The Research & Entrepreneurship Park (REP) at IIT Bhubaneswar buzzed with excitement as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the two-day 100 Cube Start-up Conclave. This pivotal event signifies a paradigm shift in eastern India’s innovation landscape, promising to ignite a “solution-driven innovation and start-up revolution,” as Pradhan himself declared.
Pradhan envisioned the 100 Cube initiative as a “21st-century temple,” mirroring the architectural marvel of Konark. More than just a physical space, it aims to inspire and empower young minds to dream big, innovate, and create lasting value. He emphasized the importance of a “whole-of-a-society approach,” urging corporates, investors, and academia to join hands in fostering a supportive ecosystem for budding entrepreneurs.
Echoing Prime Minister Modi’s vision, Pradhan acknowledged the “Amrit Kaal as a golden age for the youth. He highlighted the immense potential of Odisha and eastern India, emphasizing the untapped talent and innovative spirit waiting to be unleashed. Recognizing the world’s hopeful gaze upon India’s young minds, he reiterated the need for an enabling ecosystem that unlocks their potential to address global challenges.
Pradhan acknowledged the inherent knack for innovation within Odia society and the academic institutions’ potential to provide solutions to global problems. He identified specific focus areas for the REP, including Health & BioTech, Battery/EV/ClimateTech, Artificial Intelligence, SpaceTech, Drones, Semi-conductors, and Enterprise Software. These strategic fields align with critical global concerns and position the initiative for impactful contributions.
The event transcended a mere ceremonial opening. The inauguration of the new auditorium and the virtual foundation stone laying for infrastructure projects symbolized the initiative’s physical expansion. A captivating short film showcased the REP’s mission, capturing its essence and aspirations. MoUs signed between 16 startups and the REP marked the beginning of collaborative ventures, while grant cheques awarded to four IIT Bhubaneswar-incubated startups by Oil India Ltd. instilled confidence and support. An exhibition of innovative startup products provided a glimpse into the future, showcasing the transformative power of young minds.
The conclave was preceded by five insightful parallel sessions exploring diverse themes. From the “confluence of culture, entrepreneurship, and vision” to “nurturing new ideas for India’s future” and fostering successful industry-startup partnerships, these discussions laid the groundwork for fruitful interaction and collaboration. Additionally, a fireside chat with Pradhan on February 10th delved into the crucial aspects of building a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurs and startups, particularly focusing on the immense potential of eastern India.
