Guwahati: The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Guwahati, through its Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) OctaNE, hosted a Bootcamp cum Orientation program for the Assam AgTech Open Challenge Program (OCP) at Hotel Radisson Blu.
Many dignitaries were present at the event. Vandana Srivastava, Jurisdictional Director of STPI Guwahati, delivered the welcome address at the plenary session, highlighting the initiatives undertaken by STPI to foster the startup ecosystem in Northeast India.
Dr. Sriparna Bhuyan Baruah, Advisor to the North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd (NEHHDC), discussed the rise of resource-based enterprises in the region, with local women leading the way in innovative solutions, such as dehydrated ginger. She also highlighted the potential of agritourism and the importance of addressing local challenges while leveraging traditional handicrafts.
Dr. Kadirvel Govindasamy, Director of ICAR-ATARI Guwahati, emphasised that innovation is crucial for the success of entrepreneurship, particularly in agri-startups focused on supply chain management and backend support, often driven by IoT technologies.
Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General of STPI, discussed the centrality of data in AI-driven agricultural systems. He noted the progress made in developing Agritech ecosystems across India and emphasised the importance of advancing the agricultural sector for the nation’s growth.
The event was organised in collaboration with the ARIAS Society and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam. This initiative aims to create a platform for selected startups in the AgTech sector, along with Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and Agro Industries in the Northeast Region, to exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for technological adoption.
The event saw participation from officials of both Central and State Governments, industry leaders, academia, investors, FPCs, Cluster-Based Business Organizations (CBBOs), and startups. The day-long program featured presentations on AgTech solutions, mentoring sessions, and a plenary session.
Shri Sanjeev Sarma, Mentor at OctaNE CoE, stressed that technology is a game-changer in entrepreneurship, democratizing access to resources, knowledge, and markets.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
