In a significant move toward strengthening the startup ecosystem in Vidarbha, the Maharashtra State Innovation Society has officially recognized Indian Institute of Management Nagpur as a supported incubation center. This development came during a two-day strategic workshop organized by the Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Department of the Government of Maharashtra, bringing together incubation leaders, academic institutions, and ecosystem stakeholders from across the state.

The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions. With this inclusion, IIM Nagpur will now play a pivotal role in nurturing innovation, supporting early-stage startups, and providing a structured platform for entrepreneurs in the Vidarbha region. This step is expected to significantly accelerate entrepreneurial growth and innovation in the region.

State minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha emphasized the government’s commitment to building a strong and inclusive startup ecosystem. He noted that such institutional collaborations are crucial in offering the right mentorship, resources, and opportunities to budding entrepreneurs, ultimately contributing to balanced regional development.

Additional Chief Secretary Manisha Verma highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional capacity to support early-stage innovators. She stressed that robust incubation systems at district and local levels are essential to promote grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship.

CEO Dr. Shrikant Patil shared that the state has already established a network of 29 supported incubation centers, helping startups evolve from ideas to scalable ventures. The workshop also focused on long-term sustainability, with insights from Ramanan Ramanathan and Prasad Menon, who emphasized financial, operational, and strategic sustainability of incubation centers.

With IIM Nagpur joining this network, entrepreneurs in Vidarbha will gain better access to mentorship, industry connections, and innovation support. This initiative is set to open new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and further strengthen Maharashtra’s position as a leading startup hub in India.