15 healthcare and agri startups make it to first cohort of NIRMAN accelerator

New Delhi, Dec 23 (KNN) The NIRMAN Accelerator Program launched by Start-ups Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) IIT Kanpur has selected 15 startups for its first chohort where they will develop sustainable solutions in the healthcare and agriculture sector.

The accelerator program supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), through its NIDHI scheme portfolio, will help solve challenges in the product development journey of indigenous innovations.

Selection was done through rigorous screening and it was followed by training, including residential workshops for getting the startups geared up to meet the challenges ahead.

The first 3-day residential workshop for the startups provided the startups with a better understanding of funding opportunities, compliance & business opportunities for health tech and agritech startups, Angel and VC funding for early-stage startups, compliance through Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), ISO and Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and ethos associated with team building.

Representatives fr0m VCs like growX, YourNest, corporates like DS Group, and government agencies like TDB, GeM shared their insights and learning with the startup founders in this program.

Startups under the cohort got opportunities to interact with eminent speakers fr0m government agencies, Angel Investors and VC communities, and prominent industry leaders.

Dr. Anita Gupta, Head NEB Division DST, underlined this program's importance in strengthening the country's innovation ecosystem and creating startups focusing on areas of national importance.

Regarding the program's response, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director IIT Kanpur, said, “NIRMAN Accelerator Program is expected to expedite the journey of startups developing cutting-edge, technology-driven innovations in these critical areas fr0m prototype to market.”

The cohort was encouraged to address the pertinent challenges of the Indian hardware sector through their innovative solutions.

The accelerator program will enable comprehensive nurturing and fostering of the startups through effective mentoring and market access, and with the completion of the training period this month, the startups will get launched in their journey towards indigenous innovations.  (KNN Bureau)