13 February 2023 - AAU Incubation Center, Anand has taken an initiative to celebrate the ‘Anand Startup Week’ from January 30 to February 04, 2023. A series of workshops and sensitization programs were organized with the objective to promote entrepreneurship spirit among the youth. These events were organized under the guidance and support of Dr. Samit Dutta, Executive Director, AIC Anand & Dean, College of FPT&BE & Dr. H. Pandey, Co-PI, RKVY R-ABI, AAU.

On day 1, the program was initiated with the welcome address by Mr. Nikunj Soni, CEO, AIC Anand, he briefed the 45 Entrepreneurs and startups selected under Cohort 7 of RKVY R-ABI Incubation programs about the AAU Incubation Center and startup support schemes functional as well as various facilities available at the Anand Agricultural University. The workshops on ‘Brainstorming for Idea Validation’ and ‘Pitch Deck Preparation’ were also conducted by Mr. Nikunj.

On day 2, Mr. Snehal Desai, Author, Motivational Speaker & CEO of a leading Infrastructure company was invited as the Keynote Speaker. He delivered a fiery motivational lecture on ‘Being a Successful Entrepreneur & Go- to- Market Strategy.’ More than 50 entrepreneurs and PG students attended the program.

On day 3, Mr. Kalpesh Shah, Director, Market Creators Pvt. Ltd. & Executive Directors at BNi Baroda conducted a workshop on ‘Networking & Market Opportunities’. He inspired participants to utilize the power of personal networks to build successful businesses.

On day 4, an exposure visit to AAU’s Laboratory for Micronutrients, Soil & Water Testing, Amul Dairy and Amul Chocolate Plant were arranged for entrepreneurs.

On day 5, A Mentor Matching Session was organized for Start-ups. Entrepreneurs presented their business ideas and the challenges they are facing before an esteemed panel comprising Dr. Samit Dutta, Dean, CFPTBE, AAU, Dr. S.H. Akbari, HoD, FPO, CFPTBE, AAU & Dr. H. Pandey, HoD, FPT, CFPTBE, AAU.

On day 6, Mr. Anand Bhatnagar, A renowned TEDx Speaker & VP at a leading conglomerate was invited to deliver a talk on ‘Start Unknown, Finish Unforgettable’. About 45 Entrepreneurs and 80+ students of College of FPT&BE, AAU participated in the program. Mr. Anand also conducted a mentorship session for start-ups later on.

All distinguished expert speakers touched upon the various aspects of starting and scaling #AgriFood start-ups and encouraged participants to be Agri-Entrepreneurs.

Total of 125+ entrepreneurs and students from agriculture & allied sectors participated in the ‘Anand Startup Week’ Celebrations’.. A vote of thanks was expressed by Mr. Harsh Zalavadiya, Business Executive, AIC Anand.

Source: http://www.aau.in/