Pune: Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) inaugurated the "Launchpad 30: Swavalamban Skill to Enterprise Model" (STEM) Certification and Incubation Program at SSPU’s Kiwale campus.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship, and resources necessary to establish sustainable enterprises in Maharashtra.
Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro Chancellor of SSPU, emphasized the institution’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for diverse participants.
“The STEM program is more than a training course; it is SSPU's mission to nurture a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across Maharashtra,” she said.
Addressing the participants, Anjani Kumar Srivastava, General Manager and Regional In-Charge of SIDBI, praised SSPU’s efforts to promote entrepreneurial talent.
“The Launchpad 30 program is a significant step towards developing sustainable enterprises that contribute to economic growth and innovation in the region,” he remarked.
The selection process for the program involved a rigorous Entrepreneurship Acumen Detection Test (EADT) followed by interviews.
The 30 chosen participants come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, ranging from fresh graduates to individuals managing early-stage informal businesses, with ages spanning 20 to 40 years.
The program offers a comprehensive three-month training phase, covering free meals, hostel accommodation, and hands-on mentorship. This is followed by a year-long incubation period, providing access to resources, expert guidance, and networking opportunities. Successful participants will also receive seed funding of ₹30,000 to kickstart their ventures.
SSPU’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Rajesh Ingle, expressed confidence in the program’s potential to empower participants and contribute to Maharashtra’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“This initiative represents SSPU’s vision of creating future-ready entrepreneurs who will drive economic growth and innovation,” he said.
