IIT Kanpur partners with Toronto Business Development Centre to take Indian startups global

The Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) will conduct screening and interviews for the selection of startups, follwing which the startups can access the centre's services such as one-on-one mentor sessions and networking events.  

The Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST), the technology business incubator at IIT Kanpur, (also known by the brand name, SIIC IIT Kanpur) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC), Canada. The MoU’s primary objective is to provide business advisory, investor and industry connects to startups qualifying under TBDC’s programmes such as Startup Visa and Soft-Landing. The selected startups will also receive an opportunity to relocate to Canada. 

The enterprises further will launch a joint cross-mentorship programme as a collaborative venture for startups from both nations. It can be anticipated that this partnership will bring significant changes to the existing startup ecosystem in both countries. In addition to this, FIRST and TBDC will also provide an opportunity for incubation to the selected startups for a period of six months. 

“We already have a partnership with Singapore India Chamber of Commerce. I am glad that with the establishment of the partnership with TBDC, we are moving a step forward towards expanding our footprints to make a mark in the global entrepreneurial ecosystem”, said Prof Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur. He further said “FIRST IIT Kanpur is emerging as a pioneer in nurturing startups through their journey.” 

FIRST and TBDC will launch a three-month cross mentorship programme to mentor Indian startups on Go-To-Market strategy by Canadian mentors and vice-versa. In addition, a monthly startup connect meet will be organised to learn and implement best practices and processes adopted by the start-ups from both countries. 

TBDC will conduct screening and interviews for the selection of these startups. Post which, the startups shall have access to TBDC services such as one-on-one mentor sessions, networking events, investors network, and infrastructure to conduct programmes. 

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