Guwahati: The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) in Guwahati has formed partnerships with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), in Hyderabad, Telangana, under the Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE). 

The collaboration aims to establish Livelihood Business Incubation (LBI) centres in these academic hubs, fostering rural entrepreneurship and innovation, the IIE said in a statement. 

"The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at IIE Guwahati marked a significant milestone in promoting rural entrepreneurship and innovation", the IIE said, adding that the partnership with IIT Jodhpur focuses on promoting rural entrepreneurship in sectors like coir mat footwear and rope making, as well as "fostering advancements in agriculture."

On the other hand, the collaboration with PJTSAU Hyderabad aims to ignite rural micro-entrepreneurship in food, agribusiness, and agricultural Innovations, and catalyzing socio-economic development in rural landscapes, it said, adding that the establishment of livelihood business incubation centres in these institutions will "nurture innovative ideas, skill development, and market access for rural entrepreneurs."

The IIE was registered under the Societies Registration Act,1860 was established in the year 1993 in Guwahati by the erstwhile Ministry of Industry (now the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises). The main aim of the institute is to provide training, research, and consultancy activities in Small and Micro Enterprises (SME), with a special focus on entrepreneurship development.

ALSO READ: ‘India has stringent standards’: FSSAI slams pesticide claims