IIT Guwahati signs agreements to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystem in northeast region

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has signed two agreements with an aim to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in northeast India. On Monday, IIT Guwahati signed agreements with Assam startup through the Assam Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (AIIDC) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The Assam startup policy, launched by the state government, aims to motivate the youth to become job creators. The agreement between IIT Guwahati and Assam startup aims to assist startups by offering mentoring, technological and business support, access to industries and investors, and fostering innovation and research for scaling impact and entrepreneurship in Assam. They also conduct outreach activities and coordinate with incubation centres and entrepreneurial initiatives in the region.

The collaboration between FICCI and IIT Guwahati establishes a framework to support entrepreneurial activities in the northeast, focusing on agriculture, women development, and sustainability. It also focuses on empowering startups in the northeast to drive economic growth and industrial advancement, positioning the region as a key contributor to the national economy.

IIT Guwahati director Devendra Jalihal, AIIDC managing director Chinmoy Prakash Phookan, FICCI assistant secretary general Sumeet Gupta, Assam Startup chief operating officer Rajarshi Sarma, IIT Guwahati R&D associate dean Subhendu Sekhar Bag, IIT Guwahati faculty incharge Senthilmurugan Subbiah, and IIT Guwahati dean Parameswar K Iyer were present during the IIT Guwahati agreement signing ceremony.

Devendra Jalihala said: "Our collaborations with FICCI and Assam startup will foster a vibrant ecosystem where entrepreneurs can transform their ideas into successful businesses, enhancing support for mentorship, funding opportunities, and market access."

Chinmoy Prakash Phookan said: "This partnership aims at fostering a strong and vibrant startup ecosystem in the region."

Sumeet Gupta said: "FICCI aims to empower startups in the northeast, driving economic growth and positioning the region as a significant contributor to the national economy."