S. Vishnu Sharma
IIT Mandi Catalyst is hosting the eighth edition of its flagship event Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) from 15 to 17 November 2024.
IIT Mandi Catalyst is the first Technology Business incubator of Himachal Pradesh. 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, say sources from IIT Mandi Catalyst.
Investor Meetings
The event by IIT Mandi Catalyst 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, say sources from IIT Mandi Catalyst.
Win Prizes
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, say sources from IIT Mandi Catalyst.
Director of IIT Mandi
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, said Director of IIT Mandi.
Key Highlights
The key highlights of HST 2024 by IIT Mandi Catalyst are mentioned below:
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, say sources from IIT Mandi Catalyst.
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.
Objective
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, said Dr Satvasheel of IIT Mandi Catalyst.
Footfall
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, say sources from IIT Mandi Catalyst.
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.
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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.