STPI Inaugurates Incubation Centre In Kolkata To Boost IT Start-Ups

Kolkata, Feb 21 (KNN) The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's Software Technology Parks of India has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art incubation facility in Salt Lake, Kolkata.

The facility, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and IT exports from West Bengal, was officially opened by Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics and Information Technology.

During the inauguration, Minister Prasada emphasised India's trajectory toward becoming a global technology and innovation hub.

He highlighted the government's focus on developing indigenous AI models and GPUs, ensuring accessibility for researchers, students, and start-ups.

The minister also stressed the importance of expanding technology access beyond metropolitan areas to bridge the digital divide in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

The new facility boasts impressive infrastructure, spanning 200,000 square feet with 75,000 square feet dedicated to raw incubation space.

It offers plug-and-play office spaces equipped with high-speed data communication capabilities to support IT and ITeS start-ups and SMEs.

The centre is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in the region while providing comprehensive support including mentorship, industry collaboration, and global networking opportunities.

STPI Director General Arvind Kumar emphasised Kolkata's potential to emerge as a hub for emerging technologies, citing the city's rich intellectual and creative heritage.

The facility will focus on fostering innovation in frontier technologies such as AI, IoT, Blockchain, and FinTech, aligning with the government's vision to strengthen India's position in the global technology landscape.

Since its establishment in 1991, STPI has expanded from a few centres to 67 locations nationwide, with 59 situated in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

The organisation has also established 24 domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship focusing on various sectors including HealthTech, MedTech, Blockchain, IoT, and Agritech.

Through its Next Generation Incubation Scheme and other initiatives, STPI has supported over 1,300 start-ups with end-to-end assistance.

This development marks a significant step forward in advancing the Digital India vision and supporting the government's 'Viksit Bharat' mission through the promotion of entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive technological growth across the country.

(KNN Bureau)