SAMRIDHI Conclave: IIT Ropar Launches Deeptech Startup Acceleration Drive for Agricultural & Water Technology Innovation

Mr Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, inaugurated the SAMRIDHI (Strategic Acceleration for Market, Research, Innovation, and Development: a Holistic Initiative for ICPS Startups) Deeptech Startup Accelerator Program, a significant step toward fostering innovation in agriculture and water technology.

The initiative is hosted by iHub AwaDH, a Technology and Innovation Hubs establishment under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). Thirteen startups, meticulously shortlisted through a rigorous evaluation process, presented their groundbreaking ideas, while 25 other startups showcased their innovative solutions at the exhibition. The event drew the participation of more than 30 industry experts who shared insights on strategic acceleration for market research, innovation, and development.

Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Secretary of the Science and Engineering Research Board and Senior Adviser to the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, lauded the efforts of NM-ICPS in fostering technology self-reliance towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Dr. Ekta Kapoor, Mission Director of NM on ICPS, highlighted the mission's key interventions in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) technology across diverse sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, health, defence, and environment.

The event witnessed the presence of eminent personalities such as Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar; Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh; Dr. Pushpendra Pal Singh, Project Director of AwaDH, and Mr. Amitabh Nag, CEO of Bhashini Digital India. The occasion underscored the pivotal role of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, in shaping the future of technology in the region through NM-ICPS.

Notably, the Mission has resulted in the generation of 311 technologies, 549 technology products, the creation of 1613 CPS research bases, and has contributed to skilling more than 60,000 individuals in the field. Organized by IIT Ropar’s Technology and Innovation Hub AwaDH, the conclave received support from 46 investment partners, with over 50 jury members actively evaluating and mentoring the participating startups. The collaborative efforts of 110 partners nationwide played a crucial role in driving innovation and fostering technological self-reliance.

The SAMRIDHI program, executed in collaboration with the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM – ICPS), further underscores DST's commitment to advancing technology and innovation in the country.

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