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Gujarat CM Launches herSTART 5.0 & Research Park to Boost Women-Led Startups

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated a new Research Park and launched the fifth edition of the herSTART initiative at Gujarat University. He emphasized the state's commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women-led development, noting India's surge to nearly 2 lakh startups with half being women-led. The herSTART program provides incubation and mentorship to support women in launching ventures in sectors like semiconductors and deep-tech. Patel also highlighted new opportunities from Gujarat's emerging semiconductor hubs in Sanand and Dholera.

Key Points: Gujarat CM Inaugurates Research Park, herSTART at Gujarat University

  • herSTART 5.0 launched for women entrepreneurs
  • New Research Park inaugurated at Gujarat University
  • Rs. 45 crore for Student Startup Policy 2.0
  • Focus on semiconductor & deep-tech ventures
3 min read

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates Research Park, HerSTART at Gujarat University

CM Bhupendra Patel launches herSTART 5.0 & Research Park, highlighting Gujarat's push for women-led development and deep-tech innovation.

"Startup India... has now become a revolution. - CM Bhupendra Patel"

Gandhinagar, March 5

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, while inaugurating various projects at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad, stated that Gujarat is committed to implementing the vision of women-led development given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

CM Patel was addressing the gathering on the occasion of naming the Gujarat University Convention Centre as Vidyagauri Nilkanth Sabhapuram, the inauguration of the newly built Research Park, and the launch of the fifth edition of herSTART.

The herSTART initiative by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council (GUSEC) provides incubation, mentorship, and market access support to women-led startups. The fifth edition of the programme has commenced at Gujarat University.

On this occasion, CM said that Startup India, launched by PM Modi to guide the innovations of the country's youth, has now become a revolution, a release said. A decade ago, there were fewer than 500 startups in India; today, the number has increased to around 2 lakh, with nearly half led by women. He added that India has also emerged as a leading nation in women-led startup funding.

He also commended Gujarat University for naming its convention centre Vidyagauri Nilkanth Sabhapuram in honour of Vidyagauri Nilkanth, the first female graduate from Gujarat.

The CM said that herSTART has become a key platform linking the entrepreneurial skills of the women of Gujarat with new-age technologies, giving them opportunities to grow and succeed. He noted that this year's budget allocates Rs. 45 crore for the Student Startup and Innovation Policy 2.0.

He added that under the Prime Minister's guidance, youth are becoming Atmanirbhar in technology, research, and innovation, while many opportunities for skill development are also emerging.

In this context, the CM added that PM Modi recently inaugurated a semiconductor plant in Sanand. Both Sanand and Dholera are set to become semiconductor hubs, generating high-tech employment opportunities for the youth.

Highlighting opportunities for women in the semiconductor sector, he said that herSTART aims to support women in launching ventures in semiconductor startups, chip design, fabrication management, semiconductor packaging, and deep-tech innovation.

The Chief Minister described technology not just as a career choice but as a mission for nation-building, and encouraged youth to develop startups in emerging sectors to make Gujarat a hub for startups as well as a women-led deep-tech innovation hub.

CM Patel also released a coffee table book highlighting the success of the fourth edition of herSTART and honoured women-led startups on the occasion. Srinivasa Rao Sureddi, CEO of the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council, gave a brief introduction to the fourth edition of herSTART.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see Gujarat pushing the envelope in innovation. Naming the centre after Vidyagauri Nilkanth is a wonderful tribute. However, I hope the Rs. 45 crore budget is utilized effectively and reaches grassroots-level women entrepreneurs in smaller towns, not just those in cities.
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Aman W
The semiconductor hub development in Sanand and Dholera is a game-changer. High-tech jobs in Gujarat will stop our talented youth from migrating to Bangalore or Hyderabad. This, combined with startup support, can truly make Gujarat an Atmanirbhar powerhouse.
S
Sarah B
Impressive growth from 500 to 2 lakh startups! The statistic about nearly half being women-led is particularly encouraging. It shows a real cultural shift. Hope other states take inspiration from Gujarat's model for fostering entrepreneurship.
K
Karthik V
While the announcements are good, execution is key. We hear about many schemes, but the actual on-ground support and simplification of processes for startups is still lacking. Hope herSTART 5.0 has a streamlined application and mentorship process. The intent is great, though!
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Nisha Z
As an alumna of Gujarat University, this makes me so proud! 🎉 A research park and a dedicated platform for women entrepreneurs on our own campus is a dream come true. Technology as a mission for nation-building – well said, CM sir. Jai Hind!

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