The bustling city of Hyderabad which is home to numerous tech giants saw the unfolding of a remarkable event, which promises to propel India's startup and innovation ecosystem to new heights. The 1st day of the Mahindra E-Hub's RiseUp program got underway with great enthusiasm and vision with great luminaries from the startup ecosystem attending the event.
TICE, the media partner for the event brings to you all the happenings from the inaugural day of the Mahindra E-Hub's RiseUp program.
The Inauguration of Mahindra E-Hub's RiseUp program
The inaugural session of the Mahindra RiseUp program witnessed the presence of influential personalities. Dr. Shanta Thoutam, Dr. Yajulu Medury, and Dr. Rajkumar Phatate, Head of the Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Mahindra University, were among the distinguished guests. The event marked the beginning of an exciting journey.
#lamplighting at MahindraRiseUp Program!@MahindraUni #MahindraRiseUp #entrepreneurship #innovation #StartupEcosystem #StartupIndia #MahindraEhub #tice pic.twitter.com/aM4vaXRM8u
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The Mahindra E-Hub RiseUp Program
The Mahindra E-Hub RiseUp program is a comprehensive pre-incubation initiative, generously sponsored by Mahindra e-Hub. From a pool of 153 promising applications from across the country, 15 startups were carefully selected to be part of this program. The program itself unfolds in various stages, starting with a 5-day residential boot camp at Mahindra University's campus from 4th to 8th November. This is followed by eight weeks of virtual mentoring and training sessions, culminating in a two-day intensive on-campus experience in January 2024.
A Vision for Innovation
India's standing in the Global Innovation Ranking Index may be 42nd, but the journey towards innovation has just begun. The India Innovation Index paints a brighter picture, with Telangana ranking 3rd, showcasing the state's commitment to fostering innovation. Dr. Shanta Thoutam, Chief Innovation Officer, Telangana State Innovation Cell, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of young minds in this pursuit.
"India ranks 42nd when it comes to Global Innovation Ranking Index. There is a long way to go for us. When it comes to India Innovation Index, Telangana ranks 3rd. We are a progressive state when it comes to overall innovation ecosystem. India is because of you guys because you wanted to achieve big things in life and without any hesitations and without any barriers, lot of youngsters are getting into the innovation space," Dr Shanta Thoutam, Chief Innovation Office, Govt of Telangana.
A Thriving Ecosystem
Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, underlined the importance of creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. He highlighted Hyderabad as a burgeoning playground for startups and expressed the university's eagerness to welcome more innovative minds. The message was clear: they want to see more people participating in seed funding, incubating their ideas, and ultimately succeeding in the world of entrepreneurship.
"We do have seed funding. The most important thing is we want to succeed. We want to build a good entrepreneurial ecosystem. Hyderabad is a playground for an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Welcome to all. Mahindra University wants more and more people coming in, participating in seed funding, trying to incubate, trying to succeed," Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University.
Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, addressing the gathering at RiseUP.
— TICE.NEWS (@TiceNews) November 4, 2023
"We do have seed funding. The most important thing is we want to succeed. We want to build a good entrepreneurial ecosystem. Hyderabad is a playground for an entrepreneurial ecosystem.… pic.twitter.com/biIpg0uqPP
Session on Building & Testing MVP
One of the program's highlights is the immersive session on Building & Testing MVP (Minimum Viable Product) by Mr. Praveen Dorna, Director, Product and Growth, VerSe Innovation. Startups will learn how to develop and test MVPs suitable for early adopters, a crucial step in their journey towards success.
Unique Features of the Bootcamp
The RiseUp program offers several unique features to its participants. An immersive online simulation allows startups to navigate the lifecycle of a business, making strategic decisions while competing with other teams. This hands-on experience mirrors real-world business scenarios, providing invaluable insights into the challenges that lie ahead. The 'Mentor Clinic' ensures personalized attention, with seasoned mentors offering tailored guidance to address specific challenges and opportunities.
Speakers, Mentors, Partnerships and Collaborations
The program boasts an impressive lineup of speakers and mentors. Experts such as Mr. Suprio Guha Thakurta, Dr. Ramakrishna Velamuri, Mr. Anirban Ghosh, Mr. Sandip Poddar, and others bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide the startups on their journey.
Collaborations play a significant role in the success of such initiatives. The Mahindra RiseUp program has secured partnerships with key players, including media partner TICE, technology partner AWS, legal partner Startup Legal, and ecosystem partner Telangana State Innovation Council.
The launch of the Mahindra RiseUp program in Hyderabad marks a significant step towards enhancing India's innovation ecosystem. With a strong focus on nurturing startups and providing them with the tools they need to succeed, this initiative promises to create a new wave of innovative businesses that will contribute to India's global standing in innovation.