Shreekant Patil Leads Igniting Innovation Empowers Nashik’s Youth to Pursue Entrepreneurship
India, 17th November, 2025: The two-day entrepreneurship development program “Igniting Innovation”, organised at Gurudakshina Hall, Gokhale Society, concluded successfully, marking a transformative moment for Nashik’s emerging startup community. Designed to bridge the gap between students from diverse academic streams and the startup ecosystem, the event welcomed participants not only from Engineering but also from Arts, Commerce, Science, Pharmacy, and Architecture.
The program commenced on February 27, 2025, under the leadership of Dr. Deepti Deshpande, Secretary of Gokhale Education Society and Chairperson of the event, with Mr. Aashish Nahar, President of NIMA, serving as Chief Guest. The inaugural session was enriched by the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Sanjay Sonawane, Vice President, Maharashtra Chamber; Anisa Talavi, Deputy Commissioner of Skill Development; and Nikhil Tapdia, President, Laghu Udyog Bharti.
Over two days, more than 150 students from 50 colleges across North Maharashtra showcased their startup ideas, interacted with investors, and attended expert-led sessions. The event featured a full-day startup exhibition, pitching competitions, investor meetups, and industry insights aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial readiness.
The valedictory ceremony on February 28 was honored by Mrs. Ashima Mittal, CEO, Zilla Parishad Nashik, and Mr. Santosh Mandlecha, Founder and Past President, Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce. During the ceremony, Shreekant Patil, Startup India Mentor and the driving force behind this initiative, announced awards for outstanding student participants. Winners were presented with certificates, and Patil pledged ongoing support, including mentorship and potential seed funding to further develop their innovative ventures.
“The success of Igniting Innovation reflects our commitment to nurturing future entrepreneurs,” said Shreekant Patil. “We aim to host this event four times a year, offering continuous encouragement through mentorship, technology access, and seed funding.”
The program highlighted the power of collaboration between government bodies, educational institutions, and industry organizations. With its inclusive, growth-oriented environment, Igniting Innovation promises to catalyze a new wave of entrepreneurial ambition in Nashik, contributing significantly to India’s evolving startup landscape.