Pune: While Pune’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, the efforts of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) to bolster student-led startups have come under scrutiny.

The University’s Board of Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurship Development, established in 2018, has launched only 27 startups in seven years. Furthermore, financial allocations for the board have plummeted, raising concerns about its effectiveness.

The board’s funding, which started at INR 63 lakhs in 2018-19 and peaked at INR 150 lakhs in 2019-20, has since dropped significantly, with only INR 17 lakhs allocated for 2024-25.

Despite limited resources, the board has established 340 "Startup and Innovation Cells" in affiliated colleges and conducted events like hackathons and mentoring sessions.

However, Academic Council member Shantanu Lamdhade has criticized the university’s efforts as inadequate, suggesting the creation of a dedicated committee to mentor and fund innovative student proposals.

Dr. Devidas Golhar, Director of SPPU’s Innovation and Incubation Center, stated that the university plans to strengthen existing Innovation Cells and establish new ones in other colleges. He also announced plans for district-level centers to support innovation in Pune, Ahmednagar, and Nashik.

According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2024, Pune ranks 76th among the world’s top cities for startups, while India holds the 19th spot globally.

The report highlights Pune’s transformation into a startup hub, emphasizing the need for greater involvement from universities like SPPU in fostering innovation.