Assam: Session held with thrust on innovation, technology and entrepreneurship at IIT Guwahati

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The four-day-long 10th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024 that began on November 30 at IIT Guwahati is celebrating the integration of science and technology in addressing real-world challenges.

This year's event features various thematic discussions, with the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) co-chairing the "Start-up Mission" sub-theme, focused on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, alongside CSIR-CCMB.

Dr. Lele, Director of CSIR-NCL, inaugurated the session by emphasizing the transformative potential of lab-based technologies to benefit communities, particularly in agriculture-a cornerstone of India's economy.

The keynote address was delivered by B.K. Sohliya, Executive Adviser and Chairman of the Meghalaya Farmers' Empowerment Commission. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between CSIR-NCL and the Commission in driving the "Sweet Revolution." Through innovations such as honey profiling technologies, this partnership is enhancing the quality, global recognition, and marketability of Indian honey while uplifting beekeepers' livelihoods. This initiative exemplifies the role of science in solving practical challenges and promoting India's honey heritage.

The session also featured a segment titled "Success Stories from Bharat," where ten entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, including health, diagnostics, clean energy, agriculture, mining, and sustainable industries, shared their journeys. These stories underscored the power of resilience and innovation in fostering societal and economic impact, reinforcing the "Make in India" mission. Moderated by Dr. Nitin Tewari, head of the Intellectual Property Group at CSIR-NCL, the session emphasized the critical role of the 3 Ms-money, mentorship, and market access-for start-ups, alongside the 3 Cs-curiosity, customer focus, and capital-as essential elements for entrepreneurial success.

The discussions highlighted the significant contributions of science and technology in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development across India.

Also read: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Inaugurates IISF 2024 At IIT Guwahati

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