IIM Kashipur's Uttishtha 2024: Mega Congregation of Agriculture Startups

The two-day Agri Mela Startup Expo is led by the Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development and E-Cell IIM Kashipur.

The annual Entrepreneurship Summit is expected to witness the participation of over 2000 B-School students.

IIM Kashipur's Uttishtha 2024: IIM Kashipur, a pioneer in the field of management education, is all set to host the 7th edition of Uttishtha 2024 from January 27 to 28, 2024. This 'Agri Mela' Startup Expo aims to target agri startups, industry stakeholders and investors to exchange valuable insights about entrepreneurship, with a startup expo and exciting activities. The two-day 'Agri Mela' Startup Expo – Mahakumbh of Agriculture Startups is run by the Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development [FIED] and E-Cell IIM Kashipur, with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, with the aim of celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and promoting innovation and collaboration.

The annual Entrepreneurship Summit is expected to witness the participation of 2000+ B-School students, 20+ VC and entrepreneur talks, 10,000+ visitors, 100+ startups and the top 10 startups engaged in live pitching [Ran Bhoomi]. On the first day, the summit will host several enlightening events such as Udaan 7.0 [Pitching Competition]HULT Award, Live Startup Pitching Competition, Leader Mantra.

On the second day, Expo Day [Kashipur Mela], focusing on career advice sessions, cultural presentations, science fairs and a celebrity evening. These competitions aim to identify potential ideas and provide them with the opportunity to present them before a panel of prestigious venture capital funds, entrepreneurs, academics and angel investors.

Ram Kumar, CEO, IIM Kashipur FIED said, “Over the last seven years, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has supported over 140 startups with funding totaling INR 320 crore through IIM Kashipur's Uttishtha-'Agri Mela' Startup Expo, which has grown into an important driver for the success of agricultural startups. The initiative not only stimulates creativity, but also has a significant positive socio-economic impact, raising the living standards of 500,000 farmers and creating employment. These startups are changing the face of corporate India with their creative ideas showcased on platforms like 'Agri Mela', showcasing everything from eco-friendly farming solutions to sustainable fashion.”

IIM Kashipur's Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development [FIED]an incubation center, supports startups and has organized 18 startup bootcamps in 13 districts of Uttarakhand in 2022-2023, expanding its reach to 2500 students and micro-entrepreneurs.

The incubation center has been successful and has achieved several milestones including 158+ startups, 2000+ direct employment, raised Rs 340Cr+ funding, funded 75+ startups, empowered 30 women entrepreneurs and benefited over 5 lakh farmers. Startups under FIED, such as BIJAK [$34.1 million]RUNWORM [$3.4 million]and INFYU LABS [$0.24 million] have raised significant amounts of money.

IIM Kashipur has also launched a five-day Open Management Development Program (MDP) titled 'Soft Skills for the Workplace of Tomorrow'. Scheduled from February 5 to 9, 2024, according to the official announcement.