IIT Ropar, Technology and Innovation Foundation – AWaDH in collaboration with Puri Oil Mills Limited under its CSR initiative, successfully organized the PRAGATI Roadshow at ACIC GIET University Foundation, Gunupur, Odisha. This initiative aimed to empower tribal innovators, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing them with essential insights and resources in agri-tech, sustainable innovation, and startup development.
Held under the theme “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat,” the summit saw the participation of over 200 tribal youth and student innovators, who gained exposure to startup opportunities, funding mechanisms, and agricultural solutions with real-world impact.
Startups were introduced to the PRAGATI Micro-Accelerator Program, which offers ₹25 lakh in funding, mentorship, and strategic industry connections to early stage startups working in agriculture and sustainability. The program aims to nurture scalable solutions that contribute to rural transformation and economic growth.
To further institutionalize collaboration, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIT Ropar and ACIC GIET University, marking a significant step toward co-developing advanced research and innovation frameworks in agri-tech.
A notable highlight during the event was the selection of ACIC GIET University as one of 14 institutions across 9 states under the SAMRIDHI 4.0 Ideathon, a national initiative focused on Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) training. The institution was awarded a ₹1 lakh grant to support the development of innovative CPS-based solutions for agriculture and related sectors.
During the summit, Dr. Mukesh Kestwal, Chief Innovation Officer at iHub – AWaDH, IIT Ropar, shared insights about the UPG Sustainability Leadership Batch 2025 and emphasized the role of sustainability as a foundational pillar in driving the next wave of technological innovation. He stressed that embedding sustainability within innovation ecosystems is essential for developing impactful technologies that responsibly and effectively address global challenges. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Through initiatives like PRAGATI, iHub – AWaDH continues to advance India’s deep-tech and agri-innovation ecosystem. With 150+ startups incubated, and skilled 5000+ students and 80+ innovative technologies developed, the foundation remains committed to supporting young entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and technology-driven rural development.
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