IIT Guwahati to boost Northeast’s startup ecosystem with entrepreneurship pre-consultation event

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 6, 2025

In a significant move to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Northeast India, IIT Guwahati BioNEST, in collaboration with the BRICS Youth Council, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Global Counter-Terrorism Council, will host a Pre-Consultation Event on Entrepreneurship on February 7.

The event will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and young entrepreneurs to foster sustainable growth and national connectivity under the theme: “Empowering Northeast India – Youth Innovations for Sustainable Growth and National Connectivity.”

The event will be graced by key dignitaries, including Kausar Jamil Hilaly, Secretary, Dept. of Sports and Youth Welfare, Assam; Adil Khan, Secretary, Transport Dept., Govt. of Assam; Deba K. Mishra, District Commissioner, Kamrup; Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati; Prof. Sukumar Nandi, Dean Administration, IIT Guwahati; Sagar Daryani, CEO & Co-founder, Wow! Momo; Maj Gen (Retd) Rajesh K Jha, Director (Personnel), NEEPCO and Rear Admiral Dr. S Kulshrestha, GCTC India.

Highlighting the crucial role of startups in economic growth, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, emphasized, “Entrepreneurs and startups can contribute nearly 30% to the GDP of emerging economies. In BRICS nations, they drive job creation, innovation, and economic progress. With a significant young workforce, Northeast India has immense entrepreneurial potential that must be unlocked for rapid development and prosperity. IIT Guwahati remains committed to nurturing job creators, and our incubation programs, including BioNEST, reflect this vision.”

A key attraction of the event will be a grand startup exhibition, curated by IIT Guwahati-BioNEST, where over 80 startups will showcase their innovations and business ideas. This exhibition will serve as a platform for young entrepreneurs to connect with mentors, investors, and industry experts.

Additionally, the event will feature insightful sessions led by distinguished speakers, including Sagar Daryani, Co-founder & CEO of Wow! Momo, who will deliver a keynote address, sharing his entrepreneurial journey and insights; Maj Gen (Retd) Rajesh K Jha, AVSM, Director (Personnel), NEEPCO, who will conduct a masterclass on life skills and building self-confidence for entrepreneurial success.

This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), where startups play a key role in driving innovation and economic growth. In a recent address, the Prime Minister emphasized India’s leadership in AI, the National Quantum Mission, and the Semiconductor Mission, underscoring the nation’s commitment to innovation-driven development.

Dr. Swapnil Sinha, CEO, of IIT Guwahati-BioNEST, stressed the event’s significance, stating, “This platform is designed to equip young entrepreneurs with knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities to shape the future of Northeast India. We invite students, innovators, and aspiring business leaders to participate in this transformative initiative.”

To ensure easy access for attendees, the Assam State Transport Corporation has arranged special bus services on 28 routes to facilitate transportation to and from IIT Guwahati on the day of the event.