Bihar’s Entrepreneurial Potential Ignited at Pune Event: Building Bridging Bihar Initiative Gains Momentum
Pune, 27th February 2025: Bihar, a state renowned for its rich cultural heritage and intellectual legacy, is poised to emerge as a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The Building Bridging Bihar Initiative, a movement dedicated to unlocking this vast potential, gained significant momentum at a landmark event held in Pune on February 21, 2025.
The event, attended by over 125 startups, dynamic entrepreneurs, and influential representatives from institutions such as Kotak Mahindra Bank and the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), underscored the initiative’s mission to connect Bihar’s deep-rooted traditions with modern innovation.
Prof (Dr) Rana Singh, Director, Chandragupta Institute of Management, Patna, discussed transforming Bihar’s historical strengths into modern assets, while Kumod Kumar, President of TiE Patna, presented a dynamic vision for “Bihar Beyond Bihar,” highlighting digital transformation and collaborative networks. He also highlighted the supportive initiatives of the Bihar government and offered unconditional support to those willing to be a part of this movement.
The event featured two very meaningful panel discussion sessions. The first, “Entrepreneurship – Problems and Pathways,” moderated by Kshitiz Anand, CEO, Karekeba Ventures, engaged panelists in a robust discussion on the real-world challenges that startups in Bihar face—addressing issues from infrastructural constraints and funding shortages to complex regulatory hurdles. A particularly compelling segment focused on the “Perception of Bihar,” where the panel openly examined how our state is viewed by the broader entrepreneurial community. They offered innovative strategies to reshape this narrative, providing candid and practical insights that many have already started to implement.
The second panel, “Bihar Beyond Bihar,” expanded the conversation to explore how Bihar’s entrepreneurial talent can extend its reach beyond regional boundaries. Under the expert moderation of Pallavi Jha, the conversation underscored the critical role of digital integration and cross-regional collaboration in driving innovation and positioning Bihar on the global stage.
Notably, the event featured the inauguration of the Organic Sattva D2C website, which specializes in Makhana, an Indian superfood. The founding team led by Lily Jha and Amit Choudhary Lilly’s aim to position Organic Sattva as a beacon of sustainable innovation.
Additionally, Sudarshan Chakravarty from Startup Bihar, explained the policies in Bihar and promising opportunities for startups in the State. This provided valuable clarity on the supportive ecosystem being fostered by the government.”
The Pune event was characterized by an atmosphere of palpable energy and collective determination. Entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, agriculture, and social enterprises, engaged in meaningful conversations, showcasing the state’s vast potential.
Ravi Bhardwaj, Founder of Startup LegaL, expressed his hope for a collaborative community and his belief that, together, we can lead Bihar to a new glory of excellence in business and innovation. “By fostering a collaborative community, we can harness the immense potential of Bihar and propel it to the forefront of business and innovation,” said Bhardwaj. “This event is a testament to the collective determination to build a brighter future for our state.”
Adding to the wave of optimism, Shweta Shalini, a social entrepreneur and a strong advocate for Women Entrepreneurship, expressed her confidence in Bihar’s potential to compete globally. “Bihar is on the cusp of a transformative journey,” said Shalini. “With the right support and opportunities, our entrepreneurs, especially women, will rise and compete on the global stage, showcasing the true potential of our state.”
The Event was organised / supported by Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), TiE Patna, Startup LegaL [Startup Advisory Law Firm] and supported by 4Fin [Fintech startup], Organic Sattva and Kisan Serv [Agritech startups], Bootstrap Ventures [Startup Advisory Firm], Prop Metaverse LLC (UAE) [Proptech Startup] and Vats Creations, our and Mithila Samaj. A special thanks to team of Neha Vatsala and Nilabh Jha, who managed the entire event.
The Building Bridging Bihar Initiative invites all entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and stakeholders with a connection to Bihar to join this transformative journey. Through strategic investment, collaborative networking, and dedicated mentorship, the initiative aims to build bridges that connect Bihar’s rich heritage with the limitless possibilities of modern innovation.
