Atal Incubation Centre – SMUTBI at Majhitar, Rangpo was inaugurated today (15th Feb. 2020) by Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Ganga Prasad in the presence of Shri K. N. Lepcha, Hon’ble Minister, Govt. of Sikkim and Shri R. Ramanathan, Mission Director, AIM, NITI Aayog, Govt. of India along with officials from State Government. But entrepreneurs and students of ATLs from across Sikkim attended the inauguration. Lt. Gen. Venkatesh welcomed all the dignitaries and guests and expressed his overwhelming happiness over the establishment of the AIC(Atal Incubation Centre).
AIC-SMUTBI is the first AIC in the entire north-east region and has been envisioned as one of the 100 world-class incubators of the Government of India. It is fully supported by NITI Aayog, GoI under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). It aims at supporting the entrepreneurs and build an ecosystem for start-ups. Currently, there are 14 start-ups from across North-East India incubated at AIC-SMUTBI.
About Sikkim future Says
The 1st Cohort for Acceleration in the state of Sikkim in collaboration with Dept. of Commerce and Industries, Govt. of Sikkim and LetsVenture, Bengaluru was also launched during the event.
In his address Governor strongly appealed to the youths of Sikkim to take full advantage and make the best use of such a facility at their doorstep. He thanked NITI Aayog and Govt. of India for supporting such a cause in the state of Sikkim. Also, he congratulated SMU for establishing a world-class facility. He also mentioned about the Start-up India and Make in India visions of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. And added that the youth potential of our country is enormous and will definitely make India the leader in the world very soon. He mentioned about the vibrant research and innovation environment that has kick-started in India. And is very hopeful that the younger generation runs the motion for the new movement.
Shri K. N. Lepcha, in his address, expressed his overwhelming happiness in seeing the school students and parents in the function. But he said the future of Sikkim seems to be moving in the right direction and was greatly motivated by this response. He also thanked Govt. of India and NITI Aayog on behalf of the State Government and the people of Sikkim. Because he congratulated SMU on the establishment of AIC-SMUTBI and is highly delighted in seeing the outcomes of the facilities. Mr. Sanjay Jha, Prajakt Raut, and Priyanka Ahuja of LetsVenture highlighted the importance of such facilities in a state like Sikkim where job creation is of utmost importance due to remote location and highly limited resources.
About Innovation
Shri Ramanathan reiterated the huge potential of the youth workforce in India, and in order to bring out the potential of the students. We have to promote a strong ecosystem of innovation. Also, entrepreneurship that shall bring out their potential and give them a platform where they can showcase their ideas and innovations. He also mentioned about the current government’s initiative in establishing 5000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in 662 districts of India, out of which more than 36 ATLs are in Sikkim. He also gave guidelines needed to remember for budding entrepreneurs.
An Open-House session by Mission Director, AIM, Shri Ramanathan was conducted with parents. But entrepreneurs and ATLs on “Entrepreneurship as an Engine for job creation”. The vision of AIM was shared by him and a very enthusiastic and active participation was seen from the students, parents and entrepreneurs.
The endnote session by Abhishek Rungta, President TiE, Kolkata, and an Angel Investor on “Impact of Digital marketing” was very envisioning and saw an overwhelming response by the participants during the interaction.
Prof. (Dr.) Tej Chingtam, CEO AIC-SMUTBI presented the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the entire AIC. And SMU to NITI Aayog, GoI for their overwhelming support.
