GANGTOK, : BUD-24, a business ideation
contest organized by Department of Commerce, SRM University Sikkim, concluded today
with a business development contest.
The
event, organized in three key stages – business ideation contest, training and mentoring
session and business development contest – drew participation from across the State,
informs a press release.
The
event began in February with registrations from 15 schools (55 participants), eight
universities and colleges (20 participants), and four public participants, totalling
79 participants.
The
first stage, the Business Ideation Contest, took place on May 30 and 31 where
outstanding business ideas from schools, universities and colleges were
showcased, leading to the selection of 20 top ideas.
On
July 12, the second stage featured a comprehensive training and mentoring
session led by CA Yash Marda and internal mentors from the Department of
Commerce. An optional mentoring session was also provided to ensure
participants were well-prepared for the final round.
Today
marked the finale of BUD-24, with the Business Development Contest showcasing
final presentations from 17 participants from schools, universities and
colleges.
The
jury included Bansal Priya and Associates CA Priya Bansal, Sikkim University
Department of Commerce head Prof. A.N. Shankar and Remanti Sangeet Academy founder
Remanti Rai.
The
award ceremony was attended by SRM University vice chancellor Prof. Ch. Satish
Kumar as the chief guest, SIKKIM EXPRESS editor Amit Patro as the guests of honour,
and YM Associates CA Yash Marda and STPI Gangtok additional director S.N.
Siddiah as the special guests.
Amit
Patro spoke about the evolving dynamics of business and urged young
entrepreneurs to be disciplined, hardworking and patient.
Yash
Marda expressed his vision of seeing Sikkim’s entrepreneurs rise to national
and international prominence, citing events like BUD-24 as critical starting
points. S.N. Siddiah highlighted the various resources and support available
for budding entrepreneurs.
In
his valedictory address, vice chancellor Prof. Ch. Satish Kumar reflected on
the origins of the BUD event, emphasizing its purpose as a platform for young
talent in the State to share ideas, learn, and receive proper guidance.
He
announced that the next phase of support for these business ideas would involve
assistance with patenting with the university providing necessary handholding.
He encouraged participants to approach their entrepreneurial journeys
systematically, noting that there are no shortcuts to success.
Students
of Enchey Senior Secondary School, Gangtok bagged the title of ‘Young Business
Entrepreneur of 2024’, the release adds.
