Patna: Bihar’s capital, Patna, witnessed a significant gathering of entrepreneurial talent on Sunday as the Startup Summit 2024 was held at Vidyapati Bhawan. Organized by Let’s Inspire Bihar, a movement founded by the renowned IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav, the event brought together over 300 emerging startups from across the state, aiming to foster innovation and growth in Bihar’s startup ecosystem.
The summit was inaugurated by Bihar’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, Nitish Mishra, alongside Vikas Vaibhav. In his opening address, Mishra assured the startup community of the state government’s full support, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in creating employment opportunities within Bihar. “Efforts like these are crucial for changing the narrative about Bihar,” Mishra said, advocating for a shift from seeking jobs to creating them. He urged industrialists to invest in Bihar, highlighting the state’s potential and the government’s commitment to providing necessary infrastructure and support.
Vikas Vaibhav, the driving force behind Let’s Inspire Bihar, outlined an ambitious vision for the movement. He announced plans to establish at least five startups capable of employing over 100 people in every district of Bihar by 2028. Vaibhav expressed optimism about the growing enthusiasm for entrepreneurship in Bihar, envisioning a future where thousands of startups gather at Gandhi Maidan for such summits.
In a subsequent session, Union Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Jitan Ram Manjhi, praised the initiative, calling it a pivotal step toward realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India, starting with Bihar. He stressed the need to promote small industries, which can generate significant employment at lower costs, and lauded Vikas Vaibhav for his leadership.
The event also featured participation from notable figures such as Mohan Jha, OP Singh, and Dr. Preeti Bala of the Gargi Chapter, among others. These leaders, along with a diverse group of entrepreneurs and professionals, engaged in discussions on the future of Bihar’s entrepreneurial landscape and shared insights on overcoming the challenges faced by startups in the state.
Let’s Inspire Bihar, launched on March 22, 2021, by Vikas Vaibhav, aims to transform Bihar into a model of development by 2047, ensuring that no one has to leave the state for education, employment, or healthcare. With a focus on education, equality, and entrepreneurship, the campaign seeks to harness Bihar’s rich heritage while combating social issues such as casteism and communalism.
Since its inception, the campaign has mobilized over 100,000 volunteers and organized more than 1,400 programs across Bihar and other major cities in India and abroad. These efforts have included health camps, educational initiatives, and extensive dialogues aimed at fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship in the state.
Looking ahead, the campaign has planned several large-scale events, including the third Brihat Jan Samvad in Sasaram on December 1, 2024, and further summits in Chhapra and Hajipur in early 2025. These gatherings are expected to continue the momentum, driving Bihar closer to its goal of becoming a hub of innovation and self-reliance.
