Surat : The ‘Surat Start-up Summit-2023,’ a three-day event organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), was officially inaugurated at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) in Sarsana on Friday.
The inaugural ceremony saw the esteemed presence of Gujarat Home and Industry Minister Harsh Sanghavi, along with Banchanidhi Pani, the Commissioner of Gujarat Technical Education, who emphasized the crucial role of innovation in the start-up ecosystem.
In his address, Commissioner Banchanidhi Pani highlighted that innovation is the linchpin of successful start-ups. He stressed that the start-up revolution is intrinsically linked to technology and research and development. Pani emphasized the need for a robust platform to support and encourage budding start-ups. He stated, “The solution to India’s problems lies in the innovative solutions brought forth by start-ups, and our youth are working diligently toward those solutions. To support them, we must provide a platform that encourages research and development and offers testing facilities for innovative products.”
India has been witnessing a surge in start-up activity, with over 1 lakh start-ups across the country. Gujarat alone has registered around 9,000 start-ups, reflecting the state’s growing role in fostering entrepreneurial endeavors. Pani pointed out that the ongoing technology revolution, driven by start-ups, is unlike anything seen before.
Additionally, Pani presented plans for the Gujarat Vibrant Start-up Summit scheduled for December 7. He extended an invitation to start-ups, angel investors, and venture capital managers to participate actively in this summit, creating an environment for collaboration and growth.
Professor Tushar Rawal, the Additional CEO of Gujarat Knowledge Society, delivered a presentation on the Vibrant Gujarat Summit set to take place on December 6 and 7. He provided comprehensive insights into various aspects of the event, including start-up pitch sessions, hackathons, and interactive sessions with government representatives.
Kamal Bansal, the CEO of Gujarat Venture Finance Limited, addressed the attendees, expressing his optimism about the state’s start-up ecosystem. He noted that Gujarat offers an array of facilities for start-ups and predicted a surge in start-up unicorns within the state over the next three to four years. Bansal highlighted the pivotal role of technology in all industries and acknowledged the risks associated with start-ups, emphasizing that success could be achieved through time, research, technology, and dedicated effort.
The ‘Surat Start-up Summit-2023’ has set the stage for innovation, collaboration, and growth, providing a platform for start-ups to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in Gujarat and beyond. With the support of government officials and industry leaders, the future appears promising for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in the region.
