, and investors.
- Co-create innovations across policy and programming to scale impact and entrepreneurship.
- Support research and development programs in innovation and technology for impact.
- Extend their respective institutional expertise in technology, knowledge, and management.
- Conduct outreach, awareness activities, and roundtable discussions on common interests.
IIT Guwahati will also facilitate coordination between Assam Startup, various incubation centres, other startups, and entrepreneurial activities in Assam.
Mr. Chinmoy Prakash Phookan, ACS, Managing Director of AIIDC, said, “AIDC, as the nodal agency for the development of the startup ecosystem under the Government of Assam, is proud to announce the signing of an MoU with IIT Guwahati. This partnership identifies core areas for collaboration aimed at fostering a strong and vibrant startup ecosystem in the region.”
MoU with FICCI
FICCI, the apex chamber of commerce and industry in India, is committed to fostering economic growth and industrial advancement. The MoU with IIT Guwahati aims to support entrepreneurial activities targeting agriculture, women’s development, and sustainability in the Northeast region.
Mr. Sumeet Gupta, Assistant Secretary General of FICCI, stated, “FICCI aims to play a pivotal role in empowering startups in the Northeast, driving economic growth, and positioning the Northeast region as a significant contributor to the nation’s economy on a global stage. Our collaboration with IIT Guwahati will further strengthen this initiative, combining academic expertise with industry support to create a robust startup ecosystem.”
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Prof. Senthilmurugan Subbiah, Faculty in charge of IITG Technology Incubation Centre, IIT Guwahati, added, “This innovative catalyst will unite the seven states under one umbrella, significantly enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It will multiply the number of successful entrepreneurs emerging from the Northeast region of India, fostering unprecedented growth and collaboration.”
In addition to these initiatives, IIT Guwahati has launched a 6-week Residential boot camp with 51 startup participants from the Northeast region. This program aims to provide a robust platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive startup ecosystem through extensive expert sessions, mentoring support, and financial aid opportunities.
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