123 Kolkata: The Indian Statistical Institute's Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation (IDEAS-ISI) is keen on providing financial support and seed capital to Bengal's startups. The institute has already provided financial assistance to five technology startups.
Debashis Ghosh, head of technology business development and incubation at IDEAS-ISI, said: "In 2023-24, we provided financial support to five startups.Saif Ali Khan Health Update'Request fans to be patient': Saif Ali Khan issues statement on stabbing incident'Two wounds deep, one close to spine': What we know about Saif Ali Khan stabbing incident'Stabbed 6 times': Saif Ali Khan attacked by intruder at his home, undergoes surgeryFour startups received assistance of Rs 10 lakh each under the ‘Prayas' scheme of the department of science and technology. Additionally, we took about a 4% stake in another startup by providing Rs 50 lakh in seed funding." Ghosh was speaking at the opening of the two-day ‘Kolkata MSME and Startup Conclave 2025' at ISI.
IDEAS-ISI began its journey in 2022 to create and expand the state's startup ecosystem. So far, they have incubated 16 startups, most from Bengal. By 2025, they plan to incubate 25 startups.
Speaking at the conclave, Bidhan Das, regional head of the Indian Institute of Packaging, mentioned the need to consider how to make bio-plastics more affordable and accessible.