SPJIMR WISE Tech India Pitchathon 2026 – West Bengal Edition brings promising startups to the IIM Calcutta campus

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), in collaboration with SPJIMR WISE Tech, hosted the SPJIMR WISE Tech India Pitchathon 2026 – West Bengal Edition on August 11, 2026, at the IIM Calcutta campus. The event brought together promising startups from across West Bengal, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their ventures, engage with industry experts and compete for a place at the national-level Grand Finale.

The West Bengal edition received an encouraging response, with 85+ applications from startups across the state. Following a rigorous screening and evaluation process coordinated by IIMCIP, the top 10 startups were shortlisted to present their ventures during the final pitching round.

3rd Bootcamp and Demo Day wrap up Phase One of the DICV–IIMCIP Social Impact Incubation Programme

The third Bootcamp of the DICV–IIMCIP Social Impact Incubation Programme for a Viksit Bharat brought together the cohort at IIM Calcutta from June 17–19, 2026, for three days dedicated to pitch readiness, mentor feedback and Demo Day.                                                  

The bootcamp focused on helping founders translate months of learning into compelling investment pitches. It began with an intensive Art of Pitching workshop led by Shivaji Dasgupta, Founder, Inexgro Brand Advisory, where founders explored the principles of impactful storytelling, effective communication and investor-focused pitching. The day concluded with a session on pitch deck structuring led by Pankaj Baruah, Head – Startup Programs, IIMCIP, helping startups refine their presentations for the final showcase.

IIMCIP Hosts Google AI Day for Startups India 2026, Kolkata Edition

For a room full of 200+ startup founders and engineers, July 31 became the day AI moved from being an esoteric buzzword to something they could actually build! IIM Calcutta Innovation Park had the privilege of hosting the Kolkata edition of Google AI Day for Startups India 2026 at the IIM Calcutta campus, centred on building with AI and not just talking about it.

IIMCIP Chairman Mr. Ajay Jain set the tone with an opening keynote, reminding founders that AI is a tool to execute better rather than a substitute for strategic thinking. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by IIMCIP COO Mr. Pranjal Konwar, featuring Ms. Rimjhim Ray (Co-founder, Wavo.ai), Mr. Udit Sharma (Co-founder, DDL Labs) and Mr. Saikat Biswas (Angel Investor | Founder & CEO, CareLyft Tech), where they spoke candidly about the real challenges of building physical AI products. 

Google’s technical session led by Mr. Shubham Vishwakarma (Customer Engineer, Google Cloud) and the hands-on AI hackathon by Google Developer Expert Mr. Imran Roshan gave participants the chance to move from theory to actually building with tools like the Agent Development Toolkit, Gemini 3, Imagen and VEO.

PRIME Meghalaya Cohort 6 Sharpens Financial Fundamentals with IIMCIP

Mentors and resource persons from IIM Calcutta Innovation Park delivered an immersive learning experience on Startup Finance for Meghalaya’s startups during the third bootcamp of PRIME Meghalaya’s sixth cohort last week.

The sessions during the bootcamp, led by Pankaj Baruah (Head – Startup Programs, IIMCIP) and Pankaj Periwal (Partner, V. Singhi & Associates), gave founders practical grounding in business accounting, financial statements, statutory compliance, unit economics and financial management, sharpening both their business operations and decision-making.

The final day featured one-on-one mentor interactions with Suman Mukhopadhyay, Suravi Borgohain, Piyush Sourabh Sharma, Pankaj Baruah, Kaustav Majumdar, Pankaj Periwal, Swapnil Chakraborty, Anasuya Mahanta and Sabreen Ahmed, who worked directly with startups to guide their next steps.

Since 2017, IIMCIP has been working in the North East, introducing initiatives with generous support from state governments and public bodies to create a conducive landscape for entrepreneurs to unleash their potential.

Bengal Business Accelerator Programme – Cohort 3 Concludes with Demo Day & Valedictory Ceremony

The Bengal Business Accelerator Programme (BBAP), an initiative of the Government of West Bengal in partnership with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) under the World Bank-aided RAMP Scheme, successfully concluded its third cohort with the Demo Day and Valedictory Ceremony held on 8 July 2026 at the IIM Calcutta campus.

