•   Prof. Pravakar Rath

     Acting Vice Chancellor

     Mizoram University

•   Prof. Lalnundanga

     Registrar, Mizoram University

•   Prof. Santosh Biswas

     Project Director, IBITF, IIT Bhilai

•   All dignitaries from IIT Bhilai and Mizoram University

•   Faculty members and Students

It is my pleasure to inaugurate this workshop on “Deep Tech Projects through Startups on Fintech: Financial Empowerment for Mizoram”, jointly organized by IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation (IBITF) and Mizoram University.

The Government's National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), is a pivotal initiative focusing on cutting-edge technologies.

It aims to propel societal progress, stimulate economic growth, and bolster India's global competitiveness by establishing centers of excellence, nurturing youth talent, supporting startups, and fostering innovation challenges.

Under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the NM-ICPS has provided funding to IIT Bhilai to host the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH).

IIT Bhilai Innovation and Technology Foundation (IBITF), a Section 8 Company, has been set up by IIT Bhilai to host this TIH, serving as the nerve center for entrepreneurship, research and development, HRD, skill development, and collaboration activities in FinTech, AgriTech, and HealthTech.

I am very happy that the theme of this workshop is on innovation and technology. We must continue to strive hard to promote innovation amongst the youth and the entrepreneurs.

One important step towards this goal is the encouragement of filing patents by the innovation technology centres, engineering colleges and universities across the country.

Towards this end, the AICTE has worked together with the office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) to strengthen the patent filing process in the engineering colleges.

The Ministry of Education has also set up the Institution Innovation Council to systematically foster the culture of innovation and start-up ecosystem in education institutions.

All these developments are in line with the National Education Policy 2020, which advocates for skill development and innovation, as we aim to make our Nation a global knowledge superpower.

As a part of NM-ICPS, Tribal Area Sub Plan Scheme was launched last year, with the aim of addressing local problems in the areas having a significant number of ST population, using Deep Tech solutions.

Through this scheme, the Government aims to elevate the lives of tribal communities by leveraging innovative technology - driven solutions developed by local stakeholders, fostering economic activities, and promoting entrepreneurship inclusion.

IBITF has funded 54 projects nationwide in the previous fiscal year.

There are currently 36 ongoing projects across various central institutes in the North Eastern States, including 6 projects at Mizoram University, and 5 projects at NIT Mizoram. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all project leads for their commendable efforts in securing funding from IBITF, and for their commitment to pioneering innovative projects for societal upliftment.

I have been informed that all projects are doing good through stakeholder interaction for understanding the problems, tech related development of the solutions, Proof of Concept (PoC) deployment, and improvement based on feedback.

To exemplify a few, the project entitled “Sustainable Smart Parking Solution for Aizawl City” has already seen the PoC deployment.

Two other projects, viz. “Economic Optimization Platform for Public Transport System of Mizoram”, and “A Platform for Cost Efficient Public Heath Service Delivery in Mizoram”, have made significant progress, and are operating through start-ups incubated under this project.

In acknowledgment of the outstanding projects, Mizoram University has been designated as the nodal center for coordinating and monitoring all IBITF-funded projects under this scheme in the State.

In conclusion, I sincerely thank DST, IBITF, and the Project Team members for their efforts towards Financial Empowerment through Entrepreneurship.

I am eager to witness the completion and deployment of visionary project ideas conceived by the faculty members, students and young entrepreneurs of our State.

As we move forward, let us remember the profound words of Mahatma Gandhi ji, who said: “The future depends on what we do in the present.”

Indeed, our actions today pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.