The Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh V. P. Singh Badnore today laid emphasis on creating an institutional platform where Academia, R&D institutions, industry, innovators and investors can collaborate and create value for themselves and the society, in a sustainable way.Sh. Badnore was speaking during the workshop on Innovation Led Growth: Prospects for Chandigarh held at ISB Mohali today. The Governor said that it is imperative to have an organizational platform, which is professionally run to support and nurture the collaborative ventures of institutions with industries, young innovators and entrepreneurs. This can potentially provide a new growth engine for this region. Referring to a new wave of innovation led development, which is sweeping the world, will spur Chandigarh Regions' Growth, he said. These innovations and Startups have revolutionized and virtually changed the old order. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi himself is leading this transformation journey visioning the Indian economy to grow to be a $10 trillion economy, with countless startups, added Sh. Badnore.Adding further, the Governor said while India is now recognized to have the 3rd largest Startup eco system in the world, Chandigarh region has a lot of catching up to do in creating such a supportive eco system.
Given the advantages of Chandigarh region with a strong presence of premier institutions, a well connected, planned city with high quality of life, this region has a great potential to be a hub for innovation led growth. The Chandigarh Administration will take comprehensive steps in this direction to promote startups and entrepreneurship promotion, focusing on the strengths of the region of Food and Agriculture and Life sciences.Prof. B. N. Goswami in his talk, gave a historical perspective on the origin and development of this unique idea of Chandigarh and its current challenges. A panel Discussion on the Prospects and Challenges for Chandigarh Region's Innovation Led Growth was also held in which Dr. Girish Sahni former Director General CSIR, Dr. T.R. Sharma, Executive Director National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute Mohali, Prof. S.K. Dass, Director IIT Ropar, Sh. Munish Jauhar Vice President the Indus Entrepreneurs Chandigarh, Ms. Madhu Chitkara Vice Chancellor Chitkara University and Sh. J. M. Balamurugan, Principal Secretary to the Governor participated. The Panel discussion was moderated by Sh. Jyoti Kamal.Prominent amongst others who were present included the CEO of Niti Aayog, Shri. Amitabh Kant, Adviser Shri. Manoj Parida, Several heads of premier institutions like IISER, NABI, CSIO, INST etc and representatives from the industry and media.