Marking the culmination of an intensive six-month acceleration journey, the event brought together 22 startups from across West Bengal to showcase their business innovations before a distinguished panel of jurors, including Saikat Biswas, Founder & CEO, CareLyft Tech | Angel Investor;  Ankita Garg, Investor, Bharat Ke Founders; Dr. Mou Sen, Joint Director, MSME & Textiles, Government of West Bengal; Sridhar Bharatwaj, Founder, EIX Investments;  Vinay Khaitan, CTO, Sasta Sundar; and Hari Balasubramanian, Member, Indian Angel Network. Each pitch was followed by interactive discussions, during which the jury provided valuable feedback on business models, market potential, scalability, financial sustainability, competitive positioning and fundraising readiness.

Mizoram Mentor’s Training Programme

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), in collaboration with the Mizoram Startup Mission, conducted the Mizoram Mentor Training Programme from June 22 – 24, 2026. The 3-day programme was designed to strengthen Mizoram’s mentor ecosystem by equipping experienced professionals with the knowledge, tools and frameworks required to guide early-stage entrepreneurs and livelihood enterprises.

Drawing from over a decade of IIMCIP’s experience in building startup ecosystems across the North East, the programme addressed key mentorship challenges, including the need for structured mentoring practices, stronger founder engagement, standardised mentoring frameworks and measurable mentorship outcomes.

The programme brought together 10 officials, facilitators and mentors from Mizoram Startup Mission, along with a distinguished panel of resource persons from the IIMCIP network who delivered the sessions, including Prof. Nagaraja Prakasam (Partner, Acumen Fund), Prof. Chandradeep Mitra (Visiting Professor, IIM Calcutta | Founder, PipalMajik), Pranjal Konwar (COO, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park), Srinivas G (Head – Sourcing & Partnerships, IIMCIP), Gaurav Kapoor (CBO, IIMCIP), Sanjoy Sen (Mentor, IIMCIP) and Suman Mukhopadhyay (Director, Banglanatak dot com).

DICV–IIMCIP Incubation Programme Brings Together the Cohort for the Second Bootcamp

The second Bootcamp of the DICV–IIMCIP Social Impact Incubation Programme for a Viksit Bharat brought together the founders of 10 startups at IIM Calcutta from May 11–13, 2026, for three days of immersive learning and entrepreneurial capacity building.

The bootcamp covered key areas addressing the competencies most critical to a startup’s growth. Dr. Manju Jaiswall (Professor, Finance and Control, IIM Calcutta) led a session on Finance and Accounting for Startups, helping founders build financial clarity and recognise it as a strategic lever. Prof. Abhishek Goyel (Associate Professor, Organisational Behaviour, IIM Calcutta) guided the cohort through Leadership, Team Building and Negotiation Skills, bringing the human side of entrepreneurship into focus and equipping founders with the tools to lead with intention and negotiate with confidence. Prof. Chandradeep Mitra (Visiting Professor, IIM Calcutta | Founder and CEO, PipalMajik) led the session on Branding for Startups, helping founders understand how identity, narrative and perception shape a venture’s place in the market.

Bengal Business Accelerator – Cohort 3 attends the Second Bootcamp

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park conducted the second Bootcamp for the third cohort of the Bengal Business Accelerator Program (BBAP) from May 13–15, 2026, bringing together startup founders and entrepreneurs for an intensive learning experience focused on building scalable and investment-ready ventures. Held at the IIM Calcutta campus, the bootcamp was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of key business functions, including compliance, team building, fundraising, branding and customer experience.

Startup Garage 2026 ignites a room full of future founders

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) collaborated with IIM Calcutta to design and execute Startup Garage, a one-of-a-kind hackathon crafted for the IIM Calcutta MBA-Ex Batch 20, from May 8 – 10, 2026. Designed to push participants beyond their comfort zones, the event created an immersive startup environment focused on learning, collaboration, innovation and pitching under pressure. Without sleep, without pause and with everything on the line.

