Patna: The inaugural TiE Patna BRIDGE Summit 1.0, a two-day event dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Bihar, concluded on Tuesday at the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP). The summit brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to explore opportunities for business growth and collaboration.
Government and Industry Leaders Pledge Support
The summit, sponsored by Indian Oil Corporation Limited, SIDBI, and CGT-MSE, commenced with an inaugural session led by Industry Minister Nitish Mishra, who emphasised the state’s commitment to building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Today’s summit is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that Bihar embodies. We are committed to creating an ecosystem that supports innovation and growth. The participation and enthusiasm here today are a clear indication that we are on the right path,” he said.
TiE Patna President Kumod Kumar highlighted the summit’s success, stating, “The TiE Patna BRIDGE Summit 1.0 has exceeded our expectations. It has been a platform where ideas have been exchanged, connections have been made, and inspiration has been drawn.”
Expert Insights on Bihar’s Entrepreneurial Future
Economist and former vice-chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics, Pune, Ajit Ranade underscored the need for collaborative efforts between the government, public institutions, and private enterprises. “Together, we can create a robust ecosystem that supports and nurtures entrepreneurial talent, driving sustainable development and economic prosperity,” he said.
SIDBI General Manager Anubha Prasad expressed confidence in the impact of the summit. “Supporting startups and fostering innovation is at the core of SIDBI’s mission. This event provides a unique opportunity to engage with entrepreneurs and understand their needs,” she said, while also lauding TiE’s Pre-Nurture and Nurture programs.
Manish Sinha, CEO of CGT-MSE, reiterated the organization’s commitment to Bihar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. “Initiatives like the TiE Patna BRIDGE Summit are crucial in bringing together key stakeholders and driving the agenda forward,” he said.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s Executive Director and State Head (Bihar & Jharkhand), Sanjeev Kumar Choudhary, stressed the role of innovation in sustainable development. “The summit has provided a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and solutions,” he said.
Panel Discussions and Knowledge Sharing
Two panel discussions were among the highlights of the summit. The first, “Navigating the Investment Landscape: Strategies for Founders to Secure Funding and Drive Growth,” featured industry experts including CGT-MSE’s Manish Sinha, SIDBI’s Anubha Prasad, Startup Steroid’s Anshuman Sinha, Alpha Value’s Maneesh Shrivastava, and venture capitalist Dhiraj Kumar Sinha. The discussion was moderated by Pallavi Jha, a charter member of TiE Patna.
The second panel, “Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Profit with Purpose,” focused on integrating sustainability into business models. Panelists included Sanjeev Kumar Choudhary (IOCL), Kavita Mahto (Tata Steel B2C Ecommerce), Ajit Ranade, A.K. Mohanty (TiE Bhubaneshwar), and Rama Shankar Pandey. The session was moderated by Abhishek Sinha, a TiE Patna charter member.
The summit also featured a virtual address by Dr. Swati Majumdar, pro-chancellor of Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune, emphasizing education’s role in fostering entrepreneurship. Additionally, a master class by Anubhav Tiwari, chief innovation officer at NIELIT-MeitY, provided insights into innovation’s impact on business.
Showcasing Bihar’s Startup Talent
A key segment of the summit was the presentation of Bihar’s emerging startups. Each startup showcased its ideas through five-minute videos, highlighting innovative solutions and market potential. The event provided much-needed exposure to these ventures, reinforcing Bihar’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
At the valedictory session, TiE Patna Executive Director Vibhash Kumar delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of speakers, participants, sponsors, and industry professionals. “As we conclude this summit, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the participants are truly inspiring. Let us continue to build on this momentum and drive Bihar’s entrepreneurial landscape to new heights,” he said. Mementos were presented to all dignitaries and panelists.
A Promising Future for Bihar’s Entrepreneurs
The TiE Patna BRIDGE Summit 1.0 was a landmark event that underscored Bihar’s potential as an entrepreneurial hub. With insightful discussions, engaging master classes, and the showcasing of innovative startups, the summit set the stage for future collaborations and business opportunities. The event also collaborated with institutions such as NIFT Patna to organize TiE U and featured an expo where startups exhibited their products.
The success of the summit highlights the increasing momentum in Bihar’s startup ecosystem and the commitment of organizations like TiE Patna in fostering innovation and business growth in the region.
