Port Blair, July 23: The Directorate of Industries, in collaboration with Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), successfully organized the Startup Bootcamp 2024 in the Conference Hall of Tagore Government College of Education (TGCE). The event conceptualized under the leadership of the Director of Industries, Shri Abhishek Bhukal was aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the education sector.

The event began with an inaugural session, during which, Smt. S. Sunitha Kumari, Assistant Director (Tech) welcomed the gathering and briefed about the event. Altogether 130 students from various streams of TGCE participated in the event.

Inaugurating the event, the chief guest, Regional Manager of SBI, Shri Sidhartha Gupta emphasized on the importance of innovation and business over traditional Government jobs for the new generation. His words resonated deeply with the audience, setting a motivational tone for the event.

Other notable dignitaries who were present included the Principal of TGCE, Smt. Manju Lata Rao, who encouraged students to seize entrepreneurial opportunities, and the Vice President of ACCI, Shri K. Chandrashekar, who shared his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, igniting the entrepreneurial spirit among attendees.

The key speakers of the Technical Session were Shri Rajesh Setia, TESTPAN India (Connected online via Startup India Team, DPIIT) who delivered an insightful session of his journey focusing on ‘Translating Business Ideas into a Sustainable Business Sector’. Shri P.K. Ummer Farooq, Lead District Manager, SBI discussed about the Government Support and Funding for Startups and Allied Activities through Financial Institutions. Dr. Shrabani Mallick, Sr. Lecturer of CSE@Startup Head, DBRAIT delivered an activity based session on ‘Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset, Identifying Problems to solve, and Building Necessary Skills and Support Networks for Successful Startups in the Educational Sector’. Shri E. Ibrahim N. Jadwet, ACCI deliberated on ‘Business Model Development and Commercialization’.

Further Dr. T. Ganesh, Associate Professor & MBA Coordinator of Pondicherry University spoke on Developing Essential Startup Skills like Business Planning, Financial Management, Marketing, and Team Building.

Success Stories of Startups was also highlighted, in which a demonstration of AR/VR technology by Shri M. Vinod and Shri Dinesh Lal of DPIIT recognized Startup namely M/s Unicorniz Innovations Pvt. Ltd. captivated the audience, illustrating the practical application of innovative technologies. Shri Shahid Khan, Industries Promotion Officer proposed the vote of thanks for the event.

The Startup Bootcamp 2024 provided a comprehensive platform for budding entrepreneurs to gain valuable insights and equip themselves with the skills necessary to launch and sustain successful startups in the education sector.