Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel of Gujarat initiated the fifth edition of the herSTART program for women entrepreneurs and unveiled a new research park at Gujarat University. The state is dedicated to promoting the concept of women-led development advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, the university’s convention center has been named Vidyagauri Nilkanth Sabhapuram in honor of Vidyagauri Nilkanth, recognized as the first Gujarati woman graduate.
CM Patel, addressing the gathering in Ahmedabad, emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing women’s involvement in innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives like herSTART, managed by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council. The herSTART program offers incubation, mentorship, and market access support to women-led startups, with its latest edition launched at the university as part of a series of initiatives termed a “development triveni.”
Stressing the significant growth of the national startup ecosystem since the inception of Startup India, CM Patel highlighted the revolution catalyzed by the Prime Minister, offering youth avenues to achieve new milestones. The number of startups in India has surged from under 500 a decade ago to nearly 200,000, with a notable representation of women in the entrepreneurial landscape. India has also made strides globally in funding for women-led startups, according to the Chief Minister.
CM Patel underscored the importance of technology not just as a career choice but as a mission for nation-building. He pointed out the expanding opportunities in the semiconductor industry, particularly for skilled professionals, including women. With the inauguration of a semiconductor plant in Sanand, regions like Sanand and Dholera are poised to evolve into semiconductor hubs, generating high-tech employment prospects. The herSTART program aims to assist women in sectors such as semiconductor startups, chip design, fabrication management, semiconductor packaging, and deep-technology innovation.
At the event, the chief minister unveiled a coffee table book showcasing the accomplishments of the fourth edition of herSTART and honored women-led startups affiliated with the program.
