Page 25 - EDII Report 121

REPORTS 121
EDII
EDII REPORTS 121 EDII REPORTS 121

Annual Startup Summit - ‘Empresario’
“Gujarat is on the road to becoming one of the most progressive startup destinations in the
2023 to Mark the National Startup Day country through a merger of proactive policies, strong institutional setup, and dynamic
participation of the private sector. The 'Stand Up India' and' Start Up India' Schemes were
launched in 2016 and since then, more than 80,000 startups have been registered and
about 100 unicorns have come into being. It is heartening to note that more than 48%
startups are by Women. We see an active collaboration between government, industry
and institutions, association of startup hubs of India with startups in the state and
creation of intrastate regional centres for startups.”
- Shri Harsh Sanghvi
Hon'ble Minister of State for Home, Industries, Cultural Activities (State Minister);
Sports, Youth Service (Independent Charge), Government of Gujarat

“Empresario is a big networking platform, and networking makes a huge difference in
enhancing boundaries, curating opportunities and developing knowledge. For the potential
and the existing startups, there couldn't be a bigger platform.”
- Shri Rajiv Gandhi
Co-Chair, FICCI, Gujarat State Council
Chief Guest, Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon'ble Minister of State, Home, Industries, Cultural Ac vi es (State Minister), Sports,
Youth Service, (Independent Charge), Govt. of Gujarat; (R-L) Prof. Deepak Kumar Pandey, Assistant Director, Department of Higher
Educa on, Government of U arakhand; Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Co-Chair, FICCI, Gujarat State Council; & Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII
inaugura ng the Annual Startup Summit, ‘EMPRESARIO’.

ince 2012, Empresario, the Annual Startup Summit has become an exclusive platform for “The concept of entrepreneurship and startups is picking up in the country. I believe a
startups, new age entrepreneurs, industry mentors, investors, and the student community conducive ecosystem and thrust on entrepreneur-friendly policies are playing a big role in
Sto come together and share their entrepreneurial experiences, gain new insights, and ensuring that youth and other sections of society opt for entrepreneurship as a career. As
commit to becoming an indispensable part of India's ever-expanding startup ecosystem. The goal academicians, we are placing accent of developing an entrepreneurial mindset among our
of 11th Empresario 2023 Summit was to bring innovative entrepreneurial minds under students.”
one roof to promote deliberations and interactions on newer markets, trends, issues and - Prof. Deepak Kumar Pandey
innovations. The platform gave a unique opportunity to the startup community to come together
Assistant Director, Department of Higher Education,
to connect, collaborate and celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship. In 2023, EDII organized its
Government of Uttarakhand
11th Empresario, on the occasion of National Startup Day. The event was inaugurated by
Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon'ble Minister of State for Home, Industries, Cultural Activities (State
Minister); Sports, Youth Service (Independent Charge), Government of Gujarat. Other dignitaries
“EDII's startup summit is one of the most unique entrepreneurial festivals held in India. Since
at the inauguration included Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Co-Chair, FICCI, Gujarat State Council and
its inception in 2012, Empresario has witnessed participation from over 1,000 startups. This
Prof. Deepak Kumar Pandey, Assistant Director, Department of Higher Education, Government of
year, we have participation from over 60 startups. There is idea generation, opportunity
Uttarakhand.
creation and exceptional learning. I also congratulate Gujrat, and the country, for
successfully addressing the concerns of startups through innovative and sustainable
The two-day festival hosted on 16th and 17th January, 2023 included master classes by industry
veterans, talks by successful startup founders, workshops, discussions and startup awards. The solutions, and through setting up of incubators and accelerators.”
Summit also included a Big Pitch Event, where over 30 startups pitched their products and
services to a panel of 15 investors with an aim to garner funding. The theme for this year's - Dr. Sunil Shukla
celebration was entrepreneurship and sustainability. Notably, startups featured in the popular Director General, EDII
reality show 'Shark Tank India' also participated in the two-day event.

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