Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), one of the 10 nodal institutions in India, successfully concluded the first day of the Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp for students and teachers from PM SHRI Schools. Organized by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, AICTE, and Wadhwani Foundation, this two-day bootcamp focuses on fostering innovation, design thinking, and entrepreneurship among approximately 90 students and 90 teachers from 90 PM SHRI schools across Bihar.
The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Sunil Kant Verma, Honorable Vice-Chancellor of Bihar Engineering University, Patna, as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Madan Mohan Sharan Singh, Manager (IP & Technology Transfer), Ministry of Education Innovation Cell, AICTE, Government of India; Sunil Kumar, Assistant Program Officer (SNO PM SHRI, Bihar), BEPC, Patna; Prof. Dr. Rana Singh, Director of CIMP; Gauri Gopinath, Expert from the Wadhwani Foundation; and Kumod Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer of CIMP and CEO of CIMP-BIIF.
Prof. Verma engaged students with an interactive session on the meaning of innovation and highlighted key concepts such as entrepreneurship, intellectual property rights, and patents. He emphasized that “Innovators don’t necessarily do different things, but they do things differently. Fresh ideas are everywhere, but they require an open mind and a willingness to shift perspectives.”
In his address, Prof. Dr. Rana Singh acknowledged the support of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Bihar in cultivating a culture of innovation and startups among the youth. He proudly noted India’s rise in the Global Innovation Index (GII) rankings, stating, “Thanks to the robust startup and innovation ecosystem, India has ascended from 86th to 40th place globally in the 2023 Global Innovation Index. I am thrilled to welcome the bright minds of PM SHRI Schools to learn about entrepreneurship and become the future leaders who will help transform India into a developed nation.”
Sunil Kumar urged students to make the most of this rare opportunity, as only 90 schools were selected out of 531 PM SHRI schools across 38 districts in Bihar. He highlighted the government’s efforts, including a budget of INR 1,100 crore to enhance infrastructure, equipment, and computer labs in these schools.
Madan Mohan Sharan Singh encouraged participants to develop ideas and prototypes with support from CIMP-BIIF. He also announced a follow-up bootcamp in New Delhi, scheduled for July 29, 2025, where students can further refine their innovations.
The first day featured a human-centered approach to exploring innovation and problem-solving, with sessions such as “Quest Spark: Introduction to Innovation and Design Thinking” and “Find Your Flow: Discovering Your Entrepreneurial Skills,” led by Wadhwani Foundation expert Gauri Gopinath. Teachers participated in a dedicated session titled “Inspired to Start: Mentoring the Next Generation of Young Innovators,” which provided them with the tools and techniques to effectively guide young innovators. Students, on the other hand, took part in “Student-preneur Success: Discover a Startup Roadmap,” a session led by innovators, focusing on steps to transform ideas into viable startups.
To complement the day’s rigorous learning, participants visited the Atal Tinkering Lab at Radiant International School, Patna, where they explored prototype development.
In his vote of thanks, Kumod Kumar remarked, “This bootcamp is a significant step in our mission to nurture future entrepreneurs and problem solvers. By equipping both students and educators with essential skills and innovative mindsets, we are shaping leaders who can create meaningful change in society.”
The day concluded with a Kavi Sammelan at the CIMP auditorium, adding a cultural flavor to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.
The two-day IDE Bootcamp will conclude on September 12, 2024, at the CIMP campus, the only institution in Bihar selected for this prestigious program.
