MOU between iHub and FGI to nurture innovation and startup

The Federation of Gujarat Industries (FGI), an apex 103 years young Chamber of Commerce in Gujarat and iHub, an institution established by the Education Department, Government of Gujarat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a hybrid event at Vadodara in the virtual presence of Anju Sharma, IAS, Principal Secretary (Higher & Technical Education), Education Department Government of Gujarat and Chairperson i-Hub along with M Nagarajan, IAS (Director of Higher Education & Honorary Executive Director 𝑖-Hub).

As part of the MoU, FGI and iHub will envisage and execute a roadmap on how FGI can co-create a startup and innovation ecosystem involving academia, incubators and public systems. A pool of start-ups across sectors and region in Vadodara having a minimum viable product ready will be created so that they can be linked with various industries for mentorship and allied support.

FGI will create a pool of industry mentors and engage them in guiding the start-ups in Gujarat and co-create a systematic process. It can connect potential startups with interested industries for guidance or strategic collaborations. FGI will also create a resource pool through available resource, networks, and platforms of member industries which can be made available to young start-ups which will accelerate the start-ups and work closely with i-Hub to see that industries in Vadodara and nearby districts actively participate in developing local startup ecosystem. Various joint programs, events with i-Hub will be organized to give exposure to the startups and allied stakeholders.

The MoU was signed from FGI side by President Manohar Chawla, Premal Dave, Secretary General and from i-Hub by CEO Hiranmay Mahanta.