2nd Bootcamp for Cohort 6.0 under PRIME Meghalaya

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), in collaboration with PRIME Meghalaya, conducted the second Bootcamp for the 6th Cohort at PRIME Meghalaya, from April 28–30, 2026, in Shillong. The bootcamp focused on two core pillars essential to startup success: Business Model Design and Go-To-Market Strategy, with sessions led by Pankaj Baruah, Head – Startup Programs and Sanjoy Sen, Mentor, IIMCIP.

Maruti Suzuki Innovation Hackathon at Jadavpur University

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park collaborated with Maruti Suzuki Innovation to organise the Maruti Suzuki Innovation Hackathon at Jadavpur University in Kolkata on April 21, 2026. The event was co-organised in association with the Jadavpur University Motorsports Club, which provided on ground operational support.

Inaugural Bootcamp of the IIMCIP–DICV Social Impact Incubation Programme conducted

The inaugural bootcamp of the IIMCIP–DICV Social Impact Incubation Programme for a Viksit Bharat brought together a select cohort of startups for three days of immersive learning, collaboration and reflection at IIM Calcutta on April 7—9, 2026.

BBAP Cohort-3 Kicks Off with Its First Bootcamp

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park successfully conducted the first bootcamp for Cohort-3 of the Bengal Business Accelerator Program (BBAP) on April 21–22, 2026, at the IIM Calcutta campus. Bringing together a new cohort of early-stage founders, the two-day immersive program was designed to equip entrepreneurs with the core business frameworks and strategic tools needed to build scalable, market-ready ventures.

Bengal Business Accelerator Programme: Capacity Building Workshop Beyond the Cohort

While IIMCIP has played a pivotal role in nurturing high-potential startups, its vision extends to
strengthening the broader startup ecosystem, ensuring that every entrepreneur has access to the right guidance, exposure and resources to grow.

Tiger’s Pitch Bootcamp: An Electrifying Start to a Unique Initiative for Bengal Entrepreneurs

The Tiger’s Pitch Bootcamp 2026, held from April 8–10 at IIM Calcutta, brought together 50 high-
potential startups shortlisted from 112 applications for an intensive, three-day bootcamp cum shortlisting round.

Organised by the Rajiva Sinha Foundation in association with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), the bootcamp focused on preparing founders for high-stakes pitching through sessions on storytelling, pitch presentation and fundraising, supplemented by continuous mentor feedback and iterative pitch refinement.

Tripura Incubator Program Launched to Empower Rural Enterprises

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), in strategic collaboration with the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM), marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of the Tripura Incubator Program in Agartala on April 4, 2026. The incubator programme is specifically designed to enable rural Self-Help Group (SHG)-led enterprises across Tripura by providing structured access to capacity building, mentorship and market linkages, empowering them to scale beyond local boundaries. IIMCIP’s proactive engagement in the programme underscores its commitment to extending its structured incubation framework beyond metropolitan ecosystems and into grassroots entrepreneurial communities across the country.

Mentor’s Clinic North East Edition in Guwahati

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park hosted its popular Mentor's Clinic programme in Guwahati on March 26, 2026. The event offered new and aspiring startup founders the opportunity to sit one-on-one with experienced mentors from the IIMCIP network to identify their business impasse and chart out a clear path forward. Founders of 10 early-stage startups participated in the clinic, accruing valuable feedback and takeaways from mentors, viz., Pranjal Konwar (COO, IIMCIP), Pankaj Baruah (Head – Startup Programs, IIMCIP), Subir Singha (VP – Rural Incubation, IIMCIP), Sriparna B Baruah (Former Head – CIE, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship) and Devasish Sharma (AVP – Programs, IIMCIP).

Maruti Suzuki Nurture Cohort 3 – Grand Idea Hunt held at IIM Calcutta

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki India Limited, successfully hosted the Maruti Suzuki Nurture Cohort 3, Grand Idea Hunt at IIM Calcutta on March 19, 2026.

