IIT Mandi’s event for startups begins

Tribune News Service

Mandi, December 12

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today virtually inaugurated the Indian Institute of Technology-Mandi Catalyst’s annual flagship event Himalayan Startup Trek. During the event, Industries Minister Bikram Singh announced Rs 10 crore seed funding for startups from the state government under the Him Startup Yojana.

Virtually addressing the event, the Chief Minister said he was happy to see how the IIT-Mandi had made an impact with its initiatives for startups on a national level. “In the fast growing world, I urge entrepreneurs of young startups to take the lead in utilising technology to find solutions for the community at large,” he said.

Prof Ajit K Chaturvedi, Director, IIT-Mandi, said, “The IIT-Mandi Catalyst is continuously helping young minds in materialising their innovative ideas to create solutions for society at large. The fund under the Him Startup Yojana provided by the state government will prove to be a boon to the new ventures in the state.”

“This year, in the Himalayan Startup Trek, as many as 70 startup applications will be considered for incubation support by the IIT-Mandi Catalyst.

During the three-day event, 40 mentors/investors will meet representatives of these startups.

Selected startups will undergo an incubation programme during which seed funding will be provided to them. A maximum seed support of Rs 50 lakh will be available for a startup,” he said.