16th April 2021: The Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC), at a virtual event held on 15th April 2021, signed a MOU with InFED and IIM Nagpur to launch joint ecosystem initiatives for startups and budding entrepreneurs looking to scale up in North America.
The event, focussed on the Indian Startup ecosystems and explored pathways to orchestrate growth opportunities for high potential startups. Neha Bahl, CEO of TBDC, spoke at the session around TBDC and SUV covering landscape in Canada and being the go to market for Indian startups, emerging trends and opportunities that will impact the startup ecosystem in North America.
Prof. Bhimaraya Metri – Chairman InFED and Director IIM Nagpur addressed the gathering next, applauding TBDC Canada for their range of activities. He stated that InFED, IIM Nagpur and TBDC, Canada are a natural fit for furthering the goal of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, noting that startups are an important element for the growth of any economy. IIM Nagpur is the first IIM in the country to sign MoU with Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC), Toronto, Canada. Prof. Bhimaraya Metri detailed how Nagpur, one of the fastest growing cities in India, is well-placed to become the hub for innovation and entrepreneurial growth. The location of IIM Nagpur in the heart of the multiproduct special economic zone, and its proximity with the industry, makes it ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs. He highlighted that the eight Centres of Excellence at IIM Nagpur covering a range of areas promoted state-of-the-art research and focused on practicing research that is helpful for the industry as well as the community. Prof. Bhimaraya Metri expressed his hope for the MoU to set the course for a long and fruitful journey, following the long tradition of collaboration between India and Canada. Prof. Bhimaraya Metri further mentioned that InFED, IIM Nagpur in partnership with TBDC, Toronto, Canada will promote “Local-Vocal-Global” programme of Govt. of India, in big way by facilitating Indian startups to grow and scale up in Canada through TBDC”.
While addressing the media at the press conference, Neha Bahl, CEO, Toronto Business Development Centre said, “TBDC has a rich history and has long been committed to empowering the start-up ecosystem on a global scale. Our partnership with InFED – IIM Nagpur is an important development and we’re thrilled to help drive these initiatives for start-ups in Canada.”