The IIT Madras Global Research Foundation has launched a national mission called 'Bharat Ascend,' aimed at shaping a new generation of Indian innovators and entrepreneurs.
This initiative is being implemented under the guidance of IITM Global Research Foundation (IITM Global) in collaboration with Ideabaaz, India's first media-integrated startup platform. Over 365 days, 'Bharat Ascend' plans to discover one hundred high-potential ideas originating from second and third-tier cities, as well as from emerging innovation ecosystems across the country. The program will then create mechanisms to transform these ideas into prototypes, pilot projects, investment-attractive ventures, market-ready products, and globally scalable companies.
According to the statement, this mission is directed towards supporting the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, contributing to the building of an India that will be not just a large market for innovation, but also a manufacturing and startup nation. This means creating a country that independently conceives, designs, develops, owns, and brings competitive products and technologies to the global market.
Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, noted that the 'Bharat Ascend' initiative seeks to make it possible for any idea to turn into an outstanding product that brings significant socio-economic benefit to the country. He added that 'the IIT Madras Global Research Foundation will provide the necessary knowledge for this entire partnership, while Ideabaaz will take care of disseminating this initiative in every corner of the country.'