Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University’s

"Dronacharya” – Centre for Innovation, Startup and Entrepreneurship

Inaugurated by

Hon’ble Minister of Education, Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasamaji

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University's efforts to bring awareness about startup and innovation in students as well as to develop innovation and startup ecosystem in the university; resulted in the establishment of "Dronacharya – Centre for Innovation, Startup and Entrepreneurship” under the Government of Gujarat's Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP).

Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasamaji, Hon'ble Minister for Education (Primary, Secondary), Higher and Technical Education, Law and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs; presided over the inaugural ceremony. The event was graced by eminent presence of Smt. Vibhavariben Dave, Hon'ble Minister of State, Women and Child Welfare, Education (Primary and Higher Education); Smt. Anju Sharma (IAS), Principal Secretary, Higher and Technical Education and SSIP - Implementation Committee, Government of Gujarat and Shri M. Nagarajan (IAS), Director, Commissionerate of Higher Education, Government of Gujarat. The ceremony was held on 4th January 2021, 11:00 AM at the University headquarter; in adherence of social distancing norms of Government regarding Covid-19.

The program commenced with the welcome address delivered by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ami Upadhyay; where she announced that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University shall receive a grant of Rs. 1 Crore each for two years, i.e. 2 crores for students under the Student Startup and Innovation Policy of the State Government. Shri M. Nagarajan (IAS), Director, Commissionerate of Higher Education, Government of Gujarat discussed in detail about the Student Startup and Innovation Policy as well as its benefits for the students and university as well. Mrs. Anju Sharma (IAS), Principal Secretary, Higher and Technical Education, provided detailed information on Startup, Innovation and Entrepreneurship with various examples. Smt. Vibhavariben Dave, Hon'ble Minister of State, Primary and Higher Education discussed the benefits of Startup and Innovation Scheme by the Government of Gujarat and the funds allocated for various matters in this regard. Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Hon’ble Minister of Education (Primary, Secondary) Higher and Technical Education stated that the Hon'ble Prime Minister announced the "Startup India, Standup India” Mission during his Independence Day address and Startup India Policy was launched by the Government of India on 15 January 2016. He further stated that, Gujarat has taken the lead in this direction; and in January 2017, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Vijaybhai Rupaniji announced Startup and Innovation Policy. He further stated that Gujarat has excelled in the ‘Startup Ranking Framework of 2019’ with regards to 9 Reform Areas and a test of 30 action points; as well as for two consecutive years Gujarat has achieved the status of being the 'Best Performer State' in the National Startup Rankings. He also discussed the funds allocated by the Government of Gujarat under Startup and Innovation as well as the relentless efforts undertaken for sound implementation of the policy.

In the ceremony, a total of four startup and innovation projects were honoured from amongst the many innovative projects of University students. As many as 100 students from various study centres of the university participated in the inauguration ceremony.

The ceremony concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Dr. Nilesh Modi, Professor and Director, School of Computer Science and Coordinator, Dronacharya - Center for Innovation, Startup and Entrepreneurship.

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