ReGen Innovation Accelerator: 4th Bootcamp conducted at IIM Calcutta

The ReGen Innovation Accelerator 2025 continued its journey of empowering sustainability-driven ventures with the 4th Bootcamp, held on the 3rd and 4th of November 2025. Designed to strengthen market and investment readiness among startups in the waste management and circular economy space, the two-day bootcamp focussed on business model refinement, global expansion and strategic leadership.

Day 1 opened with an intensive Business Model Review facilitated by Mr Shyam Sukhramani and Mr Gautam Khot, Partners at 7th Ventures, where founders revisited their value propositions, cost structures and customer acquisition strategies. The interactive session enabled participants to identify gaps in scalability and align their problem-solution fit with evolving market needs. The day also featured an insightful session by Dr Rajat Srivastava (Addl. Executive Director, EEPC India) on “Finding New International Markets and Products”, guiding startups through export-import documentation, incentives and pathways for global expansion.

Day 2 delved into growth and leadership with Mr Anil Bajaj (CEO, StrateGYde Consultica LLP) leading a session on “Sales Strategies with Emphasis on B2B”, highlighting value-based selling and data-driven sales frameworks. Ms Manisha Sharaf, the Co-founder of IIMCIP-incubated SuperProcure, shared her entrepreneurial journey and lessons on scaling up effectively. The bootcamp concluded with Prof. Abhisek Goel (IIM Calcutta) conducting a session on “Negotiation Skills for Founders”, where participants explored techniques to navigate investor discussions and build long-term stakeholder relationships.

The two days culminated in renewed clarity and confidence among participants, equipped with stronger business models, export readiness insights, B2B sales, frameworks and leadership expertise are essential aspects for scaling the ventures in the sustainability sector.

Edition II of Bengal Business Accelerator Program kicks off with a 3-day Bootcamp

The Bengal Business Accelerator Program, a flagship initiative of the Government of West Bengal and supported under the World Bank–aided RAMP Scheme, in collaboration with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), successfully concluded its inaugural three-day bootcamp for Cohort 2 from October 13–15, 2025, at IIM Calcutta.

Day 1 began with a welcome address by Sudipto Chakraborty (Associate Director, PwC) and Namami Ghosh from IIMCIP, followed by an interactive ice-breaker by Gaurav Kapoor from IIMCIP, who shared valuable insights on building fundable startups and aligning business models with investor expectations. The day continued with a detailed session by Kaustav Majumdar on Customer Value Proposition, guiding participants through developing customer personas, identifying USPs and creating user-centric solutions driven by feedback and innovation. The day concluded with a session on Developing a Business Roadmap by Namami Ghosh.

Day 2 featured a masterclass by T. P. Pratap (Founder, Qwikcilver) on Product-Market Fit and Scaling Up, highlighting key strategies around validation, customer segmentation and growth readiness. This was followed by an engaging session by IIMCIP mentor, Sanjoy Sen, on Customer Experience Journey, focusing on mapping customer touchpoints, understanding user needs and integrating feedback loops for improved engagement. The day concluded with a Diagnostics Panel Discussion featuring experts T. P. Pratap, Suman Mukhopadhyay, Namami Ghosh, Srinivas Gadhavilli, Anil Bajaj, Sandip Bhatia and Sanjoy Sen, who collectively evaluated startup challenges and growth potential.

Day 3 opened with a session on Branding and Promotion by Shivaji Dasgupta (Founder & MD, Inexgro Brand Advisory), covering aspects of brand identity, market positioning and promotional strategy. The bootcamp concluded with a session by Manju Jaiswal (Professor, IIM Calcutta) on Understanding Cost, Revenue and Unit Economics, helping entrepreneurs decode financial fundamentals and assess profitability at the unit level.

The bootcamp marked another milestone in the Bengal Business Accelerator Program’s mission to nurture scalable, investor-ready ventures and strengthen the startup ecosystem of West Bengal.

Workshop in Tripura under the Border Haat Entrepreneurship Program

Continuing its mission to champion women-led impact and unlock entrepreneurial potential in India’s remotest corners, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park recently hosted a two-day workshop under the Border Haat Entrepreneurship Program by the US Consulate Kolkata on July 29 & 30, 2025, at Bishalgarh Block in Tripura’s Sipahijala district.

The workshop brought together 42 spirited women entrepreneurs from areas near the Kasba Border between India and Bangladesh. These participants represented a range of sectors, including handloom, food processing, garments and local crafts.

Led by IIMCIP mentors Mr. Suman Mukhopadhyay (Director, Banglanatak dot com) and Mr. Subir Singha (VP-Rural Incubation, IIMCIP), the sessions were designed to build business confidence from the ground up, covering essentials such as growth strategy, customer segmentation, product promotion and distribution, unit economics and bookkeeping. The energy was palpable as participants began to reimagine their enterprises with fresh clarity and ambition.

The presence of Shri Anutosh Biswas from the US Consulate Kolkata further inspired the women, reaffirming the programme’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship and economic empowerment along India’s border regions.

With its impactful interventions spanning border haats in Meghalaya and Tripura, the programme is a powerful step towards dismantling social, economic and geographical barriers that often hold rural women back from building thriving businesses.

A heartfelt thank you to the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission for its unwavering support in making this event possible.

Through such interventions, IIMCIP continues to build an enabling ecosystem that supports sustainable entrepreneurship and drives inclusive economic development.

Google AI Day for Startups

The Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta campus, buzzed with ideas, code and conversations as we hosted an unforgettable day exploring the future of Generative AI for startups!

Google AI Day for Startups in Kolkata was an electrifying celebration of innovation, insight and next-gen technology. Held at the IIM Calcutta campus, the event brought together the best of minds from the startup and AI ecosystems for a high-energy day of learning, collaboration and hands-on exploration.

The day kicked off with a warm welcome by Pranjal Konwar, COO at IIMCIP, setting the stage for
what turned out to be a transformative experience. The momentum quickly built with a thought- provoking panel discussion on & AI’s Next Wave: Agents, Multimodal and Monetisation,& featuring Deepak Daftari (Angel Investor), Prof. Vimal Kumar M (IIM Calcutta) and Manisha Sharaf (Co- Founder, SuperProcure), and moderated by Gaurav Kapoor, the CBO of IIMCIP. The panel delivered sharp insights into how AI is evolving and what it means for startups on the ground.

One of the most anticipated sessions of the day was led by Ajitesh Kumar (Customer Engineer,
Infrastructure Modernisation, Google), who took the audience on a deep dive into Gemini 2.5,
Gemma 3.0, Vertex AI, AI Studio, Multimodal Live, Imagen and Veo, bringing Google’s latest
advancements in Generative AI to life. This was followed by two back-to-back codelabs conducted by (VJ) Vijaykumar Jangamashetti, Senior Technical Solutions Consultant at Google, where participants got their hands dirty building a Travel Agent using MCP Toolbox and exploring Gemini 2.5 Pro on Google Cloud. The energy continued with a dynamic session by Usha Rengaraju, Google Developer Expert, who showcased how to prototype, build and run full-stack AI apps using Firebase Studio.

