Day 2 of SIIC, IIT Kanpur’s annual showcase event, on 17th December 2020, celebrated the greatest innovations in artificial intelligence and machine learning led by incubate startups

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh- Day 2 of Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) IIT Kanpur’s annual showcase event - ‘Abhivyakti’ on 17th December 2020 focused on innovation in the domain of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). The highlight of Day 1 was an insight into the Government of India’s ongoing efforts at nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem towards building an AtmaNirbhar Bharat.

As Abhivyakti went completely virtual this year, the event was kickstarted by an inspiring inaugural note by the Mr. Satya Prakash Singh, CEO, SIDBI Venture Capital, followed by Ms. Jette Bjerrum, Consul General, Head of Trade and Innovation Centre, Denmark. The sessions on Day 2 were led by eminent dignitaries from the Government, Dr Ajai Kumar Garg, MeitY, Dr Anita Gupta, Department of Science and Technology, Mr Sanjay Shukla, Chhattisgarh Minor Small Forest Produce Association; business and industry leaders from the likes of Aavishkar Capital and INVEST India; and bridging the global gap through speakers and startups from the other end of the globe.

During the inaugural session, Mr. Satya Prakash Singh noted, “Abhivyakti is about expressing oneself and putting your idea out in the market. Fortunately, India has a large pool of talent but needs support. Deep-tech startups are facing a unique challenge in terms of large gestation periods between conceptualization of the product and scaling it up to the larger customer base.” With the hope for a rewarding collaboration between India and Denmark, Ms. Jette Bjerrum shared, “Institutions have the courage to take the risk of failure and a large pool of talent. The Danish want to support the innovations stemming from these risk takers and are looking forward to finding ways for offering the same and cultivating synergies. Entrepreneurship is a skill and we must try to nurture that.”

On Day 2 of Abhivyakti 2020, 7 AI 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 diverse set of panelists engaged in conversations focused on engaging women in tech, forecasting the future of artificial intelligence, and demystifying the intricacies of fundraising. India’s potential as one of the leading startup hubs and prospective collaborations with national and international industry players have been a boon for the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The speakers spoke of ways in which these ties could be strengthened to foster rewarding synergies around promoting new ideas with purpose and profit - website

Professor Amitabha Bandyopadhyay, Professor-in-charge, Innovation & Incubation at IIT Kanpur shared his hopeful stance on the strategic ties between academic institutions and industry players and the role they play in strengthening the incubation system, “Today, the Hon’ble Prime Minister India is wearing masks developed here at IIT Kanpur. An SIIC-incubate is selling ventilators in the open market and bridging the existing gaps in health systems in such times of dire need. This has been made possible by fostering collaborations with the likes of SIDBI, whose generous grant was pivotal in setting up SIIC in 2000. We look forward to providing our startups the benefit of such collaborations as they continue to contribute to the local economy.”

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.