BBAU Hosts Interactive Session with Startup and Industry Experts under ‘Ask Me Anything’ Series

Lucknow: Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, organized a special interactive session on 3rd September under its ‘Ask Me Anything’ series today, providing startups, students and young innovators an opportunity to directly interact with government officials, industry experts and experienced professionals from the entrepreneurship sector. The programme aimed to provide participants with practical insights into government schemes, financial assistance, innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunities available in the industry. The programme was organized jointly by BBAU, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan, StartInUP, Bharat Startup and Innovation Society (BSIS), Navkalpana and Indian Bank. Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, Vice-Chancellor, BBAU and UGC Commission Member, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Apart from this, Mr. Himanshu Kaushik, IAS, Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Electronics Corporation Limited, Mr. Sudhir Gupta, Chief General Manager, Indian Bank, Mr. Vinayak Nath, National President, Bharat Startup and Innovation Society (BSIS), Mr. Jai Agrawal, Managing Director, CP Milk and Dr. Arpit Shailesh, Programme Coordinator were present on the dais. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tribute to the portrait of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This was followed by the University anthem. The organizing committee welcomed the dignitaries by presenting them with saplings and shawls. Dr. Arpit Shailesh delivered the welcome address and briefed the participants about the objectives and outline of the programme. The session was moderated by Dr. Narendra Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, Vice-Chancellor, BBAU, said that the responsibility of an educational institution is not limited to providing conventional education to young people; it must also foster an entrepreneurial mindset and help students develop their capabilities. He emphasized that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places special emphasis on promoting innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship through education. He said that entrepreneurship would play a crucial role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Several developed countries across the world have achieved new dimensions of growth through entrepreneurship and innovation. Prof. Mittal observed that the distinctive quality of entrepreneurship is its ability to develop a mindset that identifies possibilities and opportunities even in challenging situations. He also emphasized the importance of promoting the concept of ‘Earning While Learning’ among young people. He said that students should be provided opportunities to practically apply their skills, creative ideas and entrepreneurial abilities alongside their academic studies. This would help develop self-reliance, confidence and the capacity to create employment, enabling young people to move from being job seekers to becoming job creators.
Mr. Himanshu Kaushik, IAS, Managing Director, UPLC, Government of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the rapidly developing startup and innovation ecosystem of Uttar Pradesh. He said that Uttar Pradesh is emerging as an important global centre for startups, innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven development. With a population of more than 24 crore, the state represents a vast consumer market. He highlighted the state’s strong digital infrastructure, extensive expressway network, Defence Corridor, data centres and industry-friendly environment as major advantages for entrepreneurs. Mr. Kaushik stated that Uttar Pradesh is the third-largest startup ecosystem in India and is making a significant contribution to the country’s startup economy. He informed the gathering that the state has more than 24,000 recognized startups, over 11,000 women-led startups and 88 recognized incubators. He said that the ecosystem being developed in Uttar Pradesh to promote innovation, technological collaboration and entrepreneurship is creating new opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs and is playing an important role in establishing the state as a leading global innovation and startup hub.
Mr. Vinayak Nath, National President, Bharat Startup and Innovation Society (BSIS), emphasized that maintaining financial discipline from the very first day of a startup is essential. He shared information about various activities of BSIS and the support being provided to startups. He said that the organization aims to strengthen the innovation, entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem across the country. Referring to initiatives such as Startup Mahakumbh, Uttar Pradesh’s first Startup Round Table and One District One Product (ODOP), he said that such initiatives provide startups with access to new markets, networking opportunities, mentorship and avenues for growth. He added that such platforms play an important role in transforming innovative ideas of young people into viable businesses and connecting local products and enterprises of Uttar Pradesh with wider markets.
Mr. Sudhir Gupta, Chief General Manager, Indian Bank, highlighted the role of banks in the development of startups and said that banks are no longer limited to providing financial assistance to traditional businesses. They are also playing an important role in providing capital and financial guidance to innovation- and entrepreneurship-driven startups. He provided information about Indian Bank’s ‘IND Start Up Scheme’, through which DPIIT-recognized startups can receive financial assistance for prototype development, product/app/website development, procurement of raw materials and machinery, recruitment and training of employees, licences and certifications, marketing and office-related requirements. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to make effective use of banking facilities and available financial schemes to transform their business ideas into practical and successful ventures. He also elaborated on the role being played by the banking sector in strengthening the startup ecosystem, promoting innovation and generating employment.
Mr. Jai Agrawal, Managing Director, CP Milk, shared his professional experiences and provided startups and young entrepreneurs with practical guidance on starting and successfully managing a business. He said that a clear business plan, proper understanding of the market, quality products and services, identification of customer needs and sound financial management are essential for the success of any business. He advised entrepreneurs to avoid making decisions in haste, assess business risks carefully and make expenditure and investment decisions thoughtfully. He emphasized that continuous learning, patience, discipline and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions are important keys to long-term entrepreneurial success.
A book named ‘Enterprenurship for Viksit Bharat – 2047’ authored under the joint aegis of Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, Vice-Chancellor, BBAU, Prof. K.K. Pandey; and Prof. Manoj Joshi was also released during the programme. On this occasion, Shri Kashmiri Lal ji, Rashtriya sangathak, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch and Shri Satish Kumar, Seh- Sangathak also addressed the gathering.
A special question-and-answer session was also organized during the programme. Students, startups and other participants raised questions and shared their queries with the experts on entrepreneurship, startup operations, financial management, government schemes and various aspects of running a business. The experts responded to the questions in detail and provided practical solutions and guidance. The interactive session provided participants with an opportunity to learn from the experiences of industry and entrepreneurship experts and gain valuable insights relevant to their entrepreneurial journeys.
On the occasion, Prof. Naveen Kumar Arora, President, Navkalpana and IIC, along with faculty members, research scholars, students, startups and participants associated with innovation and entrepreneurship, were present.

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