The team NIDHI-TBI (DST, Government of India) provided a dynamic platform to students from various departments of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to showcase their entrepreneurial potential. In alignment with its mission to foster a robust startup culture and strengthen agribusiness innovation, team NIDHI-TBI facilitated the participation of PAU students in the TECH-BIP–EMPRESARIO Technology Business Idea Pitch Competition, jointly organized by the GGN Institute of Management and Technology (GGNIMT) and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) on February 10. The students enthusiastically participated in the competition, confidently pitching their innovative business ideas before an esteemed panel. Their presentations reflected creativity, problem-solving ability, and a strong understanding of market-oriented approaches, highlighting the growing entrepreneurial spirit within the university ecosystem.
Dr Ramandeep Singh, Principal Investigator, NIDHI-TBI, and Director, School of Business Studies, PAU, motivated the participants and appreciated the collective efforts of the team. He emphasized that engagement in such competitive platforms not only advanced the vision of NIDHI-TBI in nurturing startups but also enhanced the visibility and reputation of PAU as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. He further highlighted that such experiences strengthen students’ confidence and prepare them for real-world business challenges.
Dr Poonam A. Sachdev, Co-Principal Investigator, NIDHI-TBI, and Principal Food Technologist, congratulated the students and encouraged them to continue refining their ideas with a focus on scalability, sustainability, and societal impact.
Mr Gurinder Singh Gill, CEO, NIDHI-TBI, and Mr Sameer Gautam, BM, NIDHI-TBI, reiterated the Centre’s unwavering commitment to promoting entrepreneurship among aspiring innovators. They emphasised that NIDHI-TBI would continue to provide mentorship, incubation support, industry linkages, and networking opportunities to transform promising ideas into successful ventures, thereby contributing to the broader startup ecosystem.