The event also gave startups a peek into Google for Startups programmes, thanks to an insightful talk by Enisha Kalita, Program Manager at Google. SRINIVAS GADHAVILLI, Head-Sourcing at IIMCIP, wrapped up the day with closing remarks, followed
by high tea and networking, where ideas continued to flow and connections took root. The event was a powerful reminder of how AI is reshaping what’s possible. Heres to more such collaborations, more innovation and a smarter, AI-powered startup ecosystem!

NEST’s First Bootcamp Kicks Off at IIM Calcutta

The Design India Impact Movement’s flagship incubation programme, NEST, in association with the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, successfully conducted its first boot camp for the first batch of 11 teams from July 28 to 30, 2025, at the IIM Calcutta campus.

Day 1 began with a warm welcome and an engaging session on Visioning and Goal Setting by Mr. Gaurav Kapoor, CBO, IIMCIP. This was followed by a session on the ‘Entrepreneurship Lifecycle and Stakeholder Analysis’, conducted by Dr. Subhrangshu Sanyal, CEO of IIMCIP. Post-lunch, participants took part in an interactive activity designed to deepen their understanding of business stakeholders.

The day concluded with a compelling fireside chat, where three startup founders, viz., Nivedita Chatterjee (Founder, Vigilantia Praesidium), Rohan Tripathi (Founder, Innovocare) and Soumitra Das Mohapatra (Founder, Metaspec), shared their startup journeys, focussing on the challenges and roadblocks they encountered in moving from prototype to market and securing early-stage funding. The session was moderated by Aditya Sen from IIMCIP and offered participants valuable real-world insights.

Day 2 was dedicated to Design Thinking, with Prof. C.D. Mitra introducing the participants to key concepts and the critical role of empathy as the starting point of the design thinking process. The session explored the characteristics of a design thinking mindset, followed by a hands-on Empathy Mapping exercise in the afternoon.

Day 3 featured a much-anticipated mentor meet, where participants were introduced to their respective mentors. These face-to-face conversations enabled mentors to understand the entrepreneurs’ business goals and identify the kind of support needed in their journey ahead. Mentors also reviewed the participants’ prototypes and provided feedback and suggestions for further development. This session marked the beginning of a six-month mentor-mentee engagement, aimed at helping the startups progress from Prototype to Market. Our sincere thanks to mentors Mr. Vasant Subramanium, Mr. Suman Mukhopadhyay, Mr. Kaustav Majumdar and Mr. Anil Bajaj for their time, insights and ongoing support.

The bootcamp saw enthusiastic participation, with active discussions and thought-provoking questions from all teams, setting a strong foundation for the months ahead.

PRAVAH 2025: Powering the Circular Economy Movement in North East India

On June 19, 2025, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), in collaboration with Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF), hosted PRAVAH in Guwahati—a flagship event under the PRIF Prakriti Incubation Launchpad, designed to spotlight sustainable innovation and circular entrepreneurship in North East India.

The event brought together an inspiring mix of government officials, industry leaders, social entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers, all united by a shared vision for a greener, more inclusive future.

Championing Sustainable Innovation in the North East

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Jeevan Basavaraj, IAS, Secretary, Department of Innovation, Incubation and Startups, Government of Assam, emphasised the enormous potential of startups from North East India in driving sustainability and circularity. He applauded IIMCIP for its consistent efforts in nurturing the entrepreneurial landscape in the region.

Ajay Jain, Chairman of the IIMCIP Board and Member of the Board of Governors at IIM Calcutta, echoed this sentiment. “Entrepreneurs in North East India have both the drive and capability to scale their ventures nationally. What they need is focused guidance—and that’s exactly what we’re here to offer,” he shared.

The event was further enriched by the presence of esteemed dignitaries like Prabhat Kamal Bezbaruah, former Chairman of the Indian Tea Board and the Tocklai Tea Research Centre, and Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan, Managing Director of Numaligarh Refinery Limited.

Insights and Inspiration

A key segment of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion on building a robust support system for green entrepreneurship. Moderated by Gaurav Kapoor, Chief Business Officer, IIMCIP, the panel featured Dr. Arup Misra, Chairman, Pollution Control Board, Assam; Anantika Singh, GM – CSR, Pernod Ricard India; and Achitra Borgohain, Founder, Binbag.

Another powerful moment was the inspiring story of David Gogoi, founder of Zerund Manufacturing and an IIMCIP-supported clean-tech entrepreneur. He shared his journey from crafting a college project prototype to building a venture now recognised by industry leaders like Gruhas Proptech, DLF Family Office, Anthill Ventures, Villgro, NEDFi and NRL.

Welcoming the Prakriti Incubation Launchpad Cohort

One of the event’s key milestones was the onboarding of the PRIF PRAKRITI Incubation Launchpad cohort, comprising 12 carefully selected startups from North East India that are creating impact at the crossroads of sustainability, circularity and social change. Over the coming months, these startups will receive dedicated support from IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, including mentorship, funding opportunities and strategic market linkages to help them scale their ventures across India.

Showcasing Impact: The PRIF UNNATI Report

Adding to the day’s highlights, an Impact Report was unveiled, capturing the impact of the PRIF Women Entrepreneurship Programme—an incubation initiative that has empowered 22 women-led ventures from across the country.

Spark Social Seminar series wraps up with a trail of inspiration and 15,000+ applications for TSEC

The Spark Social Seminar series, as part of outreach for the 13^th edition of the Tata Social Enterprise Challenge, drew to a close following a remarkable month of meeting changemakers and igniting entrepreneurial aspirations among innovators across 10 premier startup incubators and academic institutions in the country.

The series began at I-Hub Gujarat, journeyed through SSN Incubation Foundation in Chennai, sparked energy at Startup Bihar and Startup Odisha, made impactful stops at AIC RNTU in Bhopal, Maker Village in Kochi, T-Hub in Hyderabad, IILM University in Noida and AIC-BHU in Varanasi, before concluding its vibrant run in Guwahati.

The sessions, altogether, witnessed participation of close to 500 aspiring changemakers, innovators and young entrepreneurs, creating vibrant spaces for dialogue, inspiration and ideation. Each seminar featured powerful storytelling by seasoned social entrepreneurs, sharing valuable insights from their real-life journeys, and awareness sessions led by senior officials from IIM Calcutta Innovation Park.

Far beyond traditional seminars, these gatherings served as catalysts for change,fostering awareness and purpose among India’s next generation of social innovators.

The 13th edition of the Tata Social Enterprise Challenge witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 15,000 applications pouring in from across the country. Over the years, it has emerged as one of the most prestigious B-plan competitions for social entrepreneurs, playing a pivotal role in the growth of impactful startups like DeHaat and Niyo Farmtech, whose affordable agri-machinery innovations recently earned praises from none other than Bill Gates.

