IGNITE: AIC-SMU empowers Northeast startups

Gangtok: The SMIT campus recently hosted IGNITE, a two-day event organized by AIC-SMU Technology Business Incubator (AIC-SMUTBI) to bolster entrepreneurship and innovation in the Northeast. The event, held from May 2-3, served as a platform for stakeholders, mentors, industry leaders, academia, and startups to converge, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The inaugural session, led by AIC-SMUTBI CEO Tej Chingtham, highlighted the region's burgeoning innovation ecosystem. Discussions during the session delved into corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainable practices, and addressing regional challenges such as logistics and external funding.

Of particular significance was the announcement of the HDFC CSR Parivartan Grant Winners under AIC-SMUTBI, recognizing seven startups from six Northeast states for their impactful community initiatives.

Concurrently, a bootcamp workshop attended by over 30 startups from the Northeast and North Bengal regions, facilitated by mentor Gulshan Purswani, aimed to refine business models and impart essential entrepreneurial skills. The workshop emphasized practical insights and strategic planning, encouraging startups to set measurable goals and develop robust business strategies.

The event concluded with interactive Q&A sessions, one-on-one mentorship opportunities, and networking sessions, aimed at igniting innovation and fostering collaboration among participants. AIC-SMUTBI's efforts have laid a strong foundation for nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Northeast, facilitating growth and sustainability for startups in the region. Niranjan Demanna from HDFC Bank, Utkarsh Mishra of Hero MotoCorp, and Gulshan Purswani from Bosch Global Software Technologies graced the occasion alongside the Board of Directors of AIC-SMUTBI. Notable figures from Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) and government officials were also in attendance.

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