By Sushma Paul Berlia,
The government’s flagship initiative, Start-up India, has emerged as a catalyst in empowering innovators, generating employment, and positioning the nation as a global hub for start-ups. While policy reforms and funding play an integral role in this transformation, the role of educational institutions in fostering entrepreneurial talent is equally vital. Colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs by cultivating a culture of creativity, collaboration, and enterprise among students and young professionals.
A standout advancement under Start-up India is the MAARG portal (Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and Growth), and it connects aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors. By offering personalised guidance and insights, these mentors bring invaluable human intelligence to help navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial journey. This holistic support system is vital for nurturing the confidence and resilience required to transform ideas into impactful enterprises.
To truly foster a start-up ecosystem, it is essential to create an environment where innovative ideas can thrive. Educational institutions can serve as incubation hubs by providing access to resources such as coworking spaces, prototyping labs, and essential infrastructure. Establishing partnerships with industry players allows these institutions to connect students with seed funding opportunities and venture capital networks. This synergistic relationship between academia and industry ensures that students gain exposure to real-world challenges, equipping them with practical skills to tackle the evolving demands of the entrepreneurial world.
Innovation thrives on a foundation of robust research and development. Institutions can contribute by focusing on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and sustainability. By encouraging students and faculty to engage in R&D, educational institutions can become the cradle of ground-breaking solutions that address societal and global challenges.
Promoting start-ups that focus on social and regional impact can play a transformative role in community development. Colleges in rural and tier-2 cities, in particular, can support ventures that address critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Women-led start-ups also deserve special emphasis as they are instrumental in achieving gender equity in entrepreneurship. But many students remain unaware of the benefits and opportunities provided under the Start-up India initiative. Educational institutions can bridge this awareness gap by organising workshops and seminars to highlight the advantages of government schemes, including tax exemptions, credit guarantees, and compliance support. By guiding students through application processes and offering hands-on assistance, colleges can ensure that these programmes reach their intended beneficiaries.
The journey from being job-seekers to job-creators hinges on the proactive efforts of educational institutions. These centres of learning are not merely academic spaces, but catalysts for innovation and enterprise. By fostering a mindset that values creativity and problem-solving, they prepare students to take on entrepreneurial roles that drive both economic and social progress.
Start-up India is a unique and unprecedented opportunity for educational institutions to contribute to India’s future. By investing in education, research, and incubation, they can empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to rise to global challenges and propel the nation’s journey as a global start-up powerhouse. As India continues to transform into a dynamic, start-up-driven economy, the synergy between education and entrepreneurship will remain the cornerstone of this evolution.
The author is chairman, Assocham National Council on Business Facilitation and Global Competitiveness, and chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svrān Group.
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