The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with the BRICS Youth Council, successfully hosted the Entrepreneurship Pre-Consultation Event on Friday. The event was organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Global Counter-Terrorism Council (GCTC) to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in Northeast India.
Themed “Empowering Northeast India – Youth Innovations for Sustainable Growth and National Connectivity”, the event attracted over 500 participants and more than 80 startups, providing a vital platform for young entrepreneurs and researchers to showcase their innovative ideas.
Youth and Entrepreneurship: A Vision for Northeast India
The event featured prominent speakers from academia, industry, and government sectors, who emphasized the potential of Assam and the Northeast region as emerging entrepreneurial hubs.
Kausar Jamil Hilaly, Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, was the chief guest at the event. In his address, he lauded the youth of Northeast India for leading innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. “With Assam’s strategic location as a gateway to Southeast Asia, the region has a unique opportunity to become a future entrepreneurial hub. Today’s youth have access to resources, knowledge, and tools needed to transform their vision into reality. The Government of Assam is committed to supporting startups through various initiatives to help young business leaders achieve their goals.”
Mega Startup Exhibition at IIT Guwahati
A major highlight of the event was the mega startup exhibition, curated by IIT Guwahati-BioNest Incubator. The exhibition was inaugurated by Kausar Jamil Hilaly and showcased over 80 startups from Northeast India. These startups presented their innovations across various domains, including:
- Deep Tech
- Healthcare
- Agritech
- Renewable Energy
The exhibition provided young innovators with networking opportunities and exposure to potential investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
IIT Guwahati’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship
Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, emphasized the role of entrepreneurship in nation-building and IIT Guwahati’s role in fostering skill development and innovation. “India’s youth is full of creativity and energy, and entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking this potential. By providing a platform for young and aspiring entrepreneurs from Northeast India, we aim to offer them the guidance and support needed to drive innovation and economic growth.”
Youth Empowerment: The Path to Sustainable Growth
Rear Admiral Dr. S Kulshrestha from GCTC India highlighted the importance of youth participation in economic development. “Empowering the youth of Northeast India with the right skill sets and motivation is key to achieving sustainable growth. Young entrepreneurs have the potential to tackle bold challenges and offer innovative solutions. Unlocking this potential will drive regional progress and strengthen economic and social integration.”
Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup, Deba Kumar Mishra, also stressed how the event aligned with India’s vision of youth empowerment. “As Assam transforms into a technology and entrepreneurship hub, we are committed to supporting startups and promoting sustainable growth through collaboration and innovation.”
Panel Discussion: Startup Funding & Sustainable Growth
One of the key sessions at the event was a panel discussion on “Navigating the Funding Landscape: Strategies for Startup Success & Sustainable Growth”. Experts from the entrepreneurial ecosystem shared insights on:
- The evolving startup landscape in India
- Strategies for securing investment and funding
- Sustainable growth approaches for startups in Northeast India
The panel helped entrepreneurs understand how to access funding, scale their ventures, and navigate challenges in the startup ecosystem.
Idea Challenge Pitching Session: Encouraging Young Entrepreneurs
The event concluded with an Idea Challenge Pitching Session, where aspiring entrepreneurs and startups pitched their business ideas to potential investors. The session provided a valuable opportunity for young innovators to receive feedback, mentorship, and potential funding.
The Entrepreneurship Pre-Consultation Event at IIT Guwahati successfully empowered young innovators and fostered regional collaboration. As India moves toward an innovation-driven economy, such initiatives play a crucial role in nurturing startups and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast India.
With government support, academic institutions, and industry partnerships, the region is set to emerge as a key player in India’s startup landscape, leveraging its strategic location, talent pool, and innovation potential.
