The IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) has signed a series of strategic MoUs with Assam Skill University (ASU), IIT Guwahati and its BioNEST facility, and The Assam Royal Global University, aiming to build an integrated innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem across Northeast India.

• The collaboration marks one of the region’s largest coordinated efforts to boost skill development, startup incubation, and early-stage innovation, especially in deep-tech and biotech sectors.

Key Highlights of the MoUs

1. Strengthening Entrepreneurship in Assam Skill University

• IIMCIP and ASU will set up and modernise Entrepreneurship Development Cells (EDCs).
• Focus on developing an innovation-first mindset, promoting campus startups, and upskilling educators through capacity-building modules.
• Supports national initiatives like Startup India, Skill India Mission, and National Education Policy 2020.

2. Deep-Tech, Biotech Boost Through IIT Guwahati & BioNEST

• Offers co-incubation, shared access to prototyping labs, biotech facilities, and technical mentors.
• Enables startups to access funding networks, industry connects, and specialised scientific infrastructure.
• Supports growth of biotech, Internet of Things, robotics, clean tech, and AI-focused ventures—sectors crucial for India’s innovation-led growth.

3. Entrepreneurship Development With Assam Royal Global University

• Establishing campus EDCs, innovation competitions, startup hunts.
• Student innovators will receive mentorship, incubation, investor linkages and “Train-the-Trainer” support for faculty.
• Creation of student-led Build Clubs under IIMCIP-Technology and Innovation Council to promote hands-on engineering and product prototype development.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

Q. Consider the following:

1. Entrepreneurship Development Cells are part of the Startup India institutional framework.
2. BioNEST incubators in India are supported by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Source