IIT Guwahati partners with Assam Govt to launch entrepreneurship development programme

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 11, 2024

In a bid to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge to launch and manage successful businesses, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Research Park Foundation (a not-for-profit unit of IIT Guwahati) has launched the “entrepreneurship development programme” (EDP) is in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Assam.

The launch event featured distinguished guests, including Prof Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati & Chairperson, IIT Guwahati Research Park; Manju Rani Gogoi Talukdar, Joint Director – Department of Industries and Commerce, Assam, and Amresh Kumar Jha, GM- Networks, State Bank of India, LHO Guwahati, among others.

This collaborative initiative between IIT Guwahati and the Assam government signifies a significant step towards empowering aspiring entrepreneurs in the state. By equipping participants with the necessary skills and fostering a supportive environment, the program has the potential to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of Assam and propel the state’s economic growth.

The programme is aimed at further enhancing the efforts by IIT Guwahati in developing the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Northeast region. RecentlyIITG had signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to foster innovation, support startups, and enhance industry-academia collaboration in the region with Assam Startup through Assam Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (AIIDC) to collectively promote entrepreneurship and impact programmes through the access of technology, industry, innovation, and value-added activities and programmes, as well as with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) to solidify their commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Northeast region.

Speaking at the launch, Prof Devendra Jalihal emphasised IIT Guwahati’s commitment to fostering a dynamic entrepreneurship ecosystem in Assam and the broader Northeast.

“At IIT Guwahati, we are deeply committed to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem in Assam and the broader North East region. Through the Entrepreneurship Development Program, we aim to empower local talent, drive innovation, and create sustainable economic growth, transforming this region into a hub of entrepreneurial excellence,” Jalihal said.

This intensive program aims to provide participants with valuable management insights specifically related to the entrepreneurial journey. The curriculum will emphasize the application of management theories, models, and frameworks in the context of new venture creation. This practical approach will be instrumental in preparing participants to navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with starting their own businesses.

Designed as an aspirational step for young individuals from across Assam with entrepreneurial ambitions, the programme can train around 400 participants, significantly impacting the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Additionally, the initiative will provide participants with credit linkage support, facilitating access to critical financial resources for their ventures.

The programme will be led by a distinguished team of mentors. Faculty members from IIT Guwahati, including Prof Laishram Boeing Singh (Civil Engineering), Dr Abraham Cyril Issac (School of Business), Dr Kuldeep Baishya (School of Business), Dr Abhay Pant (School of Business), and Dr Sparsh Johari (Civil Engineering), will provide their academic expertise.

The programme will also benefit from the practical experience of industry experts and domain specialists. These include Tridip Sarmah, with prior leadership roles in HR at Hindustan Unilever, Airtel, and NESFB; Pompy Dutta Singha, a former branch manager at Yes Bank; Dr Samir Baruah, formerly a GM at Indian Overseas Bank; financial consultant Mrinmay Pathak of Mrinmoy & Co; and Sharique Hussain, with expertise in livelihood, entrepreneurship, and business incubation. This combined faculty of academics and industry professionals ensures a well-rounded and informative programme.