Bhubaneswar: The ‘BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Pre-Consultation meet was organised by KIIT-TBI on Tuesday, bringing together distinguished speakers and aspiring entrepreneurs to discuss the role of youth in economic growth, innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
It was jointly hosted by KIIT-DU and KIIT-TBI and supported by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Global Counter Terrorism Council (GCTC). An MBA programme in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Venture Development was also launched on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy recalled Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das’ pioneering industrial efforts towards the industrialisation of the state. “He established Odisha’s first industry, Utkal Tannery, and showcased our filigree craftsmanship in the British Parliament. His vision reminds us that industrial growth is essential for overall development.”
She further emphasised on the Odisha government’s commitment to supporting young innovators. “The government recognises the immense potential of Odisha’s youth and is dedicated to providing an enabling environment for them to thrive. Investing in our youth means investing in the future of our state,” she added.
Over 700 students participated in the event, with more than 160 students presenting their start-up ideas in a competition. More than 15 start-ups shared their exciting entrepreneurial journey. A cash prize of Rs 20,000 each was given to five best ideas.
Lt Gen Kamal Jit Singh, Executive Member, Council GCTC, highlighted India’s rapid rise in the start-up ecosystem. “Today, we have over 1.30 lakh start-ups, and our funding has increased 15 times. India is now the world’s fourth-largest start-up hub. However, as AI advances, our challenge is to master and leverage its potential.”
Paramita Dutta, Senior Professor, Mata Sundri College for Women, University of Delhi, spoke about the significance of BRICS in shaping global economic perspectives. “The BRICS Youth Council, started in 2023, serves as a platform to empower young minds and address pressing global challenges. With over 65 per cent of India’s population under 35, our youth hold the key to driving economic growth,” she remarked.
KIIT Vice-Chancellor Prof Saranjit Singh pointed out Odisha’s immense potential in blue economy. “Odisha is well-positioned to become a hub for sustainable tech entrepreneurship, with its vast coastal resources and emerging industries.” He also announced a one-year MBA programme in innovation, aimed at fostering business leaders of the future.
Mrutyunjay Suar, DG R&D and Innovation, KIIT, and CEO, KIIT TBI, highlighted KIIT TBI’s remarkable contribution to India’s start-up ecosystem. “KIIT TBI, India’s largest incubator, has created more than 10,000 jobs by promoting start-ups,” he said, underlining the impact of innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
