Kolkata, India, August, 18 2025: “India is at a pivotal moment, with our long-standing entrepreneurial spirit now fully supported by a government committed to building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047,” stated Mr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, IRS, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), in his keynote address at the 2nd National Conclave on Entrepreneurship at IIM Calcutta. Organised by IIM Calcutta in partnership with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), the two-day conclave brought together over 150 entrepreneurs, IIMC alumni, policymakers and investors to chart India’s entrepreneurial roadmap towards a developed India.
Mr. Agarwal elaborated on this vision, highlighting how government initiatives are creating a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs. He stated, “Through transformative policies like GST, a sharp focus on reducing logistics costs, and initiatives like ‘Make for the World,’ we are creating an ecosystem where entrepreneurs are the true architects of our economic future. It is this collective effort of innovation, collaboration and a focus on value-driven growth that will ensure India’s position as a global leader in the decades to come.”
At the heart of the two-day conclave was the Joka Fund Fest 2025, where six IIMCIP-incubated startups pitched to select IIM Calcutta alumni investors. Covering sectors such as Deep-tech, Health-tech, Fintech, Manufacturing and IT, the ventures attracted strong investor interest, with multiple follow-up meetings scheduled over the next 2–4 weeks to explore funding in the ₹2 crore–₹10 crore range. The showcase highlighted the impact of alumni networks in fostering entrepreneurship through capital, mentorship, and market access.
Shri Shrikrishna Kulkarni, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, IIM Calcutta, highlighted the values driving entrepreneurship: “Trust, or vishwas, is the most vital component for success, both for a nation and in business. India urgently needs entrepreneurs as the enablers of job creation to transform the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision into reality. Faith, perseverance and patience are the true guiding principles that will ensure entrepreneurship delivers equitable growth for all.”
Mr. Ajay Jain, Chairman of IIMCIP, said, “Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind India’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. At IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, our mission is to democratise innovation, ensuring that entrepreneurs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as well as women-led enterprises, have equal access to capital, mentorship and markets. Over the years, we have mentored more than 2,000 startups, supported over 130 with seed funding, and built a portfolio valued at nearly ₹8,000 crore. This year’s Joka Fund Fest exemplifies our commitment to connecting promising entrepreneurs with strategic capital and mentorship from our global alumni network. By leveraging the strength of IIM Calcutta’s alumni community, industry partnerships and government collaboration, IIMCIP is building a nationwide movement of innovation that will shape a stronger, self-reliant India.”
Dr. Alok Kumar Rai, Director, IIM Calcutta, underscored the institute’s role:“Entrepreneurship is about challenging the status quo and solving real-world problems in novel, sustainable ways. Guided by our five strategic pillars – integration, inclusion, innovation, internationalisation and Indianness, we are nurturing a new generation of leaders who will drive India’s economic and social transformation on the path to ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’”
Dr. Subhrangshu Sanyal, CEO, IIMCIP, said, “We view entrepreneurship not merely as a driver of economic growth, but as a powerful catalyst for lasting social impact. Through platforms like the Joka Fund Fest, we connect promising startups with alumni investors, creating an ecosystem where innovation thrives and transformative ventures scale. Our programmes are designed to guide founders safely across the ‘valley of death,’ turning challenges into milestones and aspirations into reality.”
Tajkira Begum, an IIMCIP-supported entrepreneur through the NRETP incubation program, who has empowered over 500 women in rural Bengal, shared:“IIMCIP’s support has turned my dream into reality. What began as a small effort in Nanoor is today empowering hundreds of women with sustainable livelihoods. This journey shows how entrepreneurship can uplift communities and change lives.”
Highlights of the Conclave
About IIM Calcutta Innovation Park
IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), established under the aegis of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta in 2014, is a premier business incubator that empowers innovative, impact-driven enterprises. With a strong focus on underserved regions and rural women entrepreneurs, IIMCIP combines business expertise, funding and network connects to catalyse the growth of socially impactful startups and build inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems across India.
About IIM Calcutta
Established in 1961 as India’s first national institute for post-graduate studies and research in management, the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) has evolved into one of Asia’s finest business schools. The institute, which collaborated with the Sloan School of Management (MIT), the Government of West Bengal, and the Ford Foundation in its founding, is now a globally reputed autonomous body.
IIM Calcutta is the first management institute in India to be “Triple Crowned,” holding accreditations from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. With a mission to develop innovative and ethical future leaders, IIM Calcutta plays a pioneering role in professionalising Indian management through its post-graduate and doctoral programs, executive training, research, and consulting activities. The institute is also the only Indian member of CEMS, an elite global alliance of premier business schools.