IIMCIP organises the fifth edition of Assam’s biggest startup networking meet, CONNECT.X

The 5th edition of CONNECT.X, a flagship startup networking event organised by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), in collaboration with TATA Sons, concluded with resounding success today at Hotel Palacio, Guwahati. The event witnessed an energetic gathering of nearly 100 participants, including startup founders, angel investors, venture capitalists, industry leaders and ecosystem enablers, reaffirming CONNECT.X’s status as one of Assam’s most impactful startup networking platforms.

This edition was packed with thought-provoking conversations, meaningful networking and keynotes from seasoned professionals. A major highlight of the evening was the presence of Mr. Ajay Jain, Chairman of the Board at IIMCIP and Member of the Board of Governors at IIM Calcutta. Drawing from over four decades of experience across the corporate world, academia and entrepreneurship, Mr. Jain offered invaluable insights to the audience. Highlighting the immense potential of North East India, he emphasised that the true success of an entrepreneur lies in their mindset, not external conditions. “By 2047, a Viksit Bharat will be led by job creators, not job seekers,” he remarked with conviction.

Mr. Jain also lauded the Tata Social Enterprise Challenge (TSEC) – a joint initiative of the TATA Sons and IIM Calcutta, and India’s most prestigious hunt for promising social enterprises – as a unique and timely opportunity for entrepreneurs in the North East to harness their region’s strengths and build sustainable, high-impact ventures.

An engaging panel discussion on startup investments brought together investors and experts from across sectors. The panel featured Prasanta Kumar Talukdar, Deputy General Manager (Investment) at NEDFi Venture Capital Limited; Pranta Pratim Singha, Chief Manager of Corporate Planning at Numaligarh Refinery Limited; Joutishman Dutta, Managing Trustee of down town Charity Trust and a prominent angel investor; and Pankaj Baruah, Head of Portfolio, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. The discussion explored a range of funding opportunities available for startups in North East India, with insights into initiatives by NRL, NEDFi Venture Capital Ltd., IIM Calcutta Innovation Park and Assam down town University. The panellists also shared their views on the prospects of deep-tech ventures in the region and unpacked what investors really look for when evaluating early-stage startups.

During the Q&A round, the IIMCIP Board Chairman, Mr. Ajay Jain, offered a crucial insight, drawing a compelling distinction between invention and innovation, emphasising that an invention becomes innovation only when it is commercialised for widespread use. He further noted that globally, only a handful of patented innovations actually make it to market, underscoring the importance of viability in the innovation journey.

Since its inception, CONNECT.X has consistently delivered on its mission to bring together key stakeholders from across the startup value chain. Over its previous four editions, the event has hosted a dynamic mix of 100+ attendees per session, including startup founders, VCs, angel investors, industry veterans and professional service providers. Notable personalities who have participated in earlier editions include Shri PVSL Murty, CMD, NEDFi; Mr. Nagaraja Prakasam, Partner, Acumen Fund & Founding Angel, IAN Impact; Dr. Ringo Rajagopal, Executive Officer, uMobi Solutions Corporation and Visiting Faculty, IIM Calcutta; Pratap TP, Founder, QwikCilver Solutions; Himanshu Acharya, Head of New Business Development, Mitsubishi Corporation India; and Anjan Pathak, Co-Founder, Vantage Circle, among others.

The 5th edition of CONNECT.X not only underscored the vibrancy of Assam’s entrepreneurial talent but also reinforced IIMCIP’s ongoing commitment to driving innovation-led development in the region.

Bengal Business Accelerator Program kicks off with a 3-day bootcamp!

The first COHORT of the Bengal Business Accelerator Program—a flagship initiative by the Government of West Bengal in collaboration with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) under the World Bank-aided RAMP Scheme—was launched with an inaugural bootcamp in Kolkata from April 24-26, 2025. The 3-day bootcamp marked the official beginning of a transformative acceleration journey for 25 high-potential startups or MSMEs, selected from an overwhelming 266 applications received across sectors.

Designed to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools and mindset required to scale, the bootcamp brought together a power-packed lineup of mentors, industry leaders and startup experts.

Day 1: The opening day set the tone with a welcome session by Mr. P Choudhury, Jt Director, Department of MSME&T, Government of West Bengal, and Mr. Srinivas Gadhavilli, Head, Ecosystem Development at IIMCIP. They introduced the RAMP Scheme, the structure of the accelerator program and its vision to make Bengal a startup powerhouse. Following this, Mr. Gaurav Kapoor, CBO at IIMCIP, led an engaging ice-breaking session, helping founders to bond and set collaborative energy for the days ahead. The day progressed with Dr. Subhrangshu Sanyal, CEO of IIMCIP, decoding the traits of fundable startups—insights to help participants align their business models with investor expectations. The afternoon sessions saw Dr. Ringo Rajagopal, CEO of uMobi Solutions, guide startups in building robust business roadmaps, followed by Mr. Kaustav Majumdar, Professor of Practice, who offered a deep dive into developing a compelling Customer Value Proposition. From customer research to refining product features, it was all about building lovable solutions that truly address user needs.

Day 2: Day two began with a masterclass by Mr. T. P. Pratap, Founder of Qwikcilver, on achieving product-market fit, validating offerings, segmenting customers and preparing for scale. A key highlight of the day was the entrepreneurial story shared by Mr. Madan M. Mohanka, Chairman of Tega Industries. His presence, along with Smt. Jayashree Mohanka, Member of the IIMCIP Board, brought immense value and gravitas to the programme, serving as a testament to Bengal’s legacy of innovation and leadership. This was followed by a session on lean manufacturing practices by Sri Manish Chandra Vinay, Dy Director of the National Productivity Council, giving startups a taste of operational efficiency. Mr. Sanjoy Sen, IIMCIP Mentor, led the next session on Customer Experience Journey Mapping, helping founders understand how to identify customer pain points and design for delight. The day concluded with a dynamic Diagnostics Panel, where a team of experts engaged directly with startups to evaluate their readiness and offer tailored advice. Panellists included Jayashree Mohanka TP Pratap, Sanjoy Sen, Suman Mukhopadhyay, Debapratim Das, Namami Ghosh, Srinivas Gadhavilli, Anil Bajaj, Sandip Bhatia and Supratik Bhowmik.

Day 3: The final day zoomed in on branding, marketing and pricing strategy. Prof. C. D. Mitra, Founder & CEO of Pipalmajik and Visiting Professor at IIM Calcutta, led a thought-provoking session on Branding and Promotion, covering everything from defining brand identity to executing promotional campaigns with consistency. This was followed by a highly relevant session on Pricing Strategy by Dr. Ritu Mehta, Professor at IIM Calcutta. The bootcamp wrapped up with a networking session, fostering peer-to-peer learning and open dialogue with mentors. The day ended with an interactive & networking session with MBA-Ex students in the Start Up Garage hackathon hosted by IIM Calcutta.

