IIT Kanpur's F.I.R.S.T Signs MoU with ASEAN Economic Forum to Enhance Southeast Asia's Startup Ecosystem

F.I.R.S.T at IIT Kanpur has signed an MoU with the ASEAN Economic Forum. This partnership aims to improve access to technology and establish valuable business connections for startups in ASEAN countries. Know details here

In a significant move to support the startup ecosystem across ASEAN nations, the Foundation for Innovation and Research Support (F.I.R.S.T) at IIT Kanpur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Economic Forum. The signing ceremony was held at the India-ASEAN ScaleHub Programme 2024 in Bali, Indonesia. This collaboration aims to enhance access to technology, market opportunities, and valuable business connections for startups in ASEAN countries.

The India-ASEAN ScaleHub Programme, funded by the Government of India through the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund, is a collaborative initiative supported by the Department of Science and Technology and the Ministry of External Affairs, and organised by F.I.R.S.T at IIT Kanpur. This program seeks to promote India-ASEAN partnerships through science, technology, and innovation-driven activities across the ASEAN community. These efforts aim to strengthen economic ties, foster innovation, and promote sustainable development between ASEAN member states and India.

The event brought together a delegation of senior stakeholders from the Indian innovation ecosystem and 40 promising startups from various sectors, including healthcare, agritech, cleantech, defence, aerospace, and AI/ML. This platform offered growth-stage startups access to resources, infrastructure, and mentorship to support networking, collaboration, and business expansion across ASEAN markets.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Prof. Ankush Sharma, Professor in Charge at SIIC, IIT Kanpur said, "This collaboration marks a significant milestone in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across ASEAN nations. By leveraging our collective resources and expertise, we aim to provide startups with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in a competitive global market."

H. E. Shri Jayant N. Khobragade, Ambassador of India to ASEAN, participated in the program and commended the organisers for a successful event. Representatives from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the ASEAN Economic Community also actively participated.

Against the backdrop of growing collective economies in ASEAN and India, the program offered a unique platform for government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to connect and develop strategies that drive economic integration and sustainable growth.

About F.I.R.S.T, IIT Kanpur

The Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (F.I.R.S.T), IIT Kanpur's technology business incubator, was established to strengthen the institute's culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. F.I.R.S.T focuses on supporting startups that create science and engineering-based solutions to address national challenges, particularly those affecting underprivileged communities. They provide resources and guidance to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses.

Read More

• IIT Kanpur Empowers Rural Students with Five-Day Electronics and Arduino Workshop
• IIT Kanpur Partners with Prompt Equipment for Innovative Mastitis Detection Technology