Date: March 18-19, 2023
Livelihood Alternatives organized the LA Start-up Conclave: Ideation to Commercialization on March 18-19, 2023, at SOA University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in collaboration with the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA-ISEED), PACE Foundation, and SoA University. The event brought together 54 start-ups from across India and over 300 farmers and 52 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to explore innovative solutions for agriculture and rural development.
The conclave featured thematic discussions on post-harvest interventions, marketing innovations, technology for enhancing farmer incomes, non-timber forest produce, value addition, and non-farm livelihood opportunities. Renowned dignitaries like Dr. Umakant Dash, Director, IRMA, and Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, graced the event, sharing insights on scaling startups from ideation to commercialization.
Start-ups showcased their innovations, with 28 exhibitors presenting groundbreaking products and services. Key partnerships were forged through MoUs involving startups, FPOs, and funding entities, creating pathways for technology adoption and economic growth in rural communities.
The event was widely appreciated for fostering collaboration among start-ups, farmers, industry leaders, and academia, and it laid the groundwork for leveraging entrepreneurial innovation to benefit rural livelihoods and agrarian households.