Bhubaneswar, Jan. 22: The maiden student-level entrepreneurial summit organised by IIT-Bhubaneswar - E-Summit 16 - commenced here today with the aim to infuse entrepreneurship and promote innovation among students of the region.
The two-day event will play host to lectures by eminent personalities across various domains. The experts would deliberate on the essentials that are vital for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The theme of the event is "Industry 4.0" that aims to promote the Make-in-India concept by infusing information technology with the process manufacturing.
Managing director, State Bank of India (national banking group), Rajnish Kumar and managing director of Ortel Communications Jagi Mangat Panda addressed the inaugural session.
The first panel discussion "Vision Night" was an open house discussion on "India, Industry 4.0 & Entrepreneurship", in which many industry leaders interacted with students.
Panel discussions will be held on entrepreneurship for digital India, mineral-based industry, bio-science and bio-technology industry and public systems.
Chairman of MGM Group Rajiv Lochan Mohanty, Vedanta COO Mukesh Kumar, Gyana Parija of IBM Research Labs, former chief secretary G.C. Pati, and IIIT Bhubaneswar director G. Nayak will share their ideas with the budding entrepreneurs. They will provide them support at the ideation stage of entrepreneurship.
One of the most interesting events planned at E-Summit 16 is "Investors' Drive". In this session, student participants will present their business plans before a number of potential investors - venture capitalists, angel investors, financial institutions and even government departments.
Those who will be present at the session will include investors Raghav Kanoria of the Calcutta Angels, co-founder of IVY Consultants Sushant Nayak, Srikanth Sunder Rajan of Helion Ventures and Binayak Acharya of Unitus Seed Fund as well as those from the Indian Angel Network.
E-Summit 16 will also host a number of competitions among students and an exhibition of products and services by start-ups.
Speaking at the summit, IIT, Bhubaneswar director R.V. Rajakumar said: "This will be an annual event, and we hope that the students from sister institutions around the state and those in Bhubaneswar take part to make it a grand success."
"It will conclude with a drama-based entertainment show by TVF Qtiyapa, a venture started by a few IIT Kharagpur alumni a few years ago. The show has revolutionised the dramatics world with its focus on issues of humour-based practical world," said Vishwas, a student organiser.
