The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Guwahati, hosted a Bootcamp cum Orientation program for the Open Challenge Program 5.0 on October 23-24, 2024, at Hotel Radisson Blu, Guwahati. This event aimed to provide selected startups with insights into the program, introduce the management team, and facilitate networking among peers. During a recent interview with the Jurisdictional Director of STPI Smt. Vandana Srivastava said that " Thirty startups from across the country attended, including 17 from the North East region, all eager to implement or expand their ideas using the infrastructural facilities provided by STPI. The event featured notable attendees".
The first day kicked off with success stories shared by three startups from previous cohorts, followed by an inaugural session led by Smt. Vandana Srivastava, Jurisdictional Director of STPI Guwahati. She emphasized that the OctaNE program is not just about funding but also about personalized mentorship, participation in national and international tech fests, and investor connections. Shri Gaurav Kapoor, Chief Business Officer at IIM CIP, discussed the startup journey from ideation to market reach, encouraging startups to engage in the three-month mentorship. Shri Kalyan Kar expressed optimism about the potential for 5-6 unicorns emerging from the North East within the next two to three years.
The second day featured a panel discussion titled "De-mystifying AI in the Changing World," moderated by Shri Kalyan Kar, followed by an online mentoring session on "Challenges and Opportunities in Drone Tech for Startups in India," led by Shri Ankit Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO of ideaForge Technology Pvt. Ltd. After lunch, mentoring sessions continued with Shri Sanjeev Kubakaddi discussing "Challenges Faced by Healthcare Startups in India," and Shri Ochintya Sharma addressing "The Giant Impact: Innovation and AI." Both mentors actively responded to queries from participating startups. During the interview she also said that "the startup would be funded with 25 lakh in various stages. The 3 stages would be divided into 5 lakh each".
The program concluded with a session from a NEDFI representative, outlining the financial support systems available for startups. This comprehensive Bootcamp provided valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs, setting the stage for future growth and collaboration in the region.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
