Two Guwahati-based startups are looking to revolutionize the making of pita, a beloved delicacy of Assam. They are developing a machine that will completely automate the pita making process. The innovation is still in the development stage. If successfully launched, the machine is likely to help pita gain immense popularity not just in India but also abroad.
Entrepreneurship consultant Satyen Madhav Mahanta highlighted opportunities in the traditional food industry and said innovations in packaging and standardised protocols for ingredients could further expand the market. He was speaking next to a pita-making machine during a two-day entrepreneurial skills development programme.
The programme was organised by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, India, and concluded with a fruitful discussion on the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in Northeast India.
Dr Y Jayanta Singh, Executive Director, NIELIT, Guwahati, highlighted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the potential impact of new electronic semiconductor factories in the region. He said such advancements could transform the local economy while creating several opportunities for start-ups.
The Startup Catalyst programme was organised at ‘Assam Startup – The Nest’ and aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem in the Northeast. Industry experts and government officials attended the event and discussed the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
Anubhav Tiwari, Chief Innovation Officer, NIELIT, outlined the huge potential for startups in the North-East region. He said new ventures need a supportive environment.
Satyanarayana Reddy M from Keystone Centre for Innovation and Teacher Education led a session on the effectiveness of rapid engineering in startup innovation. Ankur Mehta from Praksha University provided insights into the intricacies of pitching a business for a successful startup.
