PAU'S PABI INSPIRES ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH SHE COHORT 2.0 TECH WORKSHOP

Ludhiana, February 2, 2024: The Punjab Agri-Business Incubator (PABI), operating under the auspices of the Punjab Agricultural University's Directorate of Extension Education, hosted a one-day workshop, SHE Cohort 2.0-Tech Startup Connect and Grow, at Pal Auditorium in Ludhiana today.

Programme Director and Additional Director of Communication, Dr TS Riar, highlighted PABI's pivotal role in supporting startup businesses within the agricultural sector. Dr Riar discussed the diverse resources and services provided by PABI to assist entrepreneurs in developing and growing their agribusiness ventures. He emphasized the significance of PABI as a platform for startups to connect with potential partners, investors, and stakeholders in the agriculture and agribusiness ecosystem while offering assistance in securing funding and financial support.

Dr Poonam A Sachdev, Principal Food Technologist and Co-PI of the project, welcomed the audience and shed light on how PABI's efforts guide experienced mentors and industry experts. She delved into the various programmes and workshops organized at Punjab Agricultural University, focusing on enhancing the skills and knowledge of entrepreneurs in technology, business development, and marketing.

During the inaugural address, Dr Kiran Bains, Dean of the College of Community Science, commended the incubation centre's efforts in upskilling startups and helping them establish themselves in the competitive business environment. Dr Bains referred to startups as a great business model propelling youngsters from agricultural backgrounds to become successful entrepreneurs under the university's professional guidance.

The event featured discussions on the importance of entrepreneurship in agriculture, emphasizing its need in the context of the increasing cost of living and job sector volatility. Dr Gurshagan Kandhola from PSCST, Chandigarh, provided an overview of PSCST's SHE initiative.

Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head of the Department of Extension Education and Course Director, facilitated startups in showcasing their products outside Pal Auditorium, allowing them to share their stories of hard work and success under the university's guidance.

Notable entrepreneurs, including Ms Nitika Khurana of Chandigarh Angel Network startup and Ms Harjot Gambhir of DB Delicious Bites Pvt Ltd, spoke about their journeys from startups under PABI to successful business ventures. Women entrepreneurs, including Ms Pooja Munjal of Diet Dr Clinic, Dr Shweta Miglani of Skillmapping Careers, and Ms Pooja Kaushik, Founder of Kreatknit (SHE AMBASSADOR), shared their success stories during the event.

The workshop concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session with experts, and Dr Sharanbir Kaur Bal, Professor of Resource Management and Consumer Science, proposed the vote of thanks. The successful coordination of the event was attributed to Er Karanvir Gill and Mr Gurpreet Singh Virk.

Dr Sumedha Bhandari, Assistant Professor of English, coordinated the proceedings on stage.