Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry in association with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park & Entrepreneurship Cell, IIT Kharagpur organized a Special Session on “Runway for Start-ups” on January 18, 2024 at Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata.
Shri Babul Supriyo, Hon’ble Minister of IT & Electronics and Non-Conventional Renewable Energy Sources, Government of West Bengal addressed the Session as Chief Guest.
Hon’ble Minister in his address said that Government may create policies and provide infrastructure support. However, start-ups need to excite the private sector in order to receive funding from them. Supporting a start-up is not just about providing funds and includes giving them an impetus for what they have thought. The State Government has till now incubated 59 start-ups in Bengal.
He informed that Bengal has a robust technological infrastructure with Bengal Silicon Valley and 22 IT Parks.
Shri Namit Bajoria, President, MCCI in his Welcome Address said that in last October, India has emerged as the 3rd largest ecosystem for startups globally with nearly 1.13 Lakh startups across 763 districts of the country and 111 unicorns with a total valuation of USD 349.67 Bn.
Shri Bajoria expressed that today was not just about discussing theories or sharing success stories but also about providing practical insights and strategies for start-ups which could serve as a solid runway for your startup endeavors.
The Session was addressed by 9 unique Start-ups, namely Mountain Tribe Foods Private Limited, UNI CARD, MetaDrive, Technixia Automation Private Limited, Siddhivinayak Bitumin Enterprise Private Limited, Truckhall Private Limited (SuperProure), Satadru Technologies Private Limited (Drivershaab) and Kaushal Circle Private Limited.
Shri Anand Joshi, Founder, MountainTribe Foods Private Limited said that this venture envisions redefining the FMCG industry by establishing a healthy and enjoyable food culture with innovative, plant-based, probiotic, functional products.
Shri Jitesh Gandhi, UNI CARD in his address said that Indian consumers need an affordable way when using credit cards. So UNI CARD solves this challenge and hopes to become an unicorn in the foreseeable future.
Shri Suruchi Gagan, Founder, Technixia Automation Private Limited said that this venture has introduced intelligent automation and energy management solutions for commercial, industrial and residential establishments.
Shri Prateek Chaudhary, Chairman, Council on Start-ups, MCCI in his address said that with digital revolution and self-resilience, the age of start-ups has dawned in India.
Dr. Pranab K. Dan, Associate Professor, Rajendra Mishra School of Engineering Entrepreneurship, IIT Kharagpur said that success rate for start-ups is now about 15%, however, it may be increased to 30% with investors’ support.
Smt. Namami Ghosh, Head Portfolio Management, IIM Calcutta said that most start-ups are technology enable and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park prefers scalability.
The Session was concluded with the hearty Vote of Thanks proposed by Shri Abhay Agarwal, Co-Chairman, Council on Start-ups, MCCI