The bootcamp brought clarity, inspiration and momentum to the Cohort, laying the groundwork for what promises to be a powerful acceleration journey. As the accelerator programme moves into deeper mentorship and investor connects in the coming months, these 25 startups now stand better equipped with more sharpened acumen and clarity in ambitions.

Startup Garage Hackathon: Turning Ideas into Ventures

From April 25–27, 2025, the IIM Calcutta campus buzzed with startup energy as the Startup Garage Hackathon took centre stage. Organised by IIM Calcutta, in collaboration with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) and supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the hackathon welcomed the incoming MBA-Ex Batch 19 with an unforgettable plunge into the world of entrepreneurship.

This dynamic 3-day event was designed around the theme “Job Seekers to Job Creators: Re-imagining Contemporary India”, encouraging students to think beyond traditional career paths and build the businesses of tomorrow.

The hackathon kicked off with over 90 students submitting startup ideas. From these, the top 30 were shortlisted, who entered an intense investment simulation round where they pitched to secure virtual “funding.” By the end of Day 1, the top 12 ideas were selected to form teams and start building real prototypes overnight.

On the second day, the Startup Garage transformed into a full-fledged accelerator. The teams underwent intensive mentorship by IIM Calcutta alumni, real-world pitching simulations led by the IIMCIP CEO, Dr. Subhrangshu Sanyal, business plan validation and mock fundraising sessions, pushing their ideas towards market feasibility. Each team received focused feedback—all in a high-pressure, time-sensitive format that pushed them to think fast and iterate even faster.

The finale brought in a jury of distinguished entrepreneurs and investors who judged each pitch on the basis of innovation, scalability and problem-solving depth. Post the pitching, three teams emerged winners, viz., InteliMend (Winner), Neuro Edge (Runner Up) and Green X (Second Runner Up).

The Startup Garage wasn’t just a competition — it was a live experience of what building a startup feels like: sleepless nights, sharp pivots, mentorship breakthroughs and the thrill of creating something from scratch!

ReGen Innovation Accelerator: Second Bootcamp

The second bootcamp for startups under the ReGen Innovation Accelerator 2025 took off to a flying start at the IIM Calcutta campus on April 28, 2025.

DAY 1

The first day of the 2-day bootcamp kickstarted with a series of insightful sessions aimed at equipping early-stage startups with practical business knowledge and strategic tools.

The day began with an engaging workshop on Stakeholder Mapping, led by Mr. Rajeev Nair and Mr. Shyam Sukhramani, Partners at 7th Gen Ventures.

Post-lunch, Mr. Pankaj Baruah from IIM Calcutta Innovation Park led a deep dive session on Business Plan Development, where participants gained crucial insights into structuring a business plan. This was followed by an important session on Marketing Strategy for Businesses in the Circular Economy, led by Mr. Subir Chakraborty, former MD & CEO of Exide Industries, highlighting the role of sustainability and innovation in modern market approaches. The financial foundation of entrepreneurship was addressed in a dedicated session by Mr. Rakesh Singh, who offered clarity on key financial concepts critical for startup founders.

The day wrapped up with an engaging fireside chat on “What investors look for in early-stage startups?”, where experts — Mr. Rajeev Nair and Mr. Shyam Sukhramani (Partners, 7th Gen Ventures), Mr. Srinivas Gadhavilli (IIMCIP) and Mr. Love Sharin (ALSiSAR Impact) — shared valuable insights on fundraising with the attending startup founders.

ReGen Innovation Accelerator 2025 is a programme exclusively tailored for circularity and waste and water management startups, driven by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, in collaboration with 7th Gen Ventures and ALSiSAR Impact, and supported by Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) at the Aspen Institute and IKEA Foundation under the Investment Innovation Fund designed to improve access to finance for waste and circularity enterprises in India.

DAY 2

The second and final day of the bootcamp under the ReGen Innovation Accelerator 2025 concluded yesterday at the IIM Calcutta campus, continuing its mission to equip circular economy startups with critical business acumen and investor readiness.

The day began with a comprehensive session on the financial foundations of entrepreneurship, delivered by Mr. Rakesh Singh, Partner, S Sanghi & Co. The session offered participants clear insights into essential financial concepts. Another important session focussed on Basic Accounting and Unit Economics, conducted by Prof. Manju Jaiswal from IIM Calcutta.

One of the highlights of the day was the Mock Pitching segment, where groups of startups presented their business ideas to a panel comprising mentors from IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, 7th Gen Ventures and ALSiSAR Impact. Participating founders received invaluable feedback on pitch delivery, value proposition and investor expectations—the key steps in preparing for real-world fundraising.

With another successful bootcamp concluded, the ReGen Innovation Accelerator 2025 continues to empower startups working in the fields of circularity and waste and water management.

ReGen Innovation Accelerator 2025 is driven by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, in collaboration with 7th Gen Ventures, ALSiSAR IMPACT and supported by the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) at the Aspen Institute and IKEA Foundation under the Investment Innovation Fund designed to improve access to finance for waste and circularity enterprises in India.

Operation Dronagiri launched to advance Geospatial Technology in Assam

Operation Dronagiri was officially launched for Kamrup and Kamrup (M) yesterday in Guwahati, in the presence of Shri Sumit Sattawan, IAS, District Commissioner of Kamrup; Mr. Srikant Sastri, Chairman, GDPSC; Dr. Mohan Kumar Stalin, Additional Surveyor, East India; P.L.N. Raju, Director, Assam State Space Application Centre (ASSAC); and Mr. Pranjal Konwar, COO, IIMCIP. The event also saw participation from government officials, corporate representatives from Tech Mahindra, Bajaj Allianz, GalaxEye, ESRI, ESAF Bank and Delhivery, startups and entrepreneurs.

The launch event introduced the Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI), a newly developed system aimed at enhancing the use of geospatial technology. The GDI is designed to create new opportunities in three key sectors, viz., Agriculture, Transportation and Livelihoods & Skilling. The discussions emphasised the role of geospatial technology in urban and rural development, efficient resource management and strategic planning.

During the event, stakeholders engaged in interactive discussions, leading to collaborations between startups, businesses and government bodies for the effective execution of Operation Dronagiri. Key suggestions were made to ensure smooth implementation and scalability, positioning geospatial technology as a crucial tool for economic progress.

The following startups have been selected for Operation Dronagiri and will be working for Kamrup Metro and Kamrup Rural – Addble Solutions, ekarigari.in System, Kisan Rover and SparkyAI! These startups will play key roles in enhancing accessibility, unlocking socio-economic growth opportunities and facilitating a larger impact through geospatial adoption.

With Operation Dronagiri now in motion, the initiative is set to drive innovation, promote geospatial adoption and contribute to the nation’s sustainable development goal.

AGRANI captures the indomitable spirit of women entrepreneurs in Assam

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, in collaboration with Pernod Ricard India Foundation, hosted AGRANI in Guwahati—an inspiring celebration of women entrepreneurs who dare to dream, lead, and transform.

