Startup Workshop conducted by DPIIT and Assam Startup for building a robust startup ecosystem in Assam

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Assam Startup – the nest, organized a Startup Workshop as part of the Startup India ASCEND Series, at The Nest on November 12, 2022. An initiative by DPIIT, ASCEND is a series of one-day workshops designed to boost the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in North East India and thereby aid the growth of the startup ecosystem.

DPIIT and Startup India representatives were present for the event, along with state officials, Govt. of Assam, industry experts from the startup ecosystem in Assam, and senior officials from IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, which is driving the Assam Startup initiative as a Knowledge Partner. The day-long program was packed with insightful deliberations on the wide scope of startups, the nitty gritty of a startup business and the role of the various stakeholders in the startup ecosystem.

Framed with a motive to capacitate the participants and potential stakeholders in the startup ecosystem in Assam, the event was lined up with an array of programs, like Masterclasses for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs, sensitization seminar for the high net worth individuals of Assam and a workshop for the senior faculty members from the academia to consolidate their capacity as startup enablers in Assam. The sessions were conducted by well-known industry experts like Mr. Pravash Dey, Director, Brand India Global Limited; Prof Dhruv Nath, Director, Lead Angels Network; Mr. Pankaj Periwal, Partner, V. Singhi & Associates; and Dr. Razdan Sarim Rahman, Assistant Professor, Centre for Livelihoods & Social Entrepreneurship, TISS, Guwahati.

Earlier in the day, the Joint Director of the Department of Industries & Commerce, Govt. of Assam., laid forth the vision of the Assam Startup initiative and its way forward. The Chief Operating Officer of Assam Startup and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, Mr. Pranjal Konwar, further summarised the Assam Startup initiative and its role in instrumenting a metamorphosis of the startup ecosystem in Assam.

The workshop was deemed as an urgent necessity for the inclusive development of the startup ecosystem in Assam by sensitizing the stakeholders about their crucial role in the ecosystem.