IIMCIP at STPI OCTANE 7.0 & 8.0 Demo Day — Powering the Next Wave of Startups

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) was proud to play a core part in the Demo Day of STPI OctaNE 6.0, 7.0 & 8.0, held in Guwahati on March 13 and 14, 2026, bringing together 20 early-stage tech startups from the cohorts, investors and ecosystem enablers on a single platform.

Over the two days of the Demo Day, startups presented their solutions and growth trajectories to a panel of investors, marking the culmination of weeks of structured mentorship, strategic refinement and continuous founder engagement. Srinavas Gadhavilli, Head – Sourcing, and Sadique Mannan, AVP – Programs, represented IIMCIP at the event.

IIMCIP’s role in the program is a part of a longstanding partnership with STPI across multiple Centres of Excellence, contributing to the growth of diverse startups. The engagement spans key centres including STPI Hyderabad, STPI Lucknow, STPI Gurugram, STPI Bhubaneshwar and STPI OctaNE, reflecting a sustained commitment to nurturing innovation across regions.

As a partner, IIMCIP plays a key role in supporting startups through business capacity building, focusing on strengthening core business fundamentals, refining revenue models, bridging the gap between product vision and market realities, and enabling founders to craft clear and compelling investor pitches.

Notably, IIMCIP is in the process of onboarding a startup from the sixth cohort of the OctaNE program for incubation, further deepening its investment in high-potential ventures.

Through a sustained collaboration with STPI, IIMCIP remains committed to bridging the gap between innovation and real-world startup execution, supporting founders in building scalable, investment-ready ventures and reinforcing the power of strong ecosystem partnerships in turning ideas into impactful enterprises.

Maruti Suzuki Innovation Hackathon concludes successfully in Guwahati

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park collaborated with Maruti Suzuki India Limited to organise an Innovation Hackathon on March 10, 2026, in association with the Technology Incubation Centre, IIT Guwahati, with on-ground operational support from the Students’ Academic Board (SAB), IIT Guwahati.

The Hackathon brought together 12 innovative teams comprising 60 participants, creating a vibrant platform for young innovators, working at the ideation and prototype stages to present their solutions, exchange ideas and strengthen their entrepreneurial thinking.
After an exciting round of presentations and evaluations, three teams emerged as winners, along with a special jury recognition:

– Winner: Avinash & Rithvik
– Runner-Up: Devraj Choudhary &Saksham Barnwal
– 2nd Runner-Up: Himanta Doley
– Jury Award: Most Unique Idea – Sachin Kumar Sharma

The ideas were evaluated by an esteemed jury panel comprising Dr VK Rai (CEO, IIMCIP), Aditya Naag (Deputy General Manager – Innovation Excellence, Maruti Suzuki India Limited), Pranjal Konwar (COO, IIMCIP) and Pankaj Gogoi (Head of Operations, IIMCIP-TIC), who assessed the
participating teams based on innovation, feasibility and potential impact.

The event was also attended by representatives from Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., including Priyanshi Shah and Rakshit Joshi, along with members of the IIMCIP team, Sadique Mannan, Sabreen Ahmed and Upakul Das, who supported the successful execution of the Hackathon.
A special note of thanks goes to Himanshu Sharma (General Secretary, SAB), Aditya Jha (Joint
Secretary, SAB), the dedicated members of the Students’ Academic Board, IIT Guwahati, and Sanket Umap from IITG-TIC for their invaluable support in making the event a success.

The Hackathon served as a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurial learning, reinforcing the importance of industry–academia partnerships in nurturing the next generation of problem solvers and startup founders.

DPIIT Joint Secretary Visits IIMCIP

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park hosted Shri Sanjiv Singh, IAS, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, on March 9, 2026. The visit marked a significant milestone in IIMCIP’s journey, providing an opportunity for the IIMCIP leadership and the incubated startup founders to engage directly with the venerated official.

The event brought together the entire IIMCIP team, led by CEO, Dr VK Rai, along with nine promising startups from the IIMCIP portfolio, who shared about their innovations and demonstrated their products.

In his keynote address, Shri Sanjiv Singh encouraged startups to leverage the full suite of schemes available under the Startup India initiative, emphasising the Government of India’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for startups to thrive.

