NSRCEL, the start-up and innovation hub at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, launched, in virtual mode, a programme for entrepreneurs called ‘AIM Catalysts,’ where early stage start-ups, with sustainable ideas, will be welcomed for incubation.
AIM stands for Niti Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission.
The AIM Catalysts programme at NSRCEL was launched in the presence of IIMB Director Dr Rishikesha T Krishnan; Ramanan Ramanathan, Mission Director, AIM; Ishita Agarwal, Programme Director, AIM; Prof Venkatesh Panchapagesan, Chairperson, NSRCEL; Prof Suresh Bhagavatula, Professor of Entrepreneurship, IIMB; and Rajiv Sawhney, COO, NSRCEL.
“NSRCEL was among the first six incubation centres in the country to be supported by the Atal Innovation Mission,” said Prof Suresh Bhagavatula. Prof Venkatesh Panchapagesan emphasised the need for a centre like NSRCEL to adapt to the new norm, make progress during the pandemic, and launch new initiatives, programmes and partnerships. “NSRCEL is also open to taking in global ventures,” he added.
Ramanan Ramanathan pointed out that Covid has created “some never-imagined opportunities for start-ups in terms of assistive, preventive and curative solutions”. He emphasised importance of teamwork amongst start-ups, academia, government, and other enablers of the start-up ecosystem. “To be catalysed into growth and nurtured from the time it is an idea till it becomes a successful business, the ‘AIM Catalysts’ programme is going to have a tremendous impact in a start-up’s life,” he said.
In her overview of the Atal Innovation Mission initiative, Ishita Agarwal listed the number of entrepreneurs impacted, the jobs created, and the mentoring sessions held. She also spoke of NSRCEL being a team player and guiding upcoming incubators. “It’s very important for start-ups to think about ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and forge ahead,” she said.