A workshop on “India’s Startup Revolution – An Exciting Journey from an Idea to Market” was organised on 12th September 2023, the second day of the One Week One Lab (OWOL) programme of CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory Auditorium, New Delhi. The workshop aimed to expose students to exciting possibilities and pathways that can help them translate their ideas into a commercial product/process and provide a platform for emerging startups to enhance visibility and promote networking.
Lamp lighting by the dignitaries of the Startup workshop (Left) and Chief Guest of the Workshop Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman of Startup Odisha while delivering his address
The workshop had wide representation from industry, startups, industry associates, research institutes, universities and major government bodies and technology business incubators involved in promoting startups. It included sessions on exposing the students to different facets of the startups, experience sharing by successful startups and a dedicated venue for showcasing innovative solutions (products) by startups.
Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR- NIScPR, in her welcome address in the inaugural session, gave a brief overview of the activities by CSIR-NIScPR, including the TRL and socio-economic impact assessment of CSIR technologies. Prof. Aggarwal expressed hope that the participation of the stakeholders, especially the youngsters in such workshops will provide exposure on the exciting possibilities that the startup ecosystem in the country holds for them. Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR and coordinator of the startup workshop, briefed the participants on the event and its objectives. He mentioned that the main purpose of this event is to connect with every stakeholder and to lay a future roadmap.
The Chief Guest of the inaugural session, Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman of Startup Odisha, gave glimpses of how India’s digitisation is revolutionising technology accessibility to the remotest part of the country, helping new startups booming from the Tier-2&3 cities. The Guest of Honour, Mr. Punnet Kaura, Chairman, CII Delhi State Council and Managing Director & CEO, Samtel Avionics Ltd, talked about realising one’s vision to grow the business by building a growth mindset and learning from experiences. He also stressed on assessing and analysing the competitive landscape to keep tweaking the business strategies. His suggestions for scaling up and finding pathways to growth included continuous learning and growth, networking as well as connecting with mentors, peers and potential partners.
Glimpses of Book release during the Startup workshop organised on the second day of the One Week One Lab programme of CSIR-NIScPR
Three books were released by the dignitaries during the inaugural program: Tech Readiness: Evaluating CSIR Innovations Under Agricultural and Environmental Themes; AcSIR Academic Handbook for PhD Programme; and Synthesis Report: Study of Life Sciences Cluster in the context of COVID-19, A case study of Genome Valley. Dr. Naresh Kumar, Chief Scientist & Workshop Co-Coordinator, CSIR-NIScPR proposed the vote of thanks. The day-long programme focused on startups which consisted of technical sessions on “Building up Startup Ecosystem” & “Models for Successful Startup”, interactive sessions and panel discussions on different aspects of startup ecosystem.
One of the most exciting parts of this startup workshop was the exhibition by over 30 startups ranging from high technology to those who hold the promise to impact rural development in a major way. Startups focusing on hydrogen-driven car, toy maker who uses artificial intelligence and a seed startup were some of the highlights of this exhibition. Industry experts and the heads of the university-driven incubation centers also deliberated on the different facets of augmenting the startup ecosystem in the country.
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