Union Minister launches Agri-AI and Startup Support Initiatives, commends IIT Ropar at PRAGATI Founders Forum 2025
Bahadurjeet Singh/Rupnagar,May 20,2925
The PRAGATI Founders Forum 2025 was successfully organized by IIT Ropar iHub AWaDH under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), Department of Science and Technology (DST), in collaboration with Puri Oil Mills Ltd. and MeitY GENESIS. The event marked the conclusion of the PRAGATI Micro Accelerator Program.
Dr. Radhika Trikha, CEO, IIT Ropar iHub AWaDH, shared the vision for enabling tech-led entrepreneurship in deep-tech and agriculture, while Dr. Mukesh Kestwal, CIO, presented insights on accelerating deep-tech startups under the PRAGATI initiative. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Pushpendra P. Singh, Project Director, IIT Ropar, iHub AWaDH and ANNAM.AI. Under the visionary leadership of Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, the event also celebrated the achievements of selected PRAGATI startups, which were felicitated in the event coordinated by Mrs.Parry Sood (Program Manager).
Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, unveiled several key initiatives, including the launch of SPRINT – Haryana & Telangana editions, release of the PRAGATI Report, inauguration of the Office of IP & Tech Commercialisation (OITC), and the announcement of Rs 98 lakh in government grants to startups. He also recognized two startups as “Achievers” and commended IIT Ropar for its efforts in promoting Agri Startups in smaller towns.
Guest of Honour, Rekha Sharma, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, emphasized inclusive innovation and women’s participation in startups.
Union Minister launches Agri-AI and Startup Support Initiatives, commends IIT Ropar at PRAGATI Founders Forum 2025. The event featured addresses by senior government and industry leaders, including Prof. Abhay Karandikar (DST Secretary), Padma Shri Kanwal Singh Chauhan, Dr. Panneerselvam Madanagopal (MeitY Startup Hub CEO), Tejasvini Puri (Director, Puri Oil Mills) and Haris Khan (Agriculture Today).
A panel on “Enabling Innovation Ecosystems” featured experts from IFFCO Kisan, IBM, E2E Networks, Wadhwani Foundation, FITT Delhi, and others, who discussed the role of policy, partnerships, and platforms in supporting startups.
