The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, through its technology business incubator, Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), is organizing a two-day Startup Festival – ‘Abhivyakti’, on March 4-5 at the institute.
It commenced with a grand inaugural session on March 4, with Prof. Ankush Sharma, Professor-in-Charge, Innovation and Incubation, IIT-Kanpur, welcoming the delegates.
Dr Nikhil Agarwal, CEO, SIIC and AIIDE-CoE, IIT-Kanpur, delivered a remark on the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in current times. Prof Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT-Kanpur, made the inaugural address by emphasizing on the need to promote startups and entrepreneurship in India.
The event was graced by a host of dignitaries including Hinduja Group’s Ajay Hinduja, Arun Tiwari, Group President, BFSI, Hinduja Group; Dr Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary, GoI; and Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman and MD, SIDBI, who shared their valuable insights on the startup ecosystem in the country.
Prof Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT-Kanpur, said: “We are proud to host the Abhivyakti Startup Festival at IIT-Kanpur, which brings together the brightest minds in the startup ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and government officials.”
Prof. Ankush Sharma, Professor-in-Charge, Innovation and Incubation, IIT Kanpur, said: “Abhivyakti is a great initiative that provides a platform for startups to showcase their ideas and connect with investors and mentors. It is heartening to see the passion and energy of these young entrepreneurs.”
Two significant developments took place on the inaugural day of the event. SIIC, IIT Kanpur signed an MoU with the Hinduja Group to collaborate on promoting the startup ecosystem in India by providing crucial support to budding entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and driving growth in the Indian startup ecosystem.
Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman and MD, SIDBI, highlighted the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic growth. He said, “The Vision for Fund of Funds is aligned with the Government’s objective of promoting entrepreneurship by providing indirect funding to emerging startups through Venture Capital (VC) Funds.”
Ajay Kumar, Former Defence Secretary of India, highlighted the significant role of young innovators in the field of defense, emphasizing the power of their ideas and their potential to transform the sector through the development of cutting-edge technologies.