TiE Patna BRIDGE Summit 1.0: Day 1 Highlights Bihar’s Growing Startup Ecosystem

Patna: The much- awaited TiE Patna BRIDGE Summit 1.0, powered by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), began on Monday with a strong focus on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Bihar. The opening day featured the introduction of TiE Women and the launch of TiE U at Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) and NIFT Patna, marking a significant step towards integrating startup culture within academia.

The sessions brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss women’s empowerment in entrepreneurship and the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in education. A virtual keynote by social entrepreneur Pratima Kirloskar set the tone for the day, highlighting the challenges and achievements of women entrepreneurs. A panel discussion featuring Usha Jha and Himani Mishra provided insights into balancing professional ambitions with personal commitments.

Speakers at the event included Kumod Kumar, president of TiE Patna and Chief Administrative Officer of CIMP; Dr. Rana Singh, director of CIMP; Sharad Kumar Yadav, vice-chancellor of Aryabhatta Knowledge University; and Rahul Sharma, director of NIFT. Other notable attendees included Ravi Bhardwaj, founder of Startup Legal; Suresh Kant Verma; Abhishek Sinha; and Anshuman Sinha. The day concluded with a masterclass by Sankal Pratap of IIT Mumbai, who outlined strategies for avoiding common pitfalls in early-stage ventures.

On Tuesday, the summit is set to expand discussions on Bihar’s investment landscape, with Industry Minister Nitish Mishra inaugurating the proceedings at CIMP. A panel discussion on securing financial backing, featuring Nikhil Dhanraj Nippanikar (IAS) and venture capitalist Dhiraj Kumar Sinha, will address key aspects of long-term fiscal stability for startups. Another session on sustainable entrepreneurship, led by Sanjeev Kumar Choudhary of IOCL and economist Ajit Ranade, will explore the role of social and environmental accountability in business growth.

A major highlight of the day will be the Startup Showcase, where 10 emerging Bihar-based startups will present their business models to investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. Additionally, 20 expo booths will feature innovations shaping the region’s economic future.

With sponsorship from IOCL, SIDBI, and CGTMSE, and media collaboration with Startup and I, the TiE Patna BRIDGE Summit 1.0 underscores Bihar’s growing prominence in India’s startup ecosystem. As the summit progresses, it aims to strengthen the foundation for a sustainable and thriving entrepreneurial landscape in the state.