Entrepreneurship Development Cell (FDC)

In alignment with the provisions of the Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) Act, 2010 (Act No. 6 of 2011) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, the University hereby submits this report regarding the formation of an Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC). The EDC is established as a proactive initiative to nurture entrepreneurial talent, foster innovation, and empower the academic community to contribute significantly to the economic growth of the nation.
Vision and Objectives
The Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) is envisioned as a dedicated platform to catalyze entrepreneurial activities within the University, thereby aligning institutional efforts with national priorities such as Startup India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The primary objectives of the EDC are:

1. To foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students, faculty, and staff through structured training programs.
2. To support the creation of startups by providing incubation facilities, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities.
3. To promote innovation-driven research and its translation into viable commercial ventures.
4. To establish strong linkages with industries, government agencies, and financial institutions for knowledge and resource sharing.
5. To contribute to regional economic development by encouraging entrepreneurship in emerging sectors like technology, agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable development.

Legal and Administrative Framework
The EDC will function under the statutory framework of the MGU Act, 2010, and in compliance with UGC guidelines. It will operate as a dynamic entity, closely integrated with academic departments, research centers, and other institutional bodies. The Cell will be governed by a well-structured committee, ensuring its alignment with the University’s strategic goals and national development agendas.
Key Functions of the EDC
The EDC will focus on implementing the following activities:

1. Entrepreneurial Training: Conduct workshops, seminars, and certificate programs on entrepreneurship, business planning, and financial literacy.
2. Innovation and Incubation Support: Establish incubation centers equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to facilitate startup growth.
3. Mentorship and Guidance: Provide access to expert mentors from academia, industry, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem to guide budding entrepreneurs.
4. Industry Collaborations: Develop partnerships with industry leaders and organizations for joint research, product development, and knowledge transfer.
5. Access to Funding: Facilitate connections with venture capitalists, angel investors, and government funding schemes to support startups and innovative projects.
6. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Facilitation: Assist entrepreneurs in securing intellectual property rights for their innovations.

Implementation and Monitoring Mechanism
The EDC will employ a phased implementation approach to ensure the successful execution of its initiatives. Key milestones include:

1. Establishing an incubation center and launching the first cohort of student startups.
2. Organizing annual entrepreneurship conclaves to showcase innovations and promote networking.
3. Monitoring the performance of the EDC through regular assessments, surveys, and feedback mechanisms.

Periodic reports will be submitted to the University’s Academic Council, UGC, and Government authorities, detailing the activities, achievements, and challenges of the EDC.
Anticipated Outcomes
The establishment of the EDC is expected to generate a wide array of benefits, including:

1. Increased entrepreneurial activity among students and faculty.
2. Creation of innovative startups and scalable business models contributing to job creation.
3. Strengthened academia-industry linkages and collaborative research initiatives.
4. Enhanced contribution of the University to the socio-economic development of the region.

Conclusion
The Entrepreneurship Development Cell represents a critical step forward in the University’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. By nurturing entrepreneurial talent and facilitating the development of startups, the EDC will position the University as a center of excellence in entrepreneurial education and practice.
We seek the esteemed approval and guidance of the UGC and Government to ensure the effective implementation of this initiative, which holds immense potential for transformative impact.
Table: Constitution/Composition of the Entrepreneurship Development Cell

Designation	Role	Name of Members	Criteria for Selection
Chairperson	Leads and oversees the activities of the EDC; ensures alignment with institutional goals	Dr. Amalesh Adhikary	Senior faculty member with expertise in entrepreneurship, business management, or innovation
Faculty Representatives	Contribute to training, mentorship, and research in entrepreneurship	Sangeeta Das	Faculty members with a strong background in entrepreneurial studies, innovation, or related fields
Industry Representatives	Provide insights into market trends, funding opportunities, and industry collaboration	Sukhbinder Singh	Senior professionals from industries such as technology, finance, and manufacturing with entrepreneurial expertise
Student Representatives	Represent the entrepreneurial aspirations and challenges of the student community	Rajesh Chetri	Students with demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship or active participation in entrepreneurial activities
Alumni Entrepreneurs	Share real-world entrepreneurial experiences and mentor budding entrepreneurs	Sahil Mustak	Alumni with successful entrepreneurial ventures in diverse domains
Incubation Expert	Oversee the incubation center and support startups in scaling their ideas	Dipjyoti Mahanta	Expert with experience in startup incubation, funding, and business acceleration
IPR and Legal Advisor	Guide on intellectual property rights, legal compliance, and regulatory frameworks	Punyag Pratap Bordoloi	Legal expert with experience in intellectual property, patents, and startup laws