…Central Regional Meet supported by Institution’s Innovation Cell, GoI and AICTE
The Institute hosted the Central Regional Meet on November 25, 2025, under the support of Ministry of Education’s Institution’s Innovation Cell, Govt. of India and AICTE. The objective of the meet was to foster entrepreneurship ecosystem and innovations among students at the national level. The event was graced by Shri B.H. Talati, IAS, Director of Technical Education, Government of Gujarat, as Chief Guest. The other esteemed guests at the event were Shri Hiranmay Mahanta, CEO, Gujarat Start-up and Innovation Hub (i-Hub Gujarat); Shri Mitesh Vadher, Innovation Fellow of Innovation Cell, AICTE, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII and Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya, Director, Dept. of Entrepreneurship Education, EDII.
“Today’s Regional Meet has brought together some of the brightest innovators of our country. Gujarat has steadily built a strong and inclusive innovation ecosystem through initiatives such as Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP), which nurtures creativity and entrepreneurial thinking from as early as Class 8. With multiple innovation hubs now active across the state, students from both urban and rural areas are being exposed to problem-solving and technology-driven solutions.
Gujarat continues to excel in translating ideas into market-ready solutions, especially in areas such as climate, healthcare, sustainability, water, green energy and AI. Innovation is no longer optional; it is essential for national growth, and I am glad to see institutions and students taking this responsibility forward with such enthusiasm.”
- Shri B.H. Talati, IAS
Director of Technical Education, Government of Gujarat
“Gujarat has cultivated a vibrant environment for entrepreneurship and innovation, and today’s gathering reinforces that strength. I am encouraged by the participation and the quality of ideas showcased at this Regional Meet. At EDII, in collaboration with the Education Department and ecosystem partners, we have consistently worked to wards creating strategies that promote grassroots innovation and support young minds in converting ideas into impactful enterprises.
Platforms like this play an important role in inspiring students, strengthening institutional capacities, and accelerating new-age solutions for society. I congratulate all participants and reaffirm EDII’s commitment to nurturing innovators and entrepreneurs who can shape India’s future”
- Dr. Sunil Shukla
Director General, EDII
A special attraction of the event was the ‘Swadesh Udyami – Bazar’, dedicated to the Government of India’s Vocal for Local vision, where over 20 home-grown entrepreneurial ventures exhibited their products. Also, awards were presented to the 5 Best Innovation Stalls and Creative Posters.
“EDII and the Education Department have jointly played a key role in shaping Gujarat’s innovation roadmap over the years. Our focus has always been on enabling young innovators, especially at the grassroots level, by giving them the right exposure, mentorship and opportunities. Through initiatives like state-wide innovation programmes, we have been able to bring thousands of students under a unified ecosystem that celebrates ideas and experimentation. Out of 4,500 colleges in Gujarat, nearly 900 institutions are already active in promoting innovation through structured mechanisms. I am confident that the coming years will see even more ideas emerging from our academic institutions”
- Shri Hiranmay Mahanta
Chief executive officer, iHub
“The task is huge and institutions, policy makers, regulatory bodies and the society at large, need to put in concerted efforts to see sustainable results. Entrepreneurship is a growth engine for the country and must be promoted by all means. Today’s youth is inventive and bubbling with ideas. They should be encouraged and their ideas should be nurtured.”
- Shri Mitesh Vadher
Innovation Fellow of Innovation Cell, AICTE,
Ministry of Education, Govt. of India