SIIC, IIT Kanpur And G.B. Pant University Join Forces For Agritech Innovations & Startups
In a move to ignite innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture, the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur and G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUA&T) co-hosted the “AgriTech Innovation and Startup Meet” at GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The event featured key addresses from prominent figures in the agricultural innovation space. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between SIIC, IIT Kanpur, and GB Pant University.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration, facilitating technical guidance and joint efforts to support startups. The event provided a platform for startups from both universities to showcase their transformative ventures. Startups from SIIC, IIT Kanpur, and GBPUA&T, presented their innovative technologies to the audience. This platform enabled it interaction and potential collaborations between the startups and scientists, enabling a more robust agricultural entrepreneurship ecosystem in North India.
Dr. Ajeet Singh Nain, Director of Research, GBPUA&T; Prof. Amitabha Bandyopadhyay, Co-Professor In Charge, SIIC IIT Kanpur; and Dr. Amita Joshi, Deputy General Manager, BIRAC emphasized their commitment to support agritech startups from both the institutions throughout their journey from ideation and development to validation, regulatory compliance, market access by engaging with Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs), among others.
Dr. Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Vice-Chancellor, GBPUA&T highlighted the significant potential of this partnership to uplift the agritech innovation ecosystem in the northern region of the country.
Prof. Amitabha Bandyopadhyay Co-Professor In Charge, SIIC IIT Kanpur , said, “The enthusiasm on display from the faculty and student members of G.B. Pant University was infectious. I am confident that this relationship will deliver the desired results for these two great institutions and the startup ecosystem of India and the country in general.”
Dr. Ajeet Singh Nain, Director of Research, GBPUA&T , highlighted the far-reaching impact of this partnership by stating “This one-day workshop, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, continues our university’s efforts towards innovation and excellence. We look forward to these deliberations laying a strong foundation for future advancements.”
Dr. Amita Joshi provided valuable insights on funding opportunities available for agricultural startups through BIRAC, stressing on the importance of providing suitable institutional support and guidance to help startups test and validate their technologies.
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A captivating panel discussion titled “Collaboration Avenues between IIT Kanpur & G.B. Pant University and Strategies to Boost Agricultural Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in North India” further fuelled the spirit of collaboration.
The AgriTech Innovation and Startup Meet 2024 concluded on a high note, marking the beginning of a promising partnership between SIIC IIT Kanpur and GBPUA&T. This collaboration is poised to propel innovation, empower startups, and contribute significantly to the development of impactful agritech solutions for a more sustainable future.
SIIC And G.B Pant University
The Start-up Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur was established in 2000. It is one of the oldest technology business incubators with many successes under its belt. In 2018, the leadership brought the incubator’s operations under the Foundation for Research & Innovation in Science & Technology (FIRST), a Section-8 company promoted by IIT Kanpur.
G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology
Established in 1960, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), also known as Pantnagar University, holds the distinction of being the first agricultural university in India. Located in Uttarakhand, this government university stands as a symbol of the successful partnership between India and the United States. Its establishment revolutionized agricultural education, research, and extension in the country, paving the way for the creation of 31 additional agricultural universities.