Shri Singh further expressed his admiration for the quality and calibre of the startups nurtured by IIMCIP. He noted that the startups he interacted with were among the best in their class, a testament to IIMCIP’s rigorous mentoring and incubation ecosystem. His words of encouragement were received with great enthusiasm by the entrepreneurial community present.

A few of the IIMCIP-incubated startup founders took the floor to walk Shri Singh through what they have been building. The presentations offered a compelling glimpse into the diversity of innovation being fostered at IIMCIP, spanning multiple domains and addressing real-world challenges.

The visit by the DPIIT Joint Secretary is a resounding validation of IIMCIP’s mission and the tangible impact it is creating within India’s startup landscape. IIMCIP remains committed to deepening its partnerships with government bodies, industry stakeholders and its growing community of startup founders and entrepreneurs as it charts the next chapter of its journey.

Prakriti Incubation Launchpad Startup Summit Showcases Circularity Startups Driving Sustainable Growth in North East India

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), in collaboration with Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF), hosted the Prakriti Incubation Launchpad Startup Summit in Guwahati on February 17, 2026, bringing together industry leaders, investors, development professionals and innovative startups focused on circular economy solutions. The summit marked the culmination of the Prakriti Incubation Launchpad program for sustainability and circularity startups from North East India, while highlighting pathways for sustainable innovation in the region.

The event celebrated the achievements of 12 innovative startups selected under the Prakriti Incubation Launchpad, each working at the intersection of sustainability and entrepreneurship. From waste management and upcycling to eco-friendly packaging, these ventures represent a new wave of purpose-driven businesses emerging from the North East.

A Distinguished Gathering

The summit was graced by Shri PVSLN Murthy, CMD of NEDFi, as the Chief Guest, whose presence lent weight to the occasion and signalled strong institutional backing for circular economy ventures in North East India.

The gathering also featured an impressive lineup of dignitaries and thought leaders: Anantika Singh (Senior Director – CSR, Pernod Ricard India), Ajay Jain (Chairman, IIMCIP Board), Dr. V.K. Rai (CEO, IIMCIP), Dr. Arup Kumar Misra (Chairman, Pollution Control Board, Assam), Bonani Roychoudhury (Independent Consultant – Sustainability and former MD, NABSAMRUDDHI Finance Ltd.), Hari Balasubramanian (Member, Indian Angel Network), Anvitaa Rastogi (Vice President – Portfolio & Strategy, ALSiSAR Impact), Dr. Sriparna B Baruah (Development Professional), Nityanand Natarajan (AVP – Manufacturing Operations, Pernod Ricard India) and Nayandeep Banerjee (Director – Packaging Development, Pernod Ricard India), among others.

The summit opened with a welcome address by Dr. V.K. Rai, CEO of IIMCIP, followed by keynote addresses from Anantika Singh and Ajay Jain, who set the tone for the day with reflections on the urgency and opportunity of building a circular economy in India led by the North East. Dr. Arup Kumar Misra and Bonani Roychoudhury added further depth, speaking on the regulatory and financial landscape shaping green entrepreneurship in the region.

The presentation by Pankaj Baruah, Head of Programs at IIMCIP, offered a comprehensive overview of the Prakriti Incubation Launchpad’s impact, encapsulating success stories, measurable outcomes and the way forward for expanding support to green ventures across the region.

Deliberations over a Fireside Chat

The morning session culminated in a fireside chat on “Funding Challenges and Emerging Opportunities for Green Startups in North East India.” Moderated by Hari Balasubramanian of the Indian Angel Network, the panel featured Anvitaa Rastogi (ALSiSAR Impact), Anantika Singh (Pernod Ricard India), Dr. Sriparna B Baruah and Nityanand Natarajan (Pernod Ricard India).

The conversation explored the unique challenges that circular economy startups face in accessing capital, from the limited presence of impact investors in the region to the need for patient capital that aligns with longer sustainability timelines. Panellists also highlighted emerging opportunities, including growing corporate interest of the corporates in the sustainability sector.

