Guwahati: In an attempt to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world technological innovation, the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has launched a hands-on training programme on the Internet of Things (IoT) for undergraduate engineering and science students. This initiative, rolled out at the Guwahati Centre, marks STPI’s first structured training programme for students, beyond internships. Vandana Srivastava, Jurisdictional Director of STPI Guwahati, spoke to Business North East (BNE) about the course, its importance, and how it could spark a new wave of student-driven innovation in the Northeast.
Excerpts of the interview are as under:
BNE: Please tell us about the course.
Vandana Srivastava: We have launched a practical training programme on IoT tools and platforms for undergraduate engineering and science students. This is the first of its kind at STPI. Previously, we were taking interns, but this is a structured training programme. We have instructors and trainers to give students hands-on experience with hardware, communication protocols, and cloud systems.
It’s a one-month programme comprising 12 sessions, each lasting 3 hours. The first batch has started, although it’s a bit lean since most colleges are in exam mode. However, we’ve seen huge interest for the second batch, which is tentatively scheduled to begin on July 1 at our Guwahati Centre.
We also plan to expand this model to other domain-specific labs in our Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) across the eight northeastern states. These labs were initially intended for use by startups under our Octane programme, but they’re underutilized as many startups work remotely. So, we decided to open them to students to give them early exposure, which could even inspire future startup ideas.
BNE: Don’t you think universities should also introduce such programmes?
Vandana Srivastava: Yes, absolutely. We are filling that gap. Universities often have good academic infrastructure, but many lack high-end labs or experienced instructors who can teach how these tools and systems work in real scenarios. It’s high time we give equal importance to innovation, R&D, and hands-on training. This can not only prepare students for industry roles but also push them to entrepreneurship, aligning with the goals of Make in India.
BNE: Many students come from non-tech backgrounds. Will STPI support them if they want to enter the tech startup ecosystem?
Vandana Srivastava: Yes, absolutely. Anyone can become an entrepreneur if they have the interest and drive. Many of our current startups are run by professionals who left their jobs to follow their ideas. Even students from non-tech backgrounds can start tech-driven startups. Nowadays, technologies like AI, data analytics, and IoT are being used across all domains—from retail to agriculture. The contextual matters less than the readiness to innovate and learn.
BNE: How do you see IoT enabling students to create their own products or startups?
Vandana Srivastava: IoT is a powerful technology. It allows remote automation, which has numerous practical applications. Think of smart homes—controlling your air conditioner from your car. But even more impactful is smart agriculture. With IoT, farmers can automate irrigation, monitor temperature and humidity, and manage resources optimally through tools like precision agriculture or polyhouses.
In Assam, where agriculture is a major sector, IoT can be a game-changer, even in tea gardens. These real-world applications make IoT a solid foundation for student innovations and product development.
BNE: Do you think startups from Assam can compete with startups from other parts of India?
Vandana Srivastava: Definitely. If startups from Assam develop innovative and useful products, they will certainly gain attention. But they need nurturing mentorship, funding, and guidance in areas like compliance and certification. Many lack knowledge of the legal and procedural steps needed to commercialise a product. With the right support, they can be on par with startups from anywhere in the country.
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BNE: What upcoming projects can we expect from STPI?
Vandana Srivastava: We’re conducting a two-day physical bootcamp on July 3rd and 4th. This follows our annual challenge programme where we select and onboard startups. Last March, we launched OCP6, and 80 startups were selected under it. The onboarding process is ongoing. These bootcamps bring together mentors and experts who guide the startups through technological and business challenges. It’s about kickstarting their journey with the right tools and knowledge.
STPI’s IoT training programme is more than a course it’s a foundational step toward nurturing the Northeast’s student community into becoming future innovators and entrepreneurs. With access to high-end labs, structured mentorship, and real-world tools, the initiative may well mark the beginning of a grassroots startup culture in the region.
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