AMRITSAR: Punjab has emerged as the most promising market for entrepreneurship, according to experts from the Netherlands, as the Golden Jubilee Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Infinity), a distinguished incubation center of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), takes bold strides in nurturing local talent.
In a strategic move to amplify its incubation program, GNDU incubation centre recently orchestrated a transformative interactive meet, merging visionary insights with hands-on expertise. Under the esteemed guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice-Chancellor of the university, and led by the visionary Dr. P.K Pati, Coordinator, GJCEI, the event brought together dynamic minds and featured esteemed guests Mr. Edwin Witlox and Dr. Leon Husson from PUM Netherlands. Additionally, Mr. K. R. Jain, PUM representative for India, shared insights further enriching the dialogue.
The collaboration was facilitated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between PUM and GNDU, focusing on upgrading and mentoring entrepreneurs registered with Infinity. Prof PK Pati, head of Infinity, emphasized the center's unique role in providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to enhance their skills and global market knowledge, enabling the development of robust business strategies.
Dr. Leon Husson, an expert incubator from PUM, expressed his enthusiasm for Punjab's entrepreneurial potential, highlighting the positive mindset towards start-ups in the region. Dr. Husson emphasized the vast opportunities in fields such as AI, progressive farming, and textiles, asserting that Punjab's potential could significantly contribute to the national economy. He stressed the importance of start-ups aligning with local supply chain networks, emphasizing their role as drivers of rural empowerment.
Edwin Witlox, country coordinator at PUM, India, echoed similar sentiments, underlining the untapped potential within Punjab's talent pool, particularly among women and young individuals. Witlox emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to transition from job seekers to job creators, navigating challenges and failures with strategic planning and mentorship.
“To become a successful entrepreneur, one must focus on several strategies, including understanding demand-supply chains in local and global markets, managing finances, and embracing sustainability aspects of a business, " Witlox said.
Prof (Dr) Pratap Kumar Pati shed light on the growing interest among start-ups to join Infinity, with 19 registered start-ups currently undergoing training under the incubator program. The center actively supports ideas spanning precision agriculture, textile industry, biotechnology, software development, food technology, and electronics product development.
In this event, the distinguished guests, including Gurbinder Singh Bajwa, leading progressive farmers, Himani Arora, Chairperson of FICCI FLO representing women's organizations, and Deepak Khanna, TMA President, Rotary President were present. The interactive meet served as a platform to bridge the gap between industry and academia, catalyzing collaborative efforts for the welfare of the nation.
As Punjab continues to be the focal point for entrepreneurial growth, the collaboration between GNDU's Infinity Center and PUM Netherlands aims to catalyze sustainable development, address challenges such as migration, and empower rural communities through entrepreneurship. The strategic partnership aligns with the shared vision of fostering economic growth and innovation in the region.