The event brought together trailblazing women founders and aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering an environment of learning, connection and growth. From a much-needed discussion on mental well-being led by clinical psychologist Dr. Priyanka Bhattacharjee to a thought-provoking panel discussion on challenges and solutions for women entrepreneurs, the day was filled with insights and shared experiences.

The panel, featuring Dr. Anubhuti Deorah (Co-Founder, PRO-TO-GROW; Co-Chair, Young Indians-Guwahati Chapter), Smitakshi B Goswami (Director, Pratidin Media Network), Shradhanjali Sarma (Legal Counsel, YVLC.legal), Kavita Verma (Co-Founder, ChfMart) and Syeda Fatima Bint Mazid (Co-Founder, BAFA Bags), and moderated by IIMCIP COO Pranjal Konwar, sparked powerful conversations on resilience, innovation and navigating the entrepreneurial journey.

Beyond discussions, AGRANI became a dynamic space where women entrepreneurs shared about their challenges, built meaningful connections and contributed to initiating a support network in the process that can uplift and empower them in their journeys ahead.

We are also deeply grateful to Subhasis Dash, North East Head – Manufacturing, Pernod Ricard India, and Sashi Kant Saha, Assistant Manager – Production, Pernod Ricard India, for their presence at the event and for enlightening the audience on the organisation’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, including the soon-to-be-launched startup programme for North East India under the Pernod Ricard India Foundation.

IIMCIP Annual Incubatee Meet 2025 becomes a ground for reunion, networking and learning

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park organised the Annual Incubatee Meet 2025 at IIM Calcutta from February 27 to March 01, 2025. The Meet brought together startups incubated under various IIMCIP programmes, creating a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs, mentors and industry experts to exchange insights. The 3-day event featured a carefully curated agenda blending theoretical knowledge, practical strategies and interactive discussions, equipping startups with the tools to navigate their entrepreneurial journey confidently.

Strategic Leadership in Entrepreneurship Development Program for State Project Managers of SRLMs

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park successfully conducted the Strategic Leadership in Entrepreneurship Development program for State Project Managers (SPMs) of various State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) across India. Held in two batches, from November 4–6, 2024 (Batch A) and December 9–11, 2024 (Batch B), the program brought together over 60 officials. The initiative aimed to equip participants with the skills and perspectives needed to transition from regulatory roles to proactive enablers of rural entrepreneurship.

The program was designed to foster leadership competencies crucial for nurturing rural enterprises in both farm and non-farm sectors. These enterprises, by leveraging local resources, act as catalysts for sustainable socio-economic growth, employment generation and reducing migration. Through carefully curated sessions, the participants explored innovative frameworks and tools to support rural entrepreneurship, contributing to economic stability and development.

The three-day agenda of each batch included interactive workshops, group activities and case-based learning. Day one set the stage with sessions on rural economics, entrepreneurship basics and design thinking for problem-solving. Experts delved into macro and microeconomic dynamics in rural economies, the essentials of fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems and methodologies for market-driven innovation. Day two built upon these foundations with industry opportunity analysis, intervention planning and enterprise finance sessions. Participants examined strategies for value chain analysis, risk mitigation and collateral-free financing to empower rural enterprises and first-generation entrepreneurs. Each session was thoughtfully designed and delivered by distinguished mentors and industry experts, including Dr. Jawahar Surisetti (Advisor to Government, TED Speaker, Startup Mentor, and Bestselling Author), Prof. CD Mitra (Mentor & Advisor, IIMCIP|Founder-CEO, PipalMajik), Suman Mukhopadhyay (Director, banglanatak dot com), Dr. Pragyan Rath (Assistant Professor, IIM Calcutta), Proloy Majumder (Visiting Faculty of Finance, IIM Calcutta), Kaustav Majumder (Mentor, IIMCIP|CEO, ILS Network), Santanu Ghosh (Regional Manager, Paschim Banga Gramin Bank), and IIMCIP leaders such as Dr. Subhrangshu Sanyal, Debapratim Das, Gaurav Kapoor, Srinivas Gadhavilli, and Avijit Das.

For Batch 1, the agenda also included sessions on alternate sources of funding and rural product marketing and sales, facilitated by seasoned entrepreneurs of the country like Ramakrishna NK (Founder, Rang De), Abhik Roy (Founder, Andre Garcia Marketing) Subramanium Sastry (Co-Founder, Good Cause) and Bhanu Pratap Singh (Founder, North East Farm Sales Promotion).

The final day featured marketing and sales strategies for rural products, followed by group presentations. The program concluded with a valedictory session graced by Smt. Rajeshwari SM, Director, NRLM.

The program provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the tools and strategies necessary for fostering rural entrepreneurship. With these insights, the SPMs are better prepared to facilitate enterprise creation, support sustainable business growth and drive inclusive economic development. IIMCIP remains steadfast in its commitment to initiatives that empower stakeholders and strengthen rural ecosystems.

IIMCIP’s strategic workshop boosts leadership for rural transformation in Tamil Nadu

Given the hands-on experience of successfully driving a rural incubation program for the states of Assam, Bihar and West Bengal as part of the NRLM-led NRETP Incubator Program, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park has picked up the baton to pass on the learnings and best practices for supporting rural entrepreneurs to the enablers who are in a position to play crucial roles in supporting enterprises within the rural landscape of the country. Taking the first step towards realising the objective, IIMCIP designed a 4-month capacity building program for the officials from the Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project (TNRTP). This strategic program, designed in collaboration with the Government of Tamil Nadu, sought to equip officials with the necessary skills, tools and insights to drive meaningful economic change in rural communities.

The primary objective of the capacity-building workshop was to enhance the ability of TNRTP officials to effectively manage and implement rural development programs. Through a focus on leadership and management development, the program aimed to prepare officials to design and execute initiatives that drive tangible change in rural communities. By the end of the training, participants gained the confidence and skills needed to address complex challenges, mobilise resources and meet program objectives with greater efficiency.

Capacity enhancement through bootcamps

The Capacity Enhancement Workshop was conducted in three distinct bootcamps, held across three batches over three days, from May to September. Each batch was led by its respective facilitators, viz., V. Babu, S. Muruganantham and Jagan Kumar L. Each bootcamp was tailored to different groups of officials, followed by a final session specifically designed for senior executives. For the bootcamps, the participants were trained in essential components for empowering rural entrepreneurs, like leadership, market access and value chain development. From understanding rural business models, the MSME sector and practical insights into rural development, to mastering the intricacies of legal compliance and financial management, TNRTP officials gained comprehensive insights that have built their capacity to enhance rural livelihoods through entrepreneurship and innovation. Experts to lead the sessions were Divvay Chaddha and Nitish Mawkin from Singhania & Co., while Rakesh Singh from S. Sanghi & Co. and Debapratim Das, the IIMCIP CFO took charge of the sessions on financial management.

