IIM Kashipur to organise agriculture startup fair on January 27, 28

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM Kashipur) will organise the seventh edition of Uttishtha 2024 from January 27 to 28. The agriculture-based startup fair aims at uniting agri startups, industry stakeholders and investors to exchange valuable insights on entrepreneurship. The two-day ‘Agri Mela’ startup expo Mahakumbh of Agriculture Startups is conducted by the Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development [FIED] and IIM Kashipur e-cell.

The fair, which is being held in support of the department of agriculture and farmers’ welfare, aims at celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and fostering innovation and collaboration. The annual entrepreneurship summit is expected to witness the participation of more than 1,000 B-school students, 20 vice-chancellors and entrepreneurs. The institutes is expecting participation of over 10,000 visitors and 100 startups.

On the first day, the summit will feature various events such as Udaan 7.0 (pitching competition), HULT prize and live startup pitching competition. On the second day of the expo, career counselling sessions, cultural showcasing, science fairs, and a celebrity night will be held. These competitions aim to identify potential ideas and provide them a chance to present in front of a panel of prestigious VCs, entrepreneurs, academicians, and angel investors.

IIM Kashipur FIED CEO Ram Kumar said, “Over the last seven years, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has supported over 140 startups with funding totalling Rs. 320 crore thanks to IIM Kashipur's Uttishtha-'Agri Mela' Startup Expo, which has grown to be a significant driver of agri-startup success.

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The initiative not only encourages creativity but also has a significant positive socioeconomic impact, raising 5,00,000 farmers' standards of living and generating employment. These startups are changing the face of Indian business with their creative ideas that are displayed on platforms like 'Agri Mela,' showcasing everything from eco-friendly agriculture solutions to sustainable fashion.”

IIM Kashipur’s Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development [FIED], an incubation centre, supports startups and has organised 18 start-up boot camps in 13 districts of Uttarakhand in 2022-23, extending its reach to 2,500 college students and micro-entrepreneurs.