Over 500 Participants, 100+ Institutions, 90+ Innovations and Startups Showcased
Ahmedabad: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) in Ahmedabad, a national resource institution dedicated to entrepreneurship education, research, and development, hosted the Central Regional Meet on November 25, 2025. This event was supported by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, Government of India, and AICTE. The primary aim of the meet was to enhance the entrepreneurship ecosystem and promote innovation among students across the nation.
The event was graced by Shri B.H. Talati, IAS, Director of Technical Education, Government of Gujarat, joined as the Chief Guest.
The other distinguished guests at the event included:
- Shri Hiranmay Mahanta, CEO of iHub
- Shri Mitesh Vadher, Innovation Fellow at the Innovation Cell, AICTE, Ministry of Education, Government of India
- Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII
- Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya, Director of the Department of Entrepreneurship Education, EDII.
The one-day event attracted over 500 participants hailing from more than 100 institutions throughout Gujarat. Additionally, over 90 startup stalls displayed their innovative ideas, while more than 100 startups presented their concepts to a distinguished panel of investors.
In his address, Shri B.H. Talati, IAS, emphasised the growing need to nurture a new generation of innovators, “Today’s Regional Meet has brought together some of the brightest innovators of our country. Gujarat has steadily built a strong and inclusive innovation ecosystem through initiatives such as Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP), which nurtures creativity and entrepreneurial thinking from as early as Class 8. With multiple innovation hubs now active across the state, students from both urban and rural areas are being exposed to problem-solving and technology-driven solutions. Gujarat continues to excel in translating ideas into market-ready solutions, especially in areas such as climate, healthcare, sustainability, water, green energy and AI. Innovation is no longer optional; it is essential for national growth, and I am glad to see institutions and students taking this responsibility forward with such enthusiasm,” he said.
The one-day regional meet featured three core technical tracks — Knowledge-Sharing Sessions led by IIC institutions, Training of Trainers (ToT) for Innovation Ambassadors, and Masterclasses for YUKTI innovators by ecosystem enablers. A special attraction of the event was the ‘Swadesh Udyami – Bazar’, dedicated to the Government of India’s Vocal for Local vision, where over 20 homegrown entrepreneurial ventures exhibited their products.
Speaking on EDII’s role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, said: “Gujarat has cultivated a vibrant environment for entrepreneurship and innovation, and today’s gathering reinforces that strength. I am encouraged by the participation and the quality of ideas showcased at this Regional Meet. At EDII, in collaboration with the Education Department and ecosystem partners, we have consistently worked towards creating strategies that promote grassroots innovation and support young minds in converting ideas into impactful enterprises. Platforms like this play an important role in inspiring students, strengthening institutional capacities, and accelerating new-age solutions for society. I congratulate all participants and reaffirm EDII’s commitment to nurturing innovators and entrepreneurs who can shape India’s future”
Shri Hiranmay Mahanta, CEO, iHub, said, “EDII and the Education Department have jointly played a key role in shaping Gujarat’s innovation roadmap over the years. Our focus has always been on enabling young innovators, especially at the grassroots level, by giving them the right exposure, mentorship and opportunities. Through initiatives like state-wide innovation programmes, we have been able to bring thousands of students under a unified ecosystem that celebrates ideas and experimentation. Out of 4,500 colleges in Gujarat, nearly 900 institutions are already active in promoting innovation through structured mechanisms. I am confident that the coming years will see even more ideas emerging from our academic institutions”
Stating his opinion, Shri Mitesh Vadher, Innovation Fellow of Innovation Cell said, “The task is huge and, institutions, policy makers, regulatory bodies and the society at large, need to put in concerted efforts to see sustainable results. Entrepreneurship is a growth engine for the country and must be promoted by all means. Today’s youth is inventive and bubbling with ideas. They should be encouraged and their ideas should be nurtured.”
Awards were presented to the 5 Best Innovation Stalls and Creative Posters.