lack of sufficient space has hit the State Government’s "Start-Up Jharkhand" initiative launched early this month. At least two premier institutions identified and figured into the list for setting up incubation centres to nurture startups have cited insufficient space at their premises as the reason initially hampering their way.
Top sources in the Industry and Information Technology Departments told The Pioneer that the Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi and Central University of Jharkhand have shown their reservations in going ahead, at least at present.
“We have identified some premier institutions and roped in the likes of IIM, Ranchi, NIFFT, ISM, Dhanbad, BIT Mesra and BIT Sindri, XlRI, BAU for developing incubation centres meant for startups. Expressions of interest were invited from them in this regard. Till date, we have received couple of proposals while IIM and CUJ have mentioned about insufficient space with them required for the facility. We are looking into the issue,” said a top official requesting anonymity.
launching the initiative in Jharkhand in the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘Startup India’ programme at national level, Chief Minister Raghubar Das had earmarked Rs50 crore to encourage entrepreneurs in different sectors early this month. The policy has segregated about Rs25 crore as venture capital fund for developing innovation and incubation centres as Government’s share. The fund would also see private participation coming in the future.
“These are initial phases. We are considering if such institutions can be provided space from our side. Because it would be difficult to operate incubation centres far from the campuses concerned. last date for applying is April 30 and a review meeting with all the institutions and all the stakeholders would take place that day,” added he.
Industry Director K Ravi Kumar while expressing hope that everything would fall in line said that the incubation centre would help entrepreneurs in backing their innovative ideas.
“The institutions in the form of the centres would make available mentors who would help the new ideas getting developed into startups. We hope that this would start a series of startups in different parts of the State,” said the official.
The incubation centres would assist, guide and encourage entrepreneurs coming with different innovative ideas from the sectors like information technology, health, tourism, agriculture, biotechnology and alternative energy in the way of their becoming a new company.
“The whole idea is to produce more job providers and not just job seekers in the State. If startups are going to take off, those would produce lot more employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled youths,” said Umesh Prasad Shah, Director, Information Technology.