Gunupur:(Correspondent) :- In celebration of National Science Day, ACIC GIET University Foundation, in collaboration with IIT Ropar and GIET University, Gunupur, organized an outreach event titled PRAGATI: Paving the Way for Agri-Innovation & Sustainability. The event aimed to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture, offering students valuable insights into startup creation, funding opportunities, and cutting-edge solutions for sustainable agricultural development.
The event was graced by Dr. Mukesh Chandra Kestwal, Chief Innovation Officer, IIT Ropar Technology Innovation Foundation (AWaDH), as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, Dr. Kestwal shed light on various government and institutional initiatives at IIT Ropar AWaDH that support student innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs. He provided crucial insights into funding opportunities, incubation support, and industry collaborations, urging students to explore the vast potential of agri-tech innovations. His address emphasized the need for young innovators to actively contribute to agricultural advancements through technology-driven solutions.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Ravindra Yadav, CEO, ACIC GIET University Foundation, who outlined the vision and mission of ACIC GIET University Foundation. He emphasized its commitment to fostering a dynamic startup ecosystem in Odisha, providing students with essential resources, mentorship, and financial support to turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Prof. (Dr.) V.S. Devadas, Dean of R&D and Dean In-Charge, School of Agriculture, GIET University, highlighted the role of agri-innovation in economic development, urging students to leverage modern technology, research, and entrepreneurship to develop sustainable agricultural solutions that address challenges such as food security, rural development, and climate resilience.
Building on this, Prof. (Dr.) AVNL Sharma, Vice Chancellor, GIET University, encouraged students to adopt innovative problem-solving approaches in agriculture. He discussed key emerging areas in agri-tech, including precision farming, smart irrigation, sustainable crop management, and agri-biotechnology, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in transforming agriculture through technology-driven solutions.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ashok Kumar Mishra, Associate Dean, School of Agriculture, GIET University, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers, faculty members, and students for their enthusiastic participation. He underscored the need for continuous learning and engagement in the evolving field of agri-innovation.
With the participation of around 200 students from the School of Agriculture, PRAGATI provided an interactive platform for young minds to engage with experts, ask insightful questions, and explore new opportunities within the agri-startup ecosystem.
Through PRAGATI, ACIC GIET University Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of agri-innovators and supporting entrepreneurial ventures that drive sustainable growth and technological advancements in agriculture.