With the objective to tap Punjab’s growth potential by developing a vibrant environment for entrepreneurship, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday launched ‘Innovation Mission Punjab’ (IMPunjab) — a public private partnership that brings in the best global investors and experts to catalyze start-ups making Punjab one of the top three States in innovation.
Capt Amarinder, speaking at the virtual event, said that the Mission will unleash Punjab’s growth potential and create a thriving economy by generating jobs and inviting investment.
The Mission will mobilize a global pool of ambassadors and partners for investment, mentorship, and market access, said Capt Amarinder adding that the Mission will also leverage the strength of the Punjabi diaspora, allowing them to partake in this renewed growth story of Punjab besides running focused programs to encourage entrepreneurship amongst women.
On the occasion, a grand ideathon was also announced in partnership with incubators, inviting budding entrepreneurs, young professionals and students across the State.
Showcasing Punjab as an entrepreneurial State with a strong footprint of entrepreneurs across the world and India, the Chief Minister said that the State has a burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem with 450 startups and 20-plus incubators.
Besides, the Innovation Mission Punjab will act as a catalyst to strengthen by rallying rally all the stakeholders — viz academia, incubators, investors, startups, government, progressive farmers, sports people, media, industry, and corporate, said Capt Amarinder.
Meanwhile, eminent economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia while describing innovation as the important factor in the start ups, said that the Innovation Mission would get going in true sense once the things get back to normal and a post Covid scenario emerges. He mentioned digital connectivity and Artificial Intelligence as key areas of the start up sector.