Photo: Facebook
By A Correspondent
Bhagalpur: The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bhagalpur Startup Cell organised the ‘Startup Bihar Idea Bootcamp’ at the institute’s Lecture Hall on September 29, 2026, under the theme ‘A Statewide Open Innovation Day’.
The event aimed to encourage students to develop innovative and AI/ML-based technological solutions to address local and regional challenges in Bihar.
More than 60 students participated in the bootcamp, with 14 teams presenting their startup ideas and innovative solutions. Participants were introduced to key aspects of building a startup, including idea validation, product development, market access, funding opportunities, and legal and intellectual property support.
The chief guest, Shyam Prakash, Industry Extension Officer, briefed students about government funding opportunities and various forms of official support available to startups. Highlighting the role of innovation in addressing challenges in critical sectors such as agriculture and healthcare, he encouraged students to identify local problems and develop practical and technology-driven solutions.
Dr Om Prakash Singh, Faculty In-charge, Startup Cell, IIIT Bhagalpur, attended the programme along with Dr Mehul Kumar, Dr Uttam Kumar, Dr Prabhat Kumar Vidyarthi, Dr Swati Kumari, Dr Sunil Kumar and Dr Nehal Ahmad.
The 14 ideas presented during the bootcamp focused particularly on AI/ML-based technological solutions and innovations addressing local needs and regional challenges in Bihar. The students had an opportunity to assess the potential of their ideas, validate them and explore possibilities related to product development, market access and funding.
Dr Om Prakash Singh played an important role in guiding and coordinating the successful organisation of the programme. Student Coordinators Govind Mishra and Ishan Jha supported the conduct and coordination of various activities during the event.
The Startup Bihar Idea Bootcamp provided students with guidance and opportunities to transform their technical knowledge and innovative ideas into solutions for real-world problems and develop them into potential startup ventures. The initiative also contributed to strengthening a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving at the institute.
About the Author
