Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) is set to usher in a new era of innovation and entrepreneurship in the state, as it announces the establishment of startup incubation hubs and centers in 100 private colleges affiliated with the university. This transformative initiative is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and creating a vibrant startup ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh.
As of now, AKTU’s startup incubation centers have been successfully operating in 15 government colleges, contributing significantly to the state’s innovation landscape. The university, with the invaluable support of the U.P. technical education department, is now gearing up to extend this initiative to 100 private colleges across the state in the first phase.
“We are delighted to announce that the U.P. technical education department has agreed in principle to set up a startup incubation center in 100 private colleges affiliated with AKTU in the first phase. The government will provide financial support for these initiatives, similar to our efforts in government colleges,” shared Dr. JP Pandey, the Vice-Chancellor of AKTU.
Dr. Pandey further emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting startups. Currently, AKTU is home to 330 startups, with 120 of them already commercialized and 80 having obtained patents. By expanding the incubation centers to private colleges, the university envisions a significant increase in these figures, creating a more vibrant and innovative startup ecosystem across the state.
Over the past year, AKTU has been diligently working to cultivate a thriving startup culture within government colleges, encouraging students to explore their entrepreneurial potential. According to Professor Pandey, this initiative has brought about a significant shift in the mindset of students, motivating them to think beyond traditional job-seeking and to identify and solve real-world problems through innovative startup ideas.
Professor Manish Gaur, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of AKTU, highlighted the university’s commitment to nurturing student entrepreneurs by providing guidance and mentorship. “As mentors, it is our responsibility to motivate students to generate innovative startup ideas, and we are fully dedicated to supporting them throughout their entrepreneurial journey.”
Officials from AKTU underlined the profound impact of startups on students’ lives. They noted, “Startups are not just about entrepreneurial ventures but also about offering innovative solutions to the challenges we encounter in our daily lives. The true challenge lies in scaling these ideas from startups to large-scale businesses. It is crucial for the youth to break free from the mindset of job-seeking and instead focus on identifying and solving the problems around them.”
This transformative endeavor aligns with the goals and principles outlined in the National Education Policy 2020, which advocates flexibility in the curriculum, allowing students to pursue their startup ideas during their studies. AKTU officials passionately encouraged students to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship, urging them to take risks and explore new possibilities rather than simply seeking traditional employment.
With this monumental step, AKTU is poised to accelerate the growth of startups and innovation, creating a wave of entrepreneurship and problem-solving across the state of Uttar Pradesh. The university remains dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs.
