Innovation Ecosystem Shines Bright at EDII Mega Meet
Newz Daddy Educational Updates
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, hosted the Central Regional Meet 2025 of the Institution’s Innovation Council on 25 November. The event was held with support from the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell and AICTE. The meet aimed to help students across the country learn about entrepreneurship and new ideas. EDII is known for its long work in building entrepreneurs through training, research and development. Over the years, EDII has trained thousands of students and has helped many young people start small and medium businesses across India.
More than 500 participants from over 100 institutions took part in the one-day meet. Students came from different parts of Gujarat and nearby regions. Over 90 startups set up stalls to show their products and ideas. These stalls covered areas like green energy, climate action, healthcare tools and everyday problem-solving devices. Many colleges today encourage students to work on real problems, so such events help them test their ideas. More than 100 startups also pitched their ideas to a panel of investors. Pitching events like this often help young innovators receive early support or mentorship. Investors also get a chance to spot talent at the student stage.
The event was graced by Shri B.H. Talati, IAS, Director of Technical Education, Government of Gujarat, joined as the Chief Guest. Gujarat has worked for many years to build a strong innovation system. The state is known for initiatives like the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP), which supports students from Class 8 onwards. Through SSIP, many schools and colleges receive funds for projects, lab support, prototype development and startup grants. This has helped Gujarat become a leader in student innovation in India.
Shri Talati said that today’s youth are full of ideas, and the state wants to support them from a young age. He also said that Gujarat is growing fast in sectors like climate technology, healthcare, sustainable materials, water conservation and artificial intelligence. Many colleges across urban and rural areas now have innovation labs, and this has helped students learn through hands-on problem-solving.
Other key guests at the event were Shri Hiranmay Mahanta, CEO of iHub; Shri Mitesh Vadher, Innovation Fellow at the Innovation Cell, AICTE; Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII; and Dr Satya Ranjan Acharya, Director of Entrepreneurship Education at EDII. iHub is known for supporting student innovators by giving them access to mentors, funding and state-wide startup programmes. Many of Gujarat’s innovation achievements are linked to iHub’s strong network of experts.
The meeting included three main technical tracks. The first was a knowledge-sharing session led by IIC institutions. These sessions help colleges learn from each other and improve their innovation practices. The second track was Training of Trainers (ToT) for Innovation Ambassadors. These ambassadors are teachers trained to guide students in idea development. The third track included masterclasses for YUKTI innovators. The YUKTI platform helps students list their innovations online and get support from experts.
A special attraction was the Swadesh Udyami Bazar. More than 20 homegrown ventures showcased their products. The bazar supported the Government of India’s Vocal for Local vision, which encourages people to buy products made in India. Many young entrepreneurs displayed handmade goods, eco-friendly items and local craft-based products.
Speaking about EDII’s role, Dr Sunil Shukla said that Gujarat has built a strong environment for innovation. EDII works with the Education Department and several ecosystem partners to help young innovators. He shared that platforms like this help students convert ideas into real products that can help society. EDII has worked for many years with MSMEs, startups and rural entrepreneurs and continues to support new-age problem-solvers.
Shri Hiranmay Mahanta added that EDII and the Education Department have shaped Gujarat’s innovation journey. Out of 4,500 colleges in Gujarat, nearly 900 are active in promoting innovation. He said that more ideas will come in the future as students get better support and exposure.
Shri Mitesh Vadher said that entrepreneurship is a growth engine for India. He added that the task is large, and all institutions, policymakers and society must work together to see long-term results. He said that the youth are creative and must be encouraged. Awards were given to the five best innovation stalls and creative posters.