The KISS Science and Technology for Innovation Hub for Tribals funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India organized a “Capacity building workshop to empower and inculcate Entrepreneurial Skills” on 1st October 2024. This event was organized in collaboration with National Innovation Foundation (NIF), India, KIIT Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI), Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge on Herbal Medicine and Therapeutics, KISS-DU.
Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, KISS-DU in his Welcome Address spoke about the significance of introducing skilled technologies which can foster avenues for a better world for Tribals. He highlighted three important aspects: human resource mapping; material resource mapping; and cultural resource mapping.
Dr. Rasmi Mohapatra, Associate Professor, KISS-DU and Principal Investigator of the Project introduced the esteemed guests of the event – Mr. Subrat Kumar Barik, Senior Project Associate, from the National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF).
Dr. Snigdharani Panda, Associate Professor, Chairperson Council of Deans, KISS-DU and the Co-Principal Investigator of the Project spoke on the aims and objectives behind the establishment of STI Hub. While sharing the objectives she stressed on some of the key points like setting up of an exclusive ST centralised innovation hub; encouraging effective participation in its various geographical locations; encouraging effective and active participation of ST people and their communities in the management of their social, economic and environmental objectives in various regions of Odisha. She underscored that this is possible when technology is introduced and implemented for skill development. She also emphasized on the fact that KISS STI HUB will strive to create a platform to bring innovations of the ST people by organising innovative activities like hackathons and ideathons.
Speaking in turn, Mr. Subrat Kumar Barik Senior project Associate, National Innovation Foundation (NIF) deliberated on how to help India become an innovative, creative and a global leader in the area of sustainable technology. He highlighted the core areas on which NIF is working which includes: creating self-reliant tribal youth entrepreneurs; infusing innovation for rural India; scouting, documenting and database management; value addition in the areas of research and development; intellectual property management; business management; dissemination; social diffusion; information technology and knowledge management. Further, he also touched upon the social innovation at grassroots level and its significance for indigenous population.
During the question and answer session, the enthusiastic participants shared their ideas and the brought to light various societal problems of ST population in their villages. There was a discussion regarding identifying gaps and need assessments, understanding of local dynamics, existing innovation and new innovation.
The session concluded with Words of Thanks by Dr. Rasmi Mohapatra, Associate Professor, KISS-DU and Principal Investigator of the Project.