BHUBANESWAR: The foundation stone of an Incubation and Skill Development Centre was laid in Utkal University on Wednesday.The University aims to open the centre by April next year to train budding entrepreneurs in all sectors in setting up socially relevant start-ups. A joint venture of Utkal University and Nalco, the stone was laid by Nalco CMD Tapan Chand in presence of Vice-Chancellor Ashok Das and coordinator of the centre Jayant Parida.
The incubation centre, which is estimated to cost `1.75 crores and funded by Nalco, will groom entrepreneurs from various categories including progressive farmers with impressive ideas and projects. To be set up as an autonomous body, the centre will be based in the Commerce Department.
The Utkal University will soon sign a MoU with Incubation Business Hub, a Hyderabad-based Government of India organisation, to develop skill development courses and trades in which training would be imparted. Initially, two three-month-long and six-month-long courses will be introduced, Parida said, adding that the incubation centre would provide knowledge, technology and infrastructure to the budding entrepreneurs.
“From the development of a product to production and marketing, the centre will take care of every aspect,” Parida informed. Training will be provided in seven trades.
In April, during annual function of Utkal University Students’ Union, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had laid the foundation of an innovation and incubation centre for Science students in the university. Ground work of this innovation and incubation centre is yet to start.
A Human Resources Development Centre (HDRC) is also coming up in the university. The HRDC, to be funded by University Grants Commission, will involve an expenditure of `15 crore.