Impact Report Launch

One of the most significant moments of the summit was the formal launch of the Prakriti Incubation Launchpad Impact Report by Chief Guest Shri PVSLN Murthy. The report documents the programme’s achievements across the cohort, providing a clear account of how targeted incubation support can help scale early-stage sustainability businesses.

Afternoon Sessions: Stories, Skills, and Celebration

The afternoon kicked off with an inspiring storytelling session by Ittisha Sarah, Founder of North East Waste Collective. Her narrative resonated strongly with the audience, drawing on her own journey of building a waste management movement in the region.

This was followed by a Packaging Masterclass for Startups led by Nayandeep Banerjee, Director – Packaging Development at Pernod Ricard India. The session offered the cohort actionable insights into sustainable packaging design and commercialisation.

The programme concluded with the certificate and memento distribution to all 12 Prakriti startups, recognising their performance, growth and successful completion of the incubation programme. The moment drew well-deserved applause and marked a proud milestone for founders who had worked tirelessly throughout their incubation journey.

The Prakriti Incubation Launchpad Startup Summit demonstrated that North East India doesn’t just receive sustainability discourse but is an active contributor to it, with founders, institutions and partners collectively driving a circular economy that is both ecologically sound and economically viable.

As IIMCIP and Pernod Ricard India Foundation look ahead to expanding the programme, the 12 startups that completed this cohort carry with them not just certificates, but networks, skills and the confidence to turn circular innovation into lasting impact.

Inaugural bootcamp for Cohort 6.0 at PRIME Meghalaya

The sixth cohort of 75 startups at PRIME Meghalaya was officially welcomed during an inaugural bootcamp organised by IIMCIP, while bidding farewell to the graduating cohort this February in Shillong.

Over three intensive days, founders from across the state came together to build their entrepreneurial foundations and usher in the nine-month incubation journey ahead.

Day 1 opened with an ice-breaker session by Pankaj Baruah, Head – Programs, IIMCIP, setting an open and collaborative tone for the days ahead. This was followed by a foundational session on Vision and Mission Setting led by Pranjal Konwar, COO, IIMCIP, helping founders articulate where they are headed and why it matters.

Day 2 deepened the learning with Pankaj Baruah’s introduction of the Ladder of Success framework, a practical tool designed to help startups map their growth trajectory with clarity. IIMCIP CEO Dr Vivek K. Rai made a special appearance to personally address the founders, lending both perspective and encouragement to the cohort as they stand at the threshold of a significant entrepreneurial journey. The day also featured an in-depth session on Customer Segmentation by IIMCIP mentor, Sanjoy Sen, before closing on a stirring note with a firsthand testimonial from the founder of The Chicken Wagon, a graduate of Cohort 4, whose journey served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when founders stay the course.

Day 3 brought it all together. Founders revisited key frameworks through a recap of the Ladder of Success and continued discussions on customer segmentation, before participating in group mentoring sessions with IIMCIP mentors. By the time the bootcamp concluded, the cohort had not only gained practical business tools but had also begun building the peer connections and mentor relationships that would support them through the months ahead.

Celebrating Cohort 5, Onboarding Cohort 6

The momentum of the bootcamp carried forward into a milestone event, where PRIME Meghalaya brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, mentors and ecosystem partners to mark a dual celebration: the graduation of 75 startups from Cohort 5 and the formal onboarding of 75 startups under Chief Minister’s E-Championship Challenge 6.0.

It was a moment that captured the full arc of what PRIME Meghalaya represents — beginnings and completions, effort acknowledged and new ambition ignited.

Under CMECC 6.0, the newly onboarded startups will receive nine months of comprehensive incubation support spanning mentorship, training, market linkages, buyer exposure and pathways to institutional funding.

IIMCIP Pushes North East India’s Climate Resilience Agenda

A Landmark Conference Brings Together Policymakers, Financial Leaders and Industry Experts to Address Climate Change in the North Eastern Region

Climate change is no longer a distant threat but is impacting livelihoods, agriculture and businesses across India, with the North Eastern Region facing unique vulnerabilities. On February 6, 2026, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) and the Indian Institute of Bank Management (IIBM) came together to host a landmark conference in Guwahati, addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the effect of climate change on agriculture and businesses in the North Eastern Region.

