Day 1 of SIIC, IIT Kanpur’s annual showcase event, on 16th December 2020, celebrated the greatest innovations in healthcare led by incubate startups

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh- Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) IIT Kanpur organized its annual showcase event - ‘Abhivyakti’ on 16th December 2020 as it went completely virtual this year. The event was kickstarted by an inspiring inaugural note by the Dr Ajay Kumar, IAS, Defence Secretary, Govt. of India followed by Shri Satish Mahana, Hon'ble Cabinet Minister, Department of Infrastructure & Industrial Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Sessions on Day 1 were led by eminent dignitaries from Government of India associated with the MeitY, Department of Science and Technology, and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, business and industry leaders, and innovators supported by SIIC IIT Kanpur.

During the inaugural session, Dr Ajay Kumar noted, “Defense has opened its doors for private sector with a focus on atmanirbhar Bharat and carries huge scope for innovation. We have great expectations from young minds and are keen on seeing SIIC IIT Kanpur’s startups making a mark in the defense sector.” Applauding the progress of Uttar Pradesh in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Shri Satish Mahana shared, “Industries in Uttar Pradesh are being recognized within the country, and previously it was the least preferred area. The State has received 4 lakh crores from various industry players; Samsung has also invested in setting up a plant in UP. UP has fertile land and power and is being ushered in a new era of industrialization.”

On Day 1 of Abhivyakti 2020, 7 healthcare startups incubated at SIIC IIT Kanpur, showcased their innovations to leading experts in the incubation ecosystem across India and beyond national borders. Their ideas received much applaud from eminent Government dignitaries, angel investors, venture capitalists, and a keen audience who joined with their vehement support in large numbers.

The exemplary panelists kick started the much-needed dialogue surrounding the past, present, and future of entrepreneurship in India. The Government of India’s ongoing efforts at nurturing this ecosystem and harnessing the creativity of our entrepreneurs was at the crux of the discussions. The sessions covered a plethora of issues including persisting gaps in the incubation ecosystem in India, India’s quest to conquer the global tech market, and role of industry and Government in enabling inclusive support systems to address issues from the bottom of the pyramid. See here for detailed agenda

Prof Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur remarked, “At SIIC IIT Kanpur we have 70+ incubates with a valuation of 1000 crores funded by angel investors, venture capitalists, and industry leaders. This vehement support has strengthened our incubation program that offers a rich portfolio of startups in domains of health care, bio tech, agriculture, and environment. These companies contribute to the local economy, solving problems persisting at the bottom of the pyramid.”

About Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur

Startups and social enterprises are widely regarded as the key to addressing developmental challenges, especially in emerging economies such as India. With innovation at the heart of the matter, startups at SIIC IIT Kanpur aim to create impact at the bottom of the pyramid. Established in the year 2000, Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur is one of the oldest technology business incubators with many successes under its belt. Our multifaceted, vibrant incubation ecosystem nurtured over a period of 2 decades aims to fill all the gaps that exist on the road to convert an idea into business. We have developed the experience base and eco-system that become key ingredients in the development of early-stage, technology-focused start-ups disrupting paradigms across the domains such as agriculture, healthcare, aerospace, energy, water, and education.