In a significant development for the traditional food industry, two innovative startups in Assam are working on creating pitha-making machines. This breakthrough aims to elevate the popularity of this Assamese delicacy on both national and global stages.
The progress was highlighted during a startup skilling program organized by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) in Guwahati. Satyen Madhav Mahanta, an entrepreneurial consultant, emphasized the potential opportunities the traditional food industry presents for startups. Alongside the pitha-making machine, advancements in packaging and standardized ingredient procedures are also being explored.
The two-day event, held at Assam Startup – The Nest, brought together industry experts and government officials to bolster the startup ecosystem in Northeast India. Dr. Y Jayanta Singh, Executive Director of Guwahati NIELIT, discussed the importance of Artificial Intelligence and the upcoming electronic semiconductor plant in the region, which promises to revolutionize the local economy and create numerous startup opportunities.
Anubhav Tiwari, Chief Innovation Officer of NIELIT, highlighted the untapped potential of Northeast India for startups and the importance of creating a supportive environment for new ventures. Satyanarayana Reddy M from Keystone Centre for Innovation and Teacher Education led a session on the effectiveness of prompt engineering in startup innovations, while Ankur Mehta from Plaksha University presented on the technical elements crucial for startup success.
The program also featured insights from Naveen KL, founder of Trice Systems Private Limited, who shared his entrepreneurial journey and offered valuable advice for aspiring startups. Chinmoy Prakash Phookan, MD of Assam Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, detailed the corporation’s initiatives to promote startup culture and highlighted successful projects that have positively impacted the local startup community.
A panel discussion with Rajarshi Sharma, Chief Operating Officer of Assam Startup, Dr. Hirak Ranjan Das, Innovation Manager at the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, and Satyen Madhav Mahanta, addressed the challenges and opportunities for startups in the Northeast. Dr. Das noted the region’s low startup awareness and participation compared to other parts of India, underscoring the need for increased efforts to foster entrepreneurship.
With the collaborative efforts of NIELIT, AIIDC, and the Government of Assam, the future looks promising for aspiring entrepreneurs in Northeast India. This initiative marks a significant step towards leveraging the region’s unique potential and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem.