Himalayan Startup Trek 2024: IIT Mandi Catalyst’s Flagship Event Returns
- Interested participants can apply by 30th September 2024
- Winning startups to receive Rs. 10 lakh in grants, additional support up to Rs. 6 lakhs, Rs. 50 lakh funding opportunities, and pilot program access
Indian Institute of Technology Mandi Catalyst. the first Technology Business incubator of Himachal Pradesh, is hosting the eighth edition of its flagship event, the Himalayan Startup Trek (HST), from 15th to 17th November 2024.
HST is a premier event designed to bring together startups, investors, mentors, and industry leaders from across India. The event offers a unique platform for startups to participate in the Grand Challenge, Investor Den, and Startup Showcase. It will also feature investor meetings, masterclasses by industry experts, roundtable discussions, product showcases, and extensive networking opportunities. Startups will have the chance to explore synergies, form strategic partnerships, and receive mentorship to foster growth and innovation.
Startups participating in the Grand Challenge have the opportunity to win ₹10 lakh in grants, along with additional support of up to ₹6 lakh and funding opportunities of up to ₹50 lakh. The deadline for applications is 30th September 2024. Interested startups can apply using the following link: HST Startup Grand Challenge
Speaking about the Himalayan Startup Trek, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, said, “IIT Mandi Catalyst is on a mission to build a high-tech sustainable startup valley in Himachal Pradesh. IIT Mandi aims to be the nucleus attracting stakeholders to this startup ecosystem. The Himalayan Startup Trek is a significant step toward achieving this goal.”
Key Highlights of HST 2024:
HST Startup Grand Challenge – This startup pitch competition will focus on four thematic areas:
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): Enhancing human-machine interaction through user-friendly technologies.
- Build for Himalayas (BFH): Solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the Himalayan region.
- Environment and Sustainability (E&S): Solutions that address pressing environmental issues, including climate change, waste management, and water conservation.
- Bio-Innovation (BI): Leveraging biological processes for solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Each theme will offer grant money of up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs, distributed among the top three startups in each category.
Investor’s Den – Startups seeking funding will have the opportunity to pitch their ventures to seasoned investors, potentially securing crucial capital.
Mentor Clinics – Startups will have one-on-one sessions with experienced mentors, offering invaluable guidance and feedback on their business ideas.
Startup Showcase – Startups will exhibit their groundbreaking products and business models, connecting with potential investors and industry leaders.
Speaking about the objective of HST 2024, Dr. Satvasheel Powar, Director Incubation and Faculty-in-Charge, IIT Mandi Catalyst, said, “HST 2024 adopts a multi-stakeholder approach, with problem statements sourced from various industry stakeholders and government bodies. Startups offering technology-based solutions will have an opportunity to co-create and pilot their innovations with these stakeholders.”
Given the past success of this flagship event, HST 2024 is expected to attract a footfall of around 5,000, including over 200 startup founders and entrepreneurs from across the country, 50+ speakers, investors, and senior government officials. The event continues to be a valuable opportunity for ecosystem stakeholders to interact, collaborate, and drive innovation in person.
For more information on HST 2024, visit: https://iitmandicatalyst.in/hst2024/
About IIT Mandi Catalyst
Established in 2016, IIT Mandi Catalyst is the first incubator in Himachal Pradesh, providing a low-cost, serene, and high-tech environment for early-stage startups. Catalyst supports technology-driven startups with a focus on economic and social impact, offering the essential resources to transform ideas into reality. The incubator’s startups have collectively won 38 awards and generated employment for over 4,000 individuals. Through its programs, IIT Mandi Catalyst provides startups with infrastructure, mentorship, financial backing, and industry connections. Since its inception, the Himalayan Startup Trek has attracted over 2,000 startups, along with more than 150 mentors, speakers, and investors.
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About IIT Mandi
IIT Mandi comprises nine academic schools and seven major research centers. The schools include the School of Biosciences and Bioengineering (SBBE), School of Chemical Sciences (SCS), School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (SMSS), School of Physical Sciences (SPS), School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (SMME), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCENE), School of Computing and Electrical Engineering (SCEE), School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), and School of Management (SOM). The research centers are the Advanced Materials Research Centre (AMRC), Centre for Design and Fabrication of Electrical Devices (C4DFED), BioX Centre, Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications Centre (IKSMHA Centre), Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Centre for Quantum Science and Technology (CQST), and Centre for Human, Computer Interaction (CHCi).
The Institute offers eleven undergraduate programs across various streams, one M.A. program, ten M.Tech. programs, eleven Ph.D. programs, and one integrated Ph.D. (iPh.D.) program. The unique, project-oriented B.Tech. curriculum is centered around a 4-year Design and Innovation stream. Since its inception, IIT Mandi has been involved in over 460 R&D sponsored research projects and more than 150 consultancy projects.
The Institute houses the DST-sponsored IIT Mandi iHub and HCI Foundation (iHub; a Section-8 company) to promote research and technology development, skill development, startup innovation, and collaborations in the HCI and allied AI/ML areas in India. Additionally, IIT Mandi Catalyst, the first tech-incubator in Himachal Pradesh, offers a low-cost, peaceful, and high-tech environment for early-stage startups. Furthermore, a BIRAC-sponsored BioNEST Centre has been established at the Institute to foster biotechnology and healthcare innovation in the Himalayan region.
