IITG signs MoU with AIIDC, FICCI to promote entrepreneurship in Northeast

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 27, 2024

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati formalized two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Assam Startup through Assam Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (AIIDC) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) to foster innovation, support start-ups and enhance industry-academia collaboration in the region. 

These MoUs were signed at the IIT Guwahati campus between IIT Guwahati director Prof Devendra Jalihal and AIIDC managing director Chinmoy Prakash Phookan, and FICCI assistant secretary-general Sumeet Gupta. 

The objective of the MoU signed with AIIDC is to collectively promote entrepreneurship and impact programs through access of technology, industry, innovation, and value-added activities and programmes.

The objective of the MoU signed with FICCI is to solidify their commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Northeast.

IITG director Devendra Jalihal, Director said, “IIT Guwahati is proud to serve as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in the northeastern region and the entire country. Through our recent collaborations with FICCI and Assam Startup, we are hopeful that the collective measures and initiatives we aim to provide will help foster a vibrant ecosystem where budding entrepreneurs can transform their innovative ideas into successful businesses.”

“This collaboration will further enhance our support for mentorship, funding opportunities, and market access, ensuring the Northeast emerges as a vital hub for global economic activity,” Jalihal added.

AIIDC managing director Chinmoy Prakash Phookan said, “AIDC, as the nodal agency for the development of the startup ecosystem under the Government of Assam, is proud to announce the signing of an MoU with IIT Guwahati. This partnership identifies core areas for collaboration aimed at fostering a strong and vibrant startup ecosystem in the region.”

FICCI assistant secretary general Sumeet Gupta said, “FICCI aims to play a pivotal role in empowering startups in the Northeast, driving economic growth, and positioning the Northeast region as a significant contributor to the nation’s economy on a global stage. Our collaboration with IIT Guwahati will further strengthen this initiative, combining academic expertise with industry support to create a robust startup ecosystem.”

Speaking during the event, Prof Senthilmurugan Subbiah, Faculty in-charge, IITG – Technology Incubation Centre, IIT Guwahati, said, “This innovative catalyst will unite the seven states under one umbrella, significantly enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It will multiply the number of successful entrepreneurs emerging from the Northeast region of India, fostering unprecedented growth and collaboration.”

As part of its continuous effort, IIT Guwahati also launched a 6-Week Residential Bootcamp with a total of 51 startup participants from the Northeast region. Designed to provide a robust platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive startup ecosystem, the program will host extensive expert sessions, mentoring support, and financial aid opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.

Among the distinguished persons who attended the signing ceremony are: Rajarshi Sarma, COO, Assam Startup, Kankan Jyoti Khargharia, community manager, along with Prof Subhendu Sekhar Bag, associate dean (R&D), Prof Senthilmurugan Subbiah, faculty in-charge, IITG – Technology Incubation Centre, and Prof Parameswar K Iyer, dean PRBR from IIT Guwahati, among others.