IIT Mandi Tech Incubator ‘Catalyst’ invites Applications for Himalayan Innovation Challenge 2019

NEW DELHI, APRIL 22: Indian Institute of Technology Mandi’s Technology Business Incubator ‘Catalyst’ is inviting applications from, startups, innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs for Himalayan Innovation Challenge, which aims to encourage entrepreneurs to develop technology solutions for problems unique to the Himalayan Region. The Event will be on 25th and 26th May 2019 and the last date to apply through the website - http://www.iitmandi.ac.in/Catalyst/HIC/ - is 10th May 2019.

The Himalayan innovation challenge (HIC) is an initiative of IIT Mandi Catalyst to actuate a series of innovative technology-based solutions designed specifically to solve social and economic problems in the Himalayan region. It will bring together a range of individuals and organizations that care about building such solutions and are willing to ideate, deliberate, debate and innovate to this end.

IIT Mandi Catalyst will pick handful of most feasible ideas and enable willing innovators / entrepreneurs in prototyping, testing and implementing to create an impact in Himalayan region. A total prize money of Rs. 1 lakh will be distributed to top ideas and incubation support will be offered that will include Rs. 16 lakh worth of grant and investment from IIT Mandi Catalyst.

Speaking about the importance of this event to the Himalayan Region, Dr. Puran Singh, Faculty In-charge, Catalyst, said, “The event invites ideas for a range of thematic areas that are relevant to Himalayas such as agriculture, waste management, climate change, renewable energy, road safety, disaster management, healthcare and many other areas relating to inclusive rural development.”

During HIC 2019, innovative technological solutions/ideas for social or economic problems in Himalayan region will be presented by individuals/teams/startups that have a clear and stated intention to build and implement the said solutions in a time-lined manner. Innovators and to-be entrepreneurs/established entrepreneurs can find the missing partners/collaborators to build the solutions relevant for Himalayan region.

IIT Mandi Catalyst will commit financial and active mentoring support to individuals/teams/startups that bring forth promising ideas and commit to implementing them on the ground.