What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government unveiled the Business Blasters Senior Program at IIIT Delhi, expanding its flagship initiative to universities and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
The program, launched in 2021 for government school students, now provides ₹50,000 in seed funding per startup team, a significant increase from the earlier ₹2,000.
Chief Minister Atishi emphasised the program’s focus on transforming young minds into job creators rather than job seekers. Addressing the event, she said, “India faces a 42% unemployment rate among graduates.
Despite Indians leading global companies, our talent is stifled by societal pressure to follow conventional paths.” She added, “Who will create opportunities if everyone focuses on securing jobs through JEE or UPSC? By 2030, India will need 90 million non-agricultural jobs, as per a McKinsey report. This initiative addresses that challenge.”
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Atishi highlighted the societal barriers young innovators face, recalling, “In Class 9, I read that India was a ‘developing country,’ projected to become ‘developed’ by 2020. Decades later, the status remains unchanged due to our reluctance to nurture risk-taking and innovation.”
The event featured success stories from the school-level program, such as a Class 12 student running a logistics startup employing 50 people and another developing low-cost Bluetooth speakers during the pandemic, attracting investment for expansion.
Alumni of the junior program, who started ventures in Class 11 and 12, shared their entrepreneurial journeys, while Shark Tank Season 2 participants inspired attendees with their experiences.
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“Business Blasters Senior was my dream,” Atishi said. “Today, seeing confident, ambitious 20-21-year-olds leading startups validates our vision. These young entrepreneurs are fearless, capable, and ready to transform India’s future.”
The event concluded with panel discussions highlighting the program’s impact on fostering a new generation of innovators.
