Photo Source; Babushahi Bureau
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launches Agri-AI and Startup initiatives at IIT Ropar's PRAGATI Founders Forum 2025
Babushahi Bureau
Ropar (Punjab), May 30, 2025: In a significant boost to India's deep-tech and agri-startup ecosystem, Union Minister of Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh launched several key initiatives at the PRAGATI Founders Forum 2025, held at IIT Ropar.
The event, organized by iHub AWaDH under the Department of Science and Technology’s NM-ICPS Mission, marked the culmination of the PRAGATI Micro Accelerator Program.
Key announcements included:
- Launch of SPRINT Haryana and Telangana editions
- Release of the PRAGATI Impact Report
- Inauguration of the Office of IP & Tech Commercialisation (OITC)
- Disbursement of ₹98 lakh in startup grants
- Recognition of two startups as PRAGATI “Achievers”
Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded IIT Ropar for promoting innovation in rural and semi-urban regions, particularly in agri-tech. “Startups from smaller towns are the backbone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and platforms like PRAGATI help bring their potential to the forefront,” he said.
Guest of Honour, MP Rekha Sharma, stressed the importance of inclusive innovation and empowering women in the startup space.
The event featured key contributions from:
- Dr. Radhika Trikha, CEO, iHub AWaDH, who shared the vision for tech-led rural entrepreneurship
- Dr. Mukesh Kestwal, CIO, who outlined strategies for scaling deep-tech ventures
- Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, who led the initiative
-
Top dignitaries and experts from the government and industry, including DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Padma Shri Kanwal Singh Chauhan, Dr. Panneerselvam Madanagopal (MeitY Startup Hub CEO), and Ms. Tejasvini Puri (Puri Oil Mills Ltd.), also addressed the gathering.
A high-impact panel on “Enabling Innovation Ecosystems” featured representatives from IBM, IFFCO Kisan, Wadhwani Foundation, FITT Delhi, E2E Networks, and more, focusing on collaboration, policy, and tech partnerships to fuel the next wave of startups.
The PRAGATI Forum 2025 reaffirmed IIT Ropar's role as a catalyst in driving grassroots innovation and deep-tech entrepreneurship aligned with national priorities.