IIM Sambalpur Hosts 100 Cube Start-Up Conclave to Boost Entrepreneurship in Odisha

Sambalpur: IIM Sambalpur, a leading management institution, is gearing up to host the 100 Cube Start-Up Conclave on March 1, 2024, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and empowering youth to innovate and create value. This unique startup initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and IIM Sambalpur, aims to establish 100 startups on its premises, each with an approximate valuation of Rs 100 Crores by Odisha’s centennial celebration in 2036.

The event will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, at the institute’s auditorium, according to Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur. The day-long conclave will feature precursor events such as “Startup Open Mic,” “Fireside Chat,” “Master Training Session,” and “Exhibitions,” setting the stage for the main event. Industry leaders like Mr. Sanjiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Finserv, and Mr. Rashmi Ranjan, MD, Parry Enterprises, will participate in the conclave.

The 100 Cube Conclave aligns with IIM Sambalpur’s commitment to inclusiveness and regional development. The initiative aims to catalyze the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth. The conclave will serve as a platform for entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and industry experts to come together, share insights, forge connections, and explore opportunities in the startup landscape.

In addition to the conclave, the Hon’ble Union Education Minister will inaugurate the “I-Hub Foundation,” established as IIM Sambalpur’s incubator. The foundation, operating as a physical and virtual incubator, will focus on ideas contributing to social welfare. It aims to support innovative ventures across sectors such as textiles, arts & culture, agriculture, healthcare, financial & digital inclusivity, tribal entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

The conclave will feature a Startup Open Mic, Fireside Chat with industry experts, and a Master Training Session on branding & scalability. An exhibition showcasing 50 startups from various districts of Odisha will also be part of the event, anticipating 1200 attendees, including 300 startups, key stakeholders, investors, industry mentors, ministry representatives, students, and members of the incubator and venture capital communities.

The 100 Cube Start-Up Conclave is a significant step towards fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem in Odisha, encouraging collaboration, and promoting innovation and sustainable development.