Sambalpur/Bhubaneswar: To foster entrepreneurial spirit and encourage innovation among students, IIM Sambalpur is hosting the ‘100 Cube Startup Conclave’ on its premises March 1, 2024. This initiative, being organised under the Union Ministry of Education, aims to establish 100 startups on the institution’s premises, each with an approximate valuation of Rs 100 crore, by 2036, the year of Odisha’s centennial celebration. “Aligned with one of IIM Sambalpur’s core values of inclusiveness and regional development, the event seeks to catalyze the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region,” said an IIM official. Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan will be chief guest for the inauguration. The conclave will also mark commencement of the ‘I-Hub Foundation,’ as IIM Sambalpur’s incubator, established under Section 8 as a registered company.
The conclave will feature an exhibition showcasing 50 startups from Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Bargarh and other districts of Odisha. “We anticipate approximately 1,200 attendees, including 300 startups, as well as key stakeholders, investors, industry mentors, ministry representatives, students, and leaders from venture capital (VCs) and angel investment communities,” said the official. IIM Sambalpur director Mahadeo Jaiswal said that the conclave’s goals align with the institute’s vision of promoting entrepreneurship and startup culture in Odisha. He highlighted that the event would not only provide a platform for startups to showcase their potential but also offer founders comprehensive support and networking opportunities.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP