New Delhi: Oil India Limited (OIL) served as the anchor PSU for the MC² + Ignite Outreach Programme focused on the theme “Start-Up Ecosystem in the Northeast Region.” The programme brought together startups, students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, industry leaders and academic institutions to discuss ways to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship across the Northeast.
Assam CM Calls for Stronger Innovation Ecosystem
Hon’ble Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma called for a stronger and more collaborative innovation ecosystem in the Northeast.
He highlighted the growing potential of entrepreneurship and technology-led innovation to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for the region.
The programme provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways to create stronger connections between emerging enterprises, government institutions, public-sector organisations, academia and industry.
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Senior Leaders Participate in Startup Programme
The event witnessed participation from several prominent government, PSU, academic and industry leaders, including:
- Dr Ravi Kota, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam
- Dr Ranjit Rath, CMD, Oil India Limited
- Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati
- Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Institute Professor, IIT Madras
- Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan, MD, NRL
- Sandeep Maheshwari, CEO, MC² Foundation
- Dr Jeevan Basavaraj, IAS, Secretary, Department of Innovation and Startups, Government of Assam
Their participation brought together perspectives from government, the public sector, academia and the startup ecosystem.
Programme Focuses on Technology, Funding and Scale-Up
Discussions during the programme centred on key areas that can support the growth of startups in the Northeast.
The major focus areas included:
- Technology development
- Industry collaboration
- Funding opportunities
- Deployment of innovative solutions
- Scaling up startup ventures
- Greater engagement between startups and public-sector organisations
The discussions aimed to help emerging enterprises identify opportunities to develop and deploy innovative solutions while connecting them with relevant ecosystem stakeholders.
Over 1,500 Registrations Highlight Growing Startup Interest
The programme received more than 1,500 registrations, demonstrating strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation in the Northeast.
The participation included:
- 100+ startups
- Around 1,000 students
- Entrepreneurs and emerging innovators
- Policymakers and government representatives
- Industry leaders
- Academic institutions
The significant participation of students and startups highlighted the growing interest among young innovators and entrepreneurs in building technology-driven businesses in the region.
Platform Connects Northeast Startups with Key Stakeholders
The MC² + Ignite Outreach Programme created an opportunity for emerging enterprises from the Northeast to interact with leading public-sector organisations and other ecosystem stakeholders.
The engagement is expected to encourage greater collaboration between startups, industry and institutions, particularly in areas related to technology development, funding and deployment.The initiative also underlined the importance of creating a connected innovation ecosystem that can help promising ventures move from ideas and technology development towards wider adoption and scale.
About Oil India Limited
Oil India Limited (OIL) is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. The company is engaged in the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas, along with activities across the wider energy value chain. OIL has its major operational presence in Assam and other parts of India and plays an important role in the country’s energy sector.
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