Que. Gujarat government is taking steps to promote startups. Give detailed information about the recently launched i-Hub center

The Education Department of the Government of Gujarat has implemented the Student Startup and Innovation Policy to develop innovation and entrepreneurship among students. SSIP 2.0 is a new version of its predecessor policy. Its tenure is 5 years (January 2022 to March 2027). This policy provides funding assistance, mentorship, incubation and accelerator support to student startups. In addition, it also provides matching with global markets and industry associations.

• Gujarat Student Startup and Innovation Hub (i-Hub) complex was inaugurated under this SSIP of Gujarat Government. On this occasion, innovations and projects were showcased by more than 100 founders from defense, health, education, agriculture, sports, and service sectors. This center, the largest in Gujarat, is spread over 150,000 sq. meters and is equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure. The aim is to promote new startups. It can accommodate up to 500 startups at one place. State-of-the-art lab facilities allow early-stage startups to experiment with new innovations and use existing technologies. This ultra-modern complex provides flexible and supportive co-working space to new startups.

• Features:

• It provides high speed internet and accessible co-working space with plug and play model.

• For this, i hub has partnered with national and international organizations to benefit startups.

• The new building provides infrastructure facilities like meeting rooms, seminar rooms, conference rooms, library for free or at minimal fees.

• i hub provides guidance and mentorship through its Centre Board. This Mentor Board comprises experts from various fields.

• i hub helps new startups with patent and trademark applications through its in-house State IP Facilitation Centre. Startups associated with i hub are eligible for full cost of filing trademarks and patents.

• Startups associated with i hub receive financial support through various schemes. i hub connects new startups with angel investors and venture funds from a pool of 28 angel investors and 12 venture funds.

Thus, the Gujarat government is providing a platform to develop startup culture under Student Startup and Innovation Policy, Industrial Policy, Biotechnology Policy etc. This will be a suitable platform to transform new ideas from students and other sections into startups through various initiatives. The government should organize related programs from time to time.