In the sixth edition of IIT Mandi’s Himalayan Startup Trek, startups will get Rs 6 lakh in cash awards, up to Rs 50 lakh in investment, and piloting chances.
Catalyst, the technology business incubator at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, will host the sixth edition of its annual flagship event, Himalayan Startup Trek (HST), from August 26 to 28, guiding early-stage entrepreneurial initiatives with infrastructure, finances, mentoring, and industry connections. Interested applicants may submit their applications by July 31.
Prize money of up to Rs 2 lakhs will be divided to the top three start-ups in each subject area. Top start-ups will receive incubation assistance as well as access to funding initiatives for prototyping and product development worth up to Rs 50 lakhs. These startups will also get the opportunity to pilot in the state.
The problem statement in the case of HCI includes assistive technologies to aid and enhance human functioning and decision making, the use of advanced technologies to enhance human cognitive abilities, and the use of computer intelligence to aid human decision-making, prediction, communication, and processing.
It also provides brain-computer interaction-based solutions for economic and social advancement, robots and AI-based solutions for high business and computing performance, and augmented and virtual reality-based solutions for sectors such as education, health, and skilling, among others.
Hill road safety, disaster prevention and management, demand and supply-side challenges to Himalayan agriculture, vocal for local – interventions to scale local products and services, and rural development – education, skill training, and employment are among the problem statements in the Foothill Innovators Challenge. It also covers popular high elevation trekking route monitoring, trekker location tracking in places with and without an internet network, and low-cost technological solutions for displaying, managing, and so on.
The environment and sustainability theme includes, among other things, technology-based solutions for handling/processing/disposing single-use plastic waste, solid waste management, industrial and household waste management and recycling, and technology solutions for sustainable livelihood and economic/social practices.
Prof. Laxmidhar Behra, Director-IIT Mandi, stated regarding the Himalayan Startup Trek, “IIT Mandi Catalyst is on a quest to develop a high-tech sustainable startup valley in Kamand.”
IIT Mandi will serve as a hub for attracting essential stakeholders to this hill valley. The Himalayan Startup Trek is our honest endeavor to achieve this goal.”
Prof. Laxmidhar Behra, Director-IIT Mandi, stated regarding the Himalayan Startup Trek, “IIT Mandi Catalyst is on a quest to develop a high-tech sustainable startup valley in Kamand. IIT Mandi will serve as a hub for attracting essential stakeholders to this hill valley. The Himalayan Startup Trek is our honest endeavor to achieve this goal.”
According to the institute, approximately 1200 companies and 150 mentors, presenters, and investors have participated in the previous five editions of IIT Mandi Cataylst.
‘HST Startup Grand Challenge’ – startup pitch competition will feature three topics in its sixth edition, including the new age alliance — Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), built for the Himalayas, and ecology and sustainability.