A significant aspect of the program was its emphasis on market-driven strategies to promote rural enterprises. Officials were trained in value chain enhancement, enabling rural entrepreneurs to connect with broader markets, increase competitiveness and achieve better economic outcomes. This market-oriented approach aimed to improve the viability and profitability of rural businesses, directly contributing to enhanced livelihoods.

Hands-on learning and real-world impact

One of the hallmarks of IIMCIP’s approach is its emphasis on experiential learning. The workshop didn’t just focus on theoretical knowledge—it immersed participants in the realities of rural entrepreneurship. Officials had the unique opportunity to directly interact with entrepreneurs and explore real-life case studies. This hands-on experience allowed officials to apply the theoretical knowledge gained during the workshop to real-world scenarios, deepening their understanding of the dynamics of rural entrepreneurship. The final phase of the program culminated in team presentations, where officials showcased their strategies for rural enterprises. The most innovative and impactful team was awarded for their presentation.

Boosting competencies for sustainable rural transformation

At the heart of IIMCIP’s initiative is the belief that capacity building is key to long-term rural transformation. The workshop introduced innovative tools and methodologies to help officials address key issues related to rural entrepreneurship, livelihood creation and sustainable development. Participants were introduced to methods for streamlining processes, improving communication, and leveraging data for more informed decision-making.

Furthermore, the program placed a strong emphasis on mentorship. IIMCIP’s mentors, including Dr. Subhrangshu Sanyal (CEO), Debapratim Das (CFO), Suman Mukhopadhyay, Gaurav Kapoor (CBO), Prof. C.D. Mitra, Kaustav Majumdar, Dr. Bikash Chandra Mondal and Saumitra Dutta, trained officials towards guiding rural entrepreneurs through challenges, fostering innovation and ensuring the long-term sustainability of grassroots-level enterprises.

The capacity enhancement program was further strengthened by the involvement of Ms. S. Divyadharshini, IAS, CEO of TNRTP and Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihoods Mission (TNSRLM), whose presence underscored the significance and impact of the initiative.

IIMCIP’s Capacity Enhancement Workshop for TNRTP officials represents a bold step forward in rural development, with a clear focus on creating a lasting impact. As IIMCIP continues to champion rural innovation and entrepreneurship, programs like this are expected to create agents of change who will lead the way in fostering sustainable rural economies towards achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat.

The 12th Edition of Tata Social Enterprise Challenge wraps up with new milestones and promises

The 12^th edition of the Tata Social Enterprise Challenge (TSEC) at IIM Calcutta has marked another significant milestone in promoting social entrepreneurship in India. This year’s edition introduced innovative features, expanded its reach, and created new categories that opened doors for a broader range of entrepreneurial talent. The event, which concluded in September 2024, set new benchmarks for future editions and continued its mission of nurturing social enterprises that address critical societal issues.

The event unfolded over three dynamic days, offering a mix of mentoring, training, and pitching opportunities. It began with a bootcamp that offered rigorous training to the Top 50 startups. The day began with a specialised workshop by Dr. Ringo Rajagopal, CEO, uMobi Solutions Corp and Visiting Faculty at IIM Calcutta. It was followed by one-on-one mentoring sessions with prominent mentors from IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, like Debapratim Das, CFO, IIMCIP; Suman Mukhopadhyay, Mentor, IIMCIP; Namami Ghosh, Head of Incubation, IIMCIP; Pankaj Baruah, Head of Portfolio Management, IIMCIP; Dr. Ringo Rajagopal, CEO, uMobi Solutions Corp.; and Gaurav Kapoor, CBO, IIMCIP. The mentoring allowed the participants to enhance their pitches and boost their chances of success in the competition.

The second day was all about the pitch presentations. Startups presented their ideas to esteemed panels of judges, with a focus on innovation, scalability and social impact. The panels featured a distinguished lineup of industry experts and entrepreneurs, including T N Hari, Executive Chairman, STEER World and Member of the Board, IIMCIP; Mr. Ankur Shah, AVP, Patni Capital; Dr. Ringo Rajagopal; Foram Nagori, Head CSR, Tata Power; Anuj Sharma, Founder, Alsisar Impact; Uday Chatterjee, Director, TiE Dehradun; Deepak Daftari, Founder, E-Siksha & Ex-President, TiE Kolkata; Debraj Kundu, TCS, Sub ISU Head, CBG Retail UK & EU; K Chandran, MD & CEO, Campus Angel Network and Member of the Board, IIMCIP; Rachana Chandrashekhar, Upaya Social Venture; and Gaurav Shah, Founder, ISDM (TBC).

The top 10 startups advanced to the final day’s summit, while others benefited from a funding strategy workshop led by Debapratim Das. The workshop covered critical aspects of securing funding and scaling a social venture, giving participants the tools to navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.

On the final day, the top startups competed for prestigious awards and recognition, pitching their ideas to a distinguished panel comprising senior members of the Tata Group and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park like Ajay Jain, Member of the Board, IIM Calcutta & IIMCIP; Dr. Subhrangshu Sanyal, CEO, IIMCIP; K Neelakantan, Partner, Ankur Capital; Hari Balasubramanian, Member, Indian Angel Network; Chako Thomas, Head, Tata Sustainability Group; Manojit Sengupta, TCS, Digital Customer Experience Head; and Sourav Roy, Chief (Corporate Social Responsibility), Tata Steel Foundation.

The TSEC Summit

The program’s final day concluded with a grand Summit, bringing together more than 500 startup founders, industry leaders, seasoned entrepreneurs and students.

Peppered with insightful panel discussions, the Summit featured an interesting discourse on the “Challenges & Opportunities of Social Entrepreneurs” by IIMCIP-incubated startups and social entrepreneurs, Ekta Jaju, Founder of Onganic and Prarthana Kaul, Cofounder of GiftAbled. Another discussion, “Social Entrepreneurship: Challenges & Exploring Opportunities,” featured experts like Hari Balasubramanian and K Neelakantan. These discussions provided actionable advice and a rich networking opportunity for the attendees.

The competition culminated in the announcement of this year’s winners. Backyard Creators, founded by Raman R. and Lakshmanan R., took home the top prize, while Navmarg Research and Innovation and Padmaseetha Technologies were declared first and second runners-up, respectively. Alphaion received the seed fund award for its innovative efforts, marking a promising future for the startup.

New additions

One of the standout additions this year was the Tata Steel Thematic Prize, designed to recognise startups tackling challenges across five key themes. These included environmental sustainability, health and wellness, waste management, manufacturing for social good, and water and sanitation. Each theme highlighted the importance of targeted solutions for some of the world’s most pressing concerns. Startups such as UGreen Technology in environment and climate action, CareNX Innovations (Fetosense) in health and wellness, Aarug Reusable Pads in manufacturing and social good, Royal Bengal Greentech in waste management and recycling and Vaidic Srijan in water and sanitation emerged as exemplary innovators in their respective fields.

