IIT Kharagpur and z21 Ventures Launch ‘KGP Forge Entrepreneur’ to Empower Start-Up Ecosystem

IIT Kharagpur and z21 Ventures Launch ‘KGP Forge Entrepreneur’ to Empower Start-Up Ecosystem

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Sanjana
Sanjana Surbhi
Assistant Manager
New Delhi, Updated on Dec 23, 2024 18:31 IST

IIT Kharagpur has partnered with z21 Ventures to launch an innovative startup accelerator program for final-year students, marking a new era of entrepreneurial excellence.

IIT Kharagpur and z21 Ventures

IIT Kharagpur and z21 Ventures

IIT Kharagpur has partnered with z21 Ventures, an early-stage, operator-led venture capital firm founded by IIT Kharagpur alumni, to launch a pioneering startup accelerator program for final-year students. This collaboration aims to foster a new era of entrepreneurial excellence. The MoU was signed today in the presence of key IIT Kharagpur officials, including Prof. V K Tewari (Director), Prof. Rintu Banerjee (Deputy Director), Prof. Krishna Kumar (Dean FoS), Prof. P K Dutta (Dean BTBS), Prof. Karabi Das (Dean Outreach), Prof. Rabibrata Mukherjee (Dean International Relations), Prof. Debashish Chakravarty (Dean Alumni Affairs), and Prof. Basab Chakravarti (Head, Rajendra Mishra School of Engineering Entrepreneurship). Raj Singh (General Partner), Jyotika Gupta, and Sudarshan Ravi Jha (Partners) represented z21 Ventures.

The accelerator is designed to leverage the vast talent at KGP and transform innovative ideas into market-ready ventures. Participants will gain exclusive access to mentorship, funding, and world-class resources. Focusing on developing scalable, tech-driven solutions to address global challenges, the program combines IIT Kharagpur’s cutting-edge research with z21 Ventures’ investment expertise, empowering student entrepreneurs to make a global impact.

The accelerator will welcome up to 10 dynamic teams in its first cohort, providing year-round mentorship, strategic guidance, and seed funding to turn their ideas into reality. Participants will gain access to z21 Ventures’ extensive network of industry experts, successful founders, and experienced advisors, all focused on guiding them to market success. Furthermore, IIT Kharagpur will offer essential infrastructure support after graduation, ensuring a smooth transition from ideation to implementation.

Prof. V K Tewari, Director, IIT Kharagpur said, “Start-up Accelerator Program with z21 Ventures, founded by our esteemed IIT alumni, to launch the ‘KGP Forge Entrepreneur’ is a structured accelerator program created to teach the students about company building, basic company finance and company law, fundraising etc. It is a significant step towards empowering our B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD students. This collaboration aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the mentorship, resources, financial support and professional networks necessary to transform their ideas into successful startups. IIT KGP can significantly contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of India to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will drive India’s entrepreneurial future and create jobs.”

Q:   Does IIT Kharagpur have LLM?

A:

Yes, IIT Kharagpur has an LLM programme offered through the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law (RGSOIPL). Established in 2006, it is the first of its kind within the IIT system, focusing on producing lawyers with technical expertise. The school offers three programs: LL.B with Honours in Intellectual Property Rights, LL.M, and a Doctoral Programme in Law. Eligibility for the LL.M programme requires a first-class Bachelor of Laws (LL.B./B.L.) degree or equivalent, and students pursuing LL.B (Hons.) in Intellectual Property Law with a final CGPA of 8.5 or above may be eligible for admission without an entrance test. The LL.M programme may have specializations in Intellectual Property Law, International Law, and Criminal Law. Specialization choices are made during the application process, with limited slots available based on merit and preference.

Q:   Is BArch from IIT Kharagpur worth it?

A:

IITs are some of the top institutions in the country for Engineering education. However, their undergraduate programme in Architecture is also ranked well by NIRF. As per the NIRF 2023 rankings for Architecture colleges, IIT KGP ranked at the third position. With respect to placements, the institute has not released any BArch specific placements data. However, as per the data collated frmm various sources on the internet, the median package for BArch students at this college is close to INR 12.62 LPA. Additionally, as per the verified students’ reviews on Shiksha, top recruiters, such as Auctus Advisors, Uniworks, Flipkart, etc. visit the campus for placement opportunities. Read more reviews on IIT Kharagpur BArch here.

Q:   Is IIT Kharagpur good for B.Sc.?

A:
{Source: B.Sc. students & alumni}

Infrastructure and Amenities

* Good infrastructure with well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities
* Free Wi-Fi available throughout the campus
* Decent hostel facilities with hygienic mess food
* Medical facilities available 24/7

Faculty and Course Curriculum

* Highly qualified and experienced faculty members
* Relevant and updated course curriculum that prepares students for industry and research
* Emphasis on hands-on learning and practical knowledge
* Semester exams are moderately challenging

Placements and Career Opportunities

* Average salary package offered is around INR22 LPA
* the highest salary package offered is around INR1.69 CPA
* Top recruiters include Microsoft, Google, and ONGC
* Many students get internships and research opportunities
* Scope for further education and research in prestigious organizations like ISRO

Student Life

* Vibrant campus life with various extracurricular activities and events
* Popular fests like Spring Fest and Kshitij attract renowned personalities
* Many clubs and societies available for students' interests

Overall, IIT Kharagpur seems to be a good option for B.Sc. students, providing a strong foundation in academics, research opportunities, and a vibrant campus life. However, students may face challenges in adjusting to the competitive environment and demanding coursework.

“We are deeply honoured to partner with our alma mater, IIT Kharagpur, to prioritize entrepreneurship and propel it to the forefront of the student experience,” added Raj Singh, General Partner at z21 Ventures.

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About the Author
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Sanjana Surbhi
Assistant Manager

Sanjana Surbhi has over five years of experience in the online education sector. Drawing from her tenure with ed-tech companies, she infuses her work with a wealth of knowledge from the education realm, lending an i... Read Full Bio

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