Supported by NABARD’s Department of Climate Action and Sustainability, the conference convened policymakers, financial institutions, academicians and industry leaders under one roof to deliberate on actionable strategies for building climate resilience in the region.

A. Setting the Tone: Inaugural Session
The conference opened with a warm welcome to dignitaries and guests, followed by the inaugural session that set the stage for the day deliberations. Shri Eugene E Karthak, Director, IIBM, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the importance of collaborative action in addressing climate challenges unique to the North East. He was joined by Shri Ajay Jain, Chairman, IIMCIP, who highlighted the critical role of innovation ecosystems in driving sustainable development.

Smt. Sushmita Phukan, Regional Director, RBI (North Eastern Region), shared RBI's perspective on climate change and its implications for the financial sector in the region. Smt. Ayushi Jain, IAS, Joint Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Assam, presented insights on Green Budgeting in Assam, a pioneering initiative that integrates climate considerations into state fiscal planning.

The inaugural address was delivered by Shri Loken Das, CGM, NABARD, Assam Regional Office, who underscored NABARD’s commitment to climate action and sustainable rural development. Dr V.K. Rai, CEO, IIMCIP, delivered the vote of thanks for the inaugural session.

B. Deep Dives: Thematic Sessions

• Climate Change and Agriculture: Shri Raj Ganguly, Senior Agribusiness Specialist, World
  Bank Group, opened the technical sessions with an in-depth analysis of the effect of climate
  change on agriculture and rural development in NER. He highlighted how changing weather
  patterns, erratic rainfall and rising temperatures are disrupting traditional farming practices
  and the urgent need for climate-smart agricultural interventions.
  The session was moderated by Smt. Bonani Roychoudhury, Sustainability Consultant and
  former MD of Nabsamruddhi Finance Ltd.
• WASH: A Critical Pillar for Climate Adaptation: Shri Ajay Jain, Chairman, IIMCIP, took the stage to address WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), often an overlooked yet fundamental component of climate resilience. His session explored how investments in water infrastructure, sanitation systems and hygiene practices can strengthen community resilience against climate shocks, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas of the North East.
• Clean Energy and Environmental Sustainability: Shri Pravin Agrawal, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Government of Tripura, presented on clean energy and its effects on agriculture, rural development and the environment in NER. The session examined the potential of renewable energy solutions to transform the region's energy landscape while reducing carbon footprints.
• Sustainable Agriculture and Soil Health: Dr Ghanshyam T. Patle, Associate Professor, Central Agricultural University, Sikkim, addressed the critical issue of soil nutrients and sustainable agriculture. His presentation highlighted the importance of soil health in ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and food security in the face of climate variability.
• Financing Climate Resilience: Shri Abhijit Ray, Managing Director, UC Inclusive Credit, spoke on climate finance and its effects on agriculture, rural development and the environment in NER. He discussed innovative financing mechanisms that can channel resources toward climate adaptation and mitigation projects in the region. RBI’s Sustainable Finance Framework: Shri Saket Kumar, DGM ; Head, Sustainable Finance Group, Department of Regulation, RBI, provided valuable insights on climate finance instruments. His session covered the evolving regulatory landscape around green finance, sustainable lending practices, and the role of financial institutions in supporting India’s climate goals.
• Startup Ecosystem and Funding Challenges: Smt. Olee Bora, Managing Director, NEDFi Venture Capital Ltd, addressed the challenges of funding startups in NER. Her session shed light on the unique hurdles faced by entrepreneurs in the region and the need for tailored funding mechanisms to nurture climate-focused innovation.

C. Open House and Way Forward

The conference concluded with an open house discussion moderated by Prof. Abhijit Sharma,
Faculty, IIBM, and Shri Sushant Pal, Consultant, Multilateral Agencies and Government of India.
Participants engaged in a lively dialogue on actionable next steps, knowledge gaps and collaborative opportunities.