The introduction of the TSEC Young Innovators Challenge was a thoughtful addition, providing a platform for young entrepreneurs from West Bengal to present their innovative ideas. Teams like Ayudyog from Jadavpur University, AvionX Aerospace from Adamas University and Jamabavantha from Heritage Institute of Technology showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills. The inclusion of students and young professionals reinforced TSEC’s commitment to fostering the next generation of social entrepreneurs.

The 12^th edition of TSEC reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for social change, offering a platform for entrepreneurs to address crucial societal issues. With every edition, the Tata Social Enterprise Challenge continues to evolve, solidifying its commitment to fostering impactful social enterprises that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.

City Champions 2024: Second Bootcamp held in Bangalore

The second bootcamp for the 16 urban development startups selected for City Champions 2024 took place at Hotel Chancery Pavilion and the Omidyar Network India on September 19 and 20 respectively.

Day 1 of the bootcamp commenced with welcome notes from Aparna Bansal of Josh Talks and Devasish Sharma from IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, setting an encouraging tone for the sessions ahead.

The first session focused on Understanding Cost, Revenue and Unit Economics, where participants learned to break down financial components at a granular level. Resource persons Debapratim Das, CFO of IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, and Ms. Geeta Tolia, CA and Co-founder of Gravitech Business Solutions, guided the startups through the intricacies of unit economics, providing critical insights into managing financial health.

Following this, a practical session on Understanding Financial Projections and Funding Needs Analysis helped startups evaluate their financial strategies with a focus on future funding requirements. The interactive approach enabled participants to engage directly with the experts, ensuring a deeper understanding of financial projections.

The evening culminated in a fireside chat with TN Hari, Author, Investor, Mentor and Executive Chairman of STEER World and Member of the Board of IIMCIP, who shared his insights on the “Investment Landscape on Climate Tech and Sustainable Urban Development.” His engaging discussion provided valuable perspectives on emerging trends and opportunities within the sector.

Day 2 opened with an impactful session on the Investment Process: Elevator Pitch to Cheque, led by Prateek Jain, Principal at Fundamentum Partnership. Following this, a discussion on Fundraising by TP Pratap, Founder of Qwikcilver Solutions, delved into practical strategies and insights on navigating the fundraising landscape. Participants gained a clearer understanding of various funding sources and approaches. To wrap up the bootcamp, TN Hari returned to lead a session on Building a Winning Team.

4th edition of IIMCIP’s startup networking meet CONNECT.X receives an enthusiastic response in Guwahati

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), organised the fourth edition of Assam’s biggest startup networking meet, CONNECT.X, in Guwahati on September 24, 2024.

Designed to bring key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem under one roof for idea sharing, learning, networking and meaningful collaborations, the latest edition of the program saw the participation of around 120 startup founders, seasoned entrepreneurs, investors and leading representatives from corporates, PSUs, incubators and media houses in the region.

A major highlight was a keynote session by Pratap TP, founder of QwikCilver Solutions, the world’s first end-to-end gift card provider, where he shared his journey of building the startup and its successful exit after being acquired by Pine Labs for over $100 million. “Never say never—you never know when opportunities will come,” he remarked.

In addition, a panel discussion was conducted, focused on the importance of adopting emerging technologies to help startups stay relevant and competitive. Dr. Ringo Rajagopal, CEO of the US-based technology management solutions company, uMobi Solutions, and Nilotpal Boruah, co-founder of Assam-based technology startup, TechVariable, highlighted the need to align a company’s vision with technology adoption, rather than forcing trends like artificial intelligence and machine learning without purpose.

Adding a new freshness to the event was an experience-sharing session by Nayanjyoti Saikia, winner of MasterChef India S7, who detailed his journey of discovering his culinary passion at a young age, his trial-and-error experiences with a patisserie venture, and how MasterChef India became a turning point leading to the launch of his fine-dine venture, Roohani. His journey of identifying his calling, overcoming hurdles, learning from mistakes and evolving continuously as an entrepreneur resonated with the startup founders attending the event.

Other prominent attendees included Himanshu Acharya, Head of New Business Development at Mitsubishi Corporation India; Dr. Geetima Das Krishna, Head, NE – Invest India; Krishna Hazarika Rao, DGM (PR), Oil India Ltd.; veteran journalist and author Mrinal Talukdar; Zaveer Zaman, AGM (Investments), NEDFi Venture Capital Ltd.; Atreyee Borooah Thekedath, Founder of Web.com (India); and Jahnabi Phookan, Founder of Jungle Travels India, among others.

New and emerging startup founders expressed their excitement about finally having a one-of-a-kind platform in the region to connect with prominent figures from the startup ecosystem, learn from their vast experience and gain valuable exposure.

Over its four editions, CONNECT.X has gained a strong reputation for facilitating collaboration and exposure, particularly for emerging entrepreneurs in the region. IIMCIP launched CONNECT.X in 2022 after recognising the importance of networking and exposure for fostering the growth of Assam’s startup ecosystem. The aim has been to build a supportive community of stakeholders to drive the region’s startup ecosystem forward.

MeitY TIDE 2.0 Northeast Techathon – X4 celebrates promising startup ideas from Northeast India

The MeitY TIDE 2.0 Northeast Techathon – X4, Northeast India’s largest hunt for ICT-based business ideas, organised by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, was successfully concluded recently, covering five states in Northeast India. Spanning the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland from August 29 to September 20, 2024, the idea hunt series aimed to identify, nurture and celebrate innovative ideas, while equipping entrepreneurs with essential skills and mentorship.

Each state hosted a two-day event, beginning with a workshop by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) focused on effective pitching techniques, which helped the participants sharpen their presentation skills in preparation for the final pitching session on Day 2. Additionally, local startup founders from each hosting state shared their entrepreneurial journeys, providing inspiration and valuable insights to the participants

On Day 2, participants pitched their ideas to a distinguished jury, which selected three winners from each state. The events blended learning, motivation and competition, culminating in the discovery of some of the most promising startups in Northeast India.

The Techathon showcased impressive talent across the region. In Assam, the event held at Gauhati University Institute of Science and Technology on August 30 and 31, saw Hatk Media LLP, Stemcorp Dynamics LLP and Gentledental.ai emerge as the winners. The subsequent event in Assam at Jorhat Engineering College on September 19 and 20 recognised Outplayed, AgroNexa and Telescope Records as winners.

Arunachal Pradesh’s event at Rajiv Gandhi University on August 29 and 30 awarded Paradise on Wheels, InstaLaw and Ninur Farms AI. In Nagaland, the YouthNet Incubation Centre hosted participants on September 9 and 10, where Earthian Ki, Kiphire Mart and Splinxify (Coders Hope) walked away as winners. Meghalaya’s PRIME Hub in Shillong held its event on September 4 and 5, with Dejame Creacion, Iewduh Techz and Recycle Bazzar taking the winning spotlight. In Mizoram, the Mizoram Startup Hub celebrated Hinside, Style n Pose and 3D Printing Solution as winners on September 12 and 13.

