USTM-NewGen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (USTM-NewGen IEDC) launched

22nd Sep, 2017 153

Project to be implemented, coordinated and managed by EDII, Ahmedabad under the aegis of National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), DST, Govt of India

USTM, Techno City, September 22: The New Generation Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (NGIEDC), an initiative of National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt of India which is implemented by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India was launched at USTM at Techno City on the outskirts of Guwahati on Friday. The mission of NGIEDC is “to promote knowledge based and technology-driven start-ups by harnessing young minds and their innovation potential in an academic environment.”
University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) is among the privileged few higher educational institutions of science & technology in India to have been awarded the NGIEDC which initially shall receive grants for a period of five years. And as a part of the first year’s grant, 10 student-projects have been selected, which are already in their product development stage. One student project group comprises of five students placed under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
The USTM-NewGen IEDC was formally inaugurated by PVSLN Murthy, Chief General Manager, SBI in presence of Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor, USTM; Manoj Kumar Das, Director, IIE; and H Decruse, GM, DCIC, Nongpoh.
Speaking on the occasion, SBI CGM Murthy urged upon the student innovators to refresh their mindset, believe in the fact that nothing is impossible, and adhere to their ideas until they are crystallised into products. Director IIE Das told the students that there is no dearth of funds with the government to support innovation and research, what is required is commitment on the part of the recipients. GM DCIC Decruse expressed happiness that the NGIEDC has come to Ri Bhoi District and assured all cooperation from his side for its success.
Earlier in his opening speech, Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor USTM, said, “The emphasis at USTM will be to nurture appropriate eco-system for entrepreneurship development and synergise the mandate of various development institutions towards effective implementation of development initiatives.” He was of the view that USTM-NGIEDC shall promote student entrepreneurs leading to creation of start-ups and viable business venture.
Others who spoke on the occasion were Prof Amarjyoti Choudhury, CV Raman Chair Professor; Prof Alaka Sarma, Dean, SSSH & Student Welfare; Dr Amit Choudhury, Dean SBUS & Chief Coordinator, NGIEDC; and Dr Ajmal H Barbhuiya, Academic Registrar, USTM.