Central University of Punjab Organizes Start-Up Ideathon with the Theme “Straw to Gold: Innovating Paddy Waste Management”
Bathinda : The Central University of Punjab Research & Development Foundation (CUPRDF), supported by DST NIDHI iTBI, recently hosted an Ideathon titled “Straw to Gold: Innovating Paddy Waste Management”. The initiative, held under the patronage of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghvendra Tiwari and the guidance of Prof. Anjana Munshi (Project Director, CUPRDF), aimed to foster entrepreneurial solutions for societal challenges, particularly in converting paddy straw into valuable resources.
The event, graced by esteemed dignitaries including Chief Guest Prof. Mani Kant Paswan, Director of Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology, Longowal, and Patron Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Central University, witnessed the convergence of budding startup enthusiasts. Participants brainstormed and presented innovative approaches to effectively utilize paddy straw, transforming it from waste into a lucrative business opportunity.
The program commenced with Prof. Mani Kant Paswan and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari inaugurating the event by watering the plant. Subsequently, 23 emerging entrepreneurs showcased their startup ventures, emphasizing innovation, sustainable business models, waste-to-wealth strategies, scalability, and the final product.
The jury adjudged Ms. Archana Kumari from Charmat Innovations, from CUP Bathinda, Dr. Ankit Kumar from Green Sticks, from Baba Farid Group of Colleges and Dr. Krishna K. Haldar from Central University of Punjab as the top three winners. These innovative ventures were recognized with cash prizes of Rs 11,000, Rs 8,000, and Rs 5,000, respectively.
The major objective of the event was to inculcate the spirit of entrepreneurship among the young minds while finding innovative business solutions to tackle the impounding environmental problem. CUPRDF, a DST NIDHI tech-business incubator, will hold many such events in the near future to highlight the socio-economic problems and finding opportunities within them.
In his address, Chief Guest Prof. Mani Kant Paswan commended the participants’ efforts and urged them to leverage their expertise for addressing various societal challenges. Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari reiterated the university’s commitment to hosting similar events, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs and researchers to utilize platforms like CUPRDF Innovator for transforming their ideas into successful ventures.
The event commenced with a warm welcome by Prof. Anjana Munshi, Project Director, CUPRDF, and concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Akshay Nag, CEO, CUPRDF, acknowledging the contributions of participants, mentors, and the organizing team in making the event a resounding success.