The MeitY TIDE 2.0 Northeast Techathon series has been playing a remarkable role in fostering the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Northeast, providing a vital platform for bright minds to showcase their ideas and gain essential guidance. The response received by the program is a testament to the region’s potential for innovation and entrepreneurship.

IIM Calcutta unveils “IIMCIP Technology and Innovation Council”, a new tech incubation arm to benefit East & Northeast India

The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta has announced the establishment of the IIMCIP Technology and Innovation Council (IIMC-TIC), a new Section 8 company under IIM Calcutta Innovation Park! The landmark announcement was made during a launch event held at the IIM Calcutta campus on June 22, 2024, in the presence of eminent figures like the Chairman – IIM Calcutta Board of Governors, Director – IIM Calcutta, Chairman and Board members of IIM Calcutta Innovation Park and Padma Shri awardee Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, the proposed Chairman of the Board, IIMC-TIC.

The vision of IIMC-TIC is to foster innovation, push technology-driven growth and promote inclusive development across East and North-East India. The Council’s primary mission is to catalyse innovation and entrepreneurship while ensuring that the benefits reach all sections of society through a human-centric approach.

IIMC-TIC’s key activities would focus on:

• – Fostering a technology-driven entrepreneurship culture among students through academic partnerships in East and North-East India,
• – Catalysing ‘Build Clubs’ and technology communities within the academia to encourage creativity and nurture innovation,
• – Facilitating industry-academia collaborations to address industry challenges,
• – Supporting the development and commercialisation of deep tech solutions,
• – Leveraging regional strengths to drive impactful innovation to address key developmental challenges, and
• – Providing policy-level inputs to enhance the technology-led entrepreneurship ecosystem in East and Northeast India.

To achieve the mission of creating a large-scale socio-economic impact leveraging technology and innovation, IIM Calcutta (IIM Calcutta Innovation Park) will actively seek strategic partnerships with top technology institutions in India and abroad. It has already joined hands with the IIT Madras Incubation Cell, which is one of the best technology innovation centres in the country. This collaboration represents a confluence of intellectual prowess and innovation excellence and is poised to create a powerful synergy leveraging the business acumen of IIMCIP and the technological expertise of IIT Madras Incubation Cell. Padma Shri awardee Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, a luminary in the realm of technology and innovation and a visionary leader has agreed to preside as the Chairman of the Board of the IIMCIP Technology and Innovation Council (IIMC-TIC). Under his leadership, IIMC-TIC is poised to launch groundbreaking initiatives to revolutionise the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, particularly in East and Northeast India. 

IIMCIP at Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Headquarters in Hamamatsu

MeghaPreneur EXPO 2024

MeghaPreneur EXPO 2024 puts forth a springboard for Meghalaya entrepreneurs

The valleys of Meghalaya reverberated with a chorus singing paeans to the entrepreneurial spirit and the evolving entrepreneurship landscape in the state during the 3-day mega MeghaPreneur EXPO 2024 held recently. The event was graced by the honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma, who is spearheading the entrepreneurship renaissance in the state through the PRIME Meghalaya initiative. The EXPO drew a large audience, including state government dignitaries, accomplished startup founders, corporate representatives, local entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts.

Apart from creating a premium space for the display of innovative offerings of Meghalaya’s entrepreneurs and facilitating interactions among the local entrepreneurs, the 3-day mega event had let out the stage for successful startup founders like Shashank Kumar, founder of the IIMCIP-incubated DeHaat, Raghuram Kuchibatla, founder of Yespoho, Zomawii Khiangte, founder of Mizo Brewery, to share their journeys, inspire local entrepreneurs and equip them with valuable entrepreneurial insights. Besides, representatives from Walmart Vriddhi and ONDC were invited to enlighten the audience about the e-commerce environment and its latest trends. Additionally, Mr. Jayanta Das, Area Director of IHCL for NE, Darjeeling, Bhutan and Nepal, delivered an enlightening session, advising entrepreneurs to measure their success not only in terms of profit but also in how they positively impact the community.

The event also marked the graduation of Cohort 3.0 of PRIME’s E-championship program and the onboarding of the new Cohort. The event’s culmination featured several awards ceremonies, including the prestigious presentation of the CM-ELEVATE Award.

Meghapreneur EXPO 2024 was more than just an occasion; it was a celebration of the people of Meghalaya choosing the entrepreneurial path.

Northeast Startup Summit, organized by the North Eastern Council and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park

The North Eastern Council, in association with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, organised the “Northeast Startup Summit” on the 29^th of January, 2024, at Hotel Vivanta, Guwahati, bringing much-needed exposure to the startup ecosystem of the region.Serving as the culmination of the incubation program for the initial cohort of 270 startups under the North East Entrepreneurship Development Programme, a joint initiative by the North Eastern Council and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park as the Implementation Partner, the Summit stood out as the largest of its kind in the area.

The primary goal of the Summitwas to showcase and celebrate the evolution of the startup ecosystem in Northeast India while providing a platform for innovative minds to connect, collaborate and gain exposure. The eventwitnessed a footfall of over 500 startup founders from Northeast India, ecosystem enablers, celebrated entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and some of the top-notch investors in the country.

The event was graced by the Secretary of the North Eastern Council, K. Moses Chalai, IAS, who wasaccompanied by Som Kamei, IPoS, Planning Advisor, North Eastern Council and M.C Omi, Ningshen, IRS, NECBDC.The Chairman and Managing Director of NEDFi, PVSLN Murty was also present at the Summit, offering his valuable insights on funding andencouraging the emerging startups of the region.

Addressing the gathering, the NEC Secretary conveyed his satisfaction with the results of the North East Entrepreneurship Development Programme.”I am happy to see the 270 startups selected for the program benefiting from the guidance and mentorship provided by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park,” he remarked. He further assured the startups of comprehensive support and emphasised their crucial role in driving the economic transformation of the region.

The Summit garnered significant exposure for the fast-evolving startup ecosystem of the region as numerous reputed figures from India’s startup ecosystem participated in the event. Notable attendees included Sagar Daryani, Founder & CEO, Wow! Momo; Pratap TP, Founder, QwikCilver Solutions; Shradha Sharma, Founder & CEO, YourStory Media; SP Singh, Chief General Manager, SIDBI; Vikram Gupta, Founder & Managing Partner, IvyCap Ventures; Hari Balasubramanian, Member, Indian Angel Network; Anuj Sharma, Founder, ALSiSAR IMPACT; and Anil Chhikara, Head – Global Strategy, Marwari Catalysts, to name a few.

A key highlight of the mega eventwas an eclectic exhibition by over 80 startups from across the eight states of Northeast India, serving as a testament to the unique products and innovations emerging from the vibrant region.

While the visiting investors expressed interest in a number of startups from the region, the celebrated entrepreneurs were overwhelmed by the sheer variety and diversity of the products displayed by the startups at the exhibition.

IIMCIP Annual Strategy Meet 2023