SKEYN Ventures and Indus Capital, a US based firm, have pledged $2 million (around Rs 16.61 crore) to support start-ups and entrepreneurship at the IIM Sambalpur incubation center. Sushant Kumar, founder and principal of SKEYN Ventures, announced this commitment during the ninth foundation day celebration of IIM Sambalpur. He emphasized the significance of early investors like Ram Shriram, the first investor in Google, and their role in supporting startups. Kumar assured that the funding for the center would begin soon.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, addressing the event virtually, commended IIM Sambalpur’s collaborations with organizations like India Accelerator, SIDBI, and Flipkart, highlighting their role in nurturing entrepreneurs and benefiting local artisans. Pradhan encouraged students to embrace innovation, inclusivity, and integrity as guiding principles in their endeavors. He urged them to remember their higher purpose, strive for excellence, contribute to society, and uphold values that would contribute to India’s development by 2047.

Established on September 23, 2015, IIM Sambalpur has established itself as a prominent institution among the top IIMs. The institute’s vision is to cultivate responsible leaders with entrepreneurial mindsets and core values centered around innovation, inclusivity, and integrity, according to IIM Sambalpur director Mahadeo Jaiswal.

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