Innovation and collaboration continue to drive growth and opportunities for startups worldwide. The India-US CEO Forum's Working Group 7 (WG7) on Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Growth, and Promoting Small Businesses has launched a bilateral knowledge-sharing platform between India and the US [053887c0] [713c6168]. This platform aims to enhance the bilateral relationship and unlock trade by empowering startups and integrating MSMEs in the global supply chain. The launch took place during a dialogue on inclusive growth and empowering startups and MSMEs in the Digital Age. The event also saw the launch of Prakshepan, an innovation hackathon, and cybersecurity and AI capacity building and skilling workshops for MSMEs and startups [053887c0] [713c6168].
The knowledge-sharing platform and dialogue will promote inclusive growth by empowering startups and MSMEs. It will provide them with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the digital age and participate in the global economy. The launch of Prakshepan underscores the commitment to nurturing innovation and ensuring equitable participation, especially for women, in the digital transformation journey [053887c0] [713c6168].
The Prakshepan hackathon will focus on fostering innovation, with a strong emphasis on women-led businesses. This initiative aims to support and promote women entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem. The goal is to create an environment that encourages and nurtures their ideas and provides them with the resources they need to succeed [053887c0] [713c6168].
In addition to the hackathon, cybersecurity and AI capacity building and skilling workshops will be conducted for MSMEs and startups. These workshops aim to protect them from online threats and equip them with the knowledge and skills to build resilient security structures. By enhancing their cybersecurity capabilities, startups and MSMEs can confidently navigate the digital landscape and safeguard their businesses [053887c0] [713c6168].
The launch of the knowledge-sharing platform, innovation hackathon, and workshops was organized by InMobi, Mastercard, and Tata Sons, with support from CyberPeace Foundation, United Services Institute (USI), and US-India Business Council (USIBC) [053887c0] [713c6168].
Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary (New Emerging and Strategic Technologies Division), Ministry of External Affairs, expressed belief that initiatives and dialogues like this will foster a better relationship between the two nations, especially in trade and innovation [713c6168].
Axis Bank Foundation has also launched the "Enterprise Development Programme for NextGen Artisans" to help over 300 rural artisans develop their entrepreneurial capabilities and skills [99fa387c]. The programme aims to bridge the skill gap of traditional artisans and empower them to expand their business on online and offline platforms. It will focus on digital skills and marketing, business and market development, and supply chain management. The programme will include physical workshops followed by online support and training. Artisans from all parts of India engaged in diverse crafts can participate. The inaugural workshop was attended by artisan entrepreneurs, students, and faculty from the Indian Institute of Craft Design [99fa387c].