Nagpur Set to Host Major Start-Up Conclave to Foster Economic Growth
The Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council, in partnership with start-up mentoring firm Lemon Ideas, Nagpur University (NU), and Vidarbha Infotech, is gearing up to organize the Viksit Bharat Nagpur Start-Up Conclave on April 10 and 11. This two-day event is poised to be a significant milestone in promoting entrepreneurship in the region.
Bringing Nagpur onto the Global Start-Up Map
At a pre-event media briefing, Rina Sinha, president of VED, emphasized that the conclave represents a concerted effort to elevate Nagpur's profile on the global start-up landscape. "We aim to showcase Nagpur as a hub for innovation and business opportunities," she stated, highlighting the event's role in attracting national and international attention.
Nagpur University's Inclusive Support for Start-Ups
Vice-chancellor Manali Kshirsagar underscored the university's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship beyond its student body. "Our incubation center is open to everyone, regardless of age or background. We welcome minors as young as 8 years old and senior citizens looking to start a second career," she explained. This inclusive approach aims to democratize access to entrepreneurial resources.
In a groundbreaking move, Nagpur University will invest in start-ups incubated at its center for the first time. "This investment is expected to act as a catalyst, drawing larger investors and boosting the growth potential of these ventures," Kshirsagar added, signaling a proactive stance in nurturing early-stage businesses.
Current Success and Revenue Milestones
The university's incubation center, managed by the Incubein Foundation, currently hosts 30 start-ups, with four having advanced to the revenue-generating stage. Abhay Deshpande, director of the incubation center, revealed impressive financial achievements: "One tech-based company has reached Rs20 crore in revenue, and the cumulative revenue of all incubated start-ups exceeds Rs40 crore." This success demonstrates the center's effectiveness in supporting viable business models.
Innopreneurs Global Start-Up Contests and Diverse Participation
The conclave will feature the 12th edition of the Innopreneurs Global Start-Up Contests, organized by Lemon Ideas. Deepak Menaria of Lemon Ideas noted, "This contest will evaluate the best innovative ideas, with participants ranging from school-going children to experienced professionals." The event is expected to bring together over 40 start-ups from across India, fostering a dynamic environment for networking and collaboration.
By integrating mentorship, investment, and competitive platforms, the Viksit Bharat Nagpur Start-Up Conclave aims to create a robust ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds, driving economic development in the Vidarbha region and beyond.
