Patna: Bihar’s information technology and sports minister, Shreyasi Singh, has said that the state’s youth possess immense talent, determination and innovative potential, as she highlighted the rapid growth of the technology ecosystem in the region.
Speaking on Thursday at the 10th foundation day of the incubation centre at Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Singh said that while Bihar’s younger generation has long been recognised for producing civil servants, it is now increasingly making its presence felt in the field of technology.
“The world has seen Bihar’s youth as IAS and IPS officers, but today they are also establishing themselves in technology and innovation,” she said.
The minister announced that preparations are under way to develop a business park at IIT Patna, aimed at further strengthening the state’s startup ecosystem. During the event, held in the presence of IIT Patna director TN Singh, the incubation centre signed memorandums of understanding with AIIMS Patna and Jhpiego to expand collaboration in innovation and healthcare technology.
Singh said the government is working towards building a comprehensive startup and innovation ecosystem that goes beyond financial support. “Our aim is not only to encourage startups, but also to provide infrastructure, mentorship and support to take ideas from concept to user experience,” she said.
Highlighting recent developments, the minister pointed to a state-of-the-art startup workspace established at Biscomaun Tower in Patna, equipped with plug-and-play IT infrastructure. She added that software technology parks have also been set up in Darbhanga and Bhagalpur to promote decentralised growth.
Calling on young innovators to think ambitiously, Singh urged them to pursue bold ideas and address real-world technological challenges. Drawing from her background in sports, she said: “I come from the world of sports, where I have not learned to lose.”
In his address, Prof TN Singh said that IIT Patna has expanded its incubation efforts beyond the campus, with centres now operating in four engineering colleges across the state.
The event was also attended by Amit Shah, country director of Jhpiego, and Jitendra Kumar, managing director of BRAC, who spoke on the importance of collaboration in fostering innovation-driven growth.