Dr VK Rai, CEO, IIMCIP, delivered the closing vote of thanks, reinforcing IIMCIP's unwavering commitment to driving climate action and sustainable innovation in Northeast India.

D. A Defining Outcome: The Climate Cell

Perhaps the most significant outcome of the conference was the formal groundwork laid for
the Climate Cell, a joint initiative by IIMCIP and IIBM. The Climate Cell will serve as a dedicated
platform for developing evidence-based climate mitigation and adaptation strategies tailored to the unique ecological, economic and social context of the North Eastern Region.

This initiative reflects IIMCIP’s belief that sustainable development must be rooted in research, collaboration and local relevance.

At IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, we believe that innovation must serve India's most vulnerable communities and ecosystems. The North East, with its rich biodiversity, agrarian economy and climate-sensitive geography, deserves solutions designed for its unique challenges and potential.

This conference marks another step in our commitment to catalysing sustainable, inclusive growth in the region. We extend our gratitude to IIBM, NABARD and all the distinguished speakers, moderators and participants who made this event a success.

The conversation has begun. The work continues.

ReGen Innovation Accelerator Demo Day & Conclave

The ReGen Innovation Accelerator-2025 Demo Day & Conclave concluded successfully on January 30, 2026, bringing together startup founders, seasoned investors and industry experts for two intensive days focused on building India’s green economy ecosystem.

Day One

The opening day on January 29 set the stage with comprehensive pitch training led by Pankaj Baruah, Head of Programs at IIMCIP. The afternoon sessions transformed theory into practice, with startups undergoing rigorous mock pitching exercises. A panel comprising IIMCIP mentors, Sanjoy Sen and Bibhash Mandal, and investors like Saurabh Singhavi (Director & COO, Alsisar Impact) and Shyam Sukhramani (Partner, 7th Gen Ventures), provided detailed feedback across three intensive sessions.

Day Two

The main event on January 30 brought together a powerhouse lineup of investors representing some of India’s most prominent early-stage investment firms. The morning session featured startup pitches before a distinguished panel comprising Hari Balasubramanian (Member, Indian Angel Network), Tamaghna Adhikari (Managing Partner, Benzai10), Kush Arora (Early-Stage Investments, Indian Angel Network), Madhuri Sawant (Director Investments & Legal, IvyCap Ventures), Satyam Goyal (Investment Manager, Blue Ashva Capital) and Deepak Kumar Katiyar (Asst. General Manager, L&T Innovation Fund).

The afternoon segment opened with a welcome address by Pranjal Konwar, COO of IIMCIP, followed by an academic perspective from Prof. Saikat Maitra, Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Management at IIM Calcutta.

Panel Discussions: Two thought-provoking panel discussions formed the intellectual heart of the conclave. The first, titled “Challenges & Opportunities for Green Economy Startups,” brought together entrepreneurs and impact investors to examine the ground realities facing sustainable businesses. The panel featured Achitra Borgohain (Founder, BinBag), Tapan Sarker (Researcher in Sustainability, Innovation & Climate Science), Ananya Saini (Program Associate, ANDE) and Shyam Sukhramani, with Sweta Bhatia (AVP-Legal & Strategic Initiatives, Alsisar Impact) serving as moderator.

The investor panel discussion that followed provided crucial insights into funding dynamics for green economy ventures. With participation from industry experts like Tamaghna Adhikari, Hari Balasubramaniam, Madhuri Sawant, Satyam Goyal, Deepak Kumar Katiyar, and moderated by Saurabh Singhavi, the discussion covered investment criteria, scaling challenges and the evolving landscape of impact investing in India.

Celebrating Innovation: The event concluded with recognition for the top ten startups from the ReGen Innovation Accelerator Program, whose innovative solutions demonstrated the potential to address critical environmental and sustainability challenges.

A networking session over tea allowed investors, mentors and founders to continue conversations initiated during the formal sessions, fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations.

As India accelerates its transition towards the Sustainable Development Goals, initiatives like the ReGen Innovation Accelerator play a crucial role in nurturing the entrepreneurs who will drive this transformation.