Jalandhar/Kapurthala: I K Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU) organised the SHE – Startups Handholding & Empowerment Programme, an initiative of the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), at the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Auditorium, IKGPTU Main Campus. The programme was aimed at promoting women-led startups and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem through structured handholding, mentorship, and institutional support.

The programme was graced by Ms. Seema Bansal, Vice Chairperson, Punjab Development Commission, Government of Punjab, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, she highlighted the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs through effective policy support, innovation enablement, and access to incubation and mentoring ecosystems.

The event witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries including Dr. (Prof.) Susheel Mittal, Vice Chancellor, IKGPTU, Dr. Navdeepak Sandhu, Registrar, IKGPTU, Dr. Dapinder Kaur Bakshi, Joint Director, PSCST, Dr. Savina Bansal (Retd.), Dean, Planning & Development, MRSPTU, Bathinda, and Dr. Radhika Trikha, CEO, DST iHub Awadh, IIT Ropar.

The programme was coordinated by Dr. Gazal Sharma, SHE Coordinator, IKGPTU, and successfully organised by Er. Siddhant Rakesh, Industrial Coordinator (BIC), IKGPTU, who played a key role in planning and execution of the event. As part of the programme, women entrepreneurs presented their startup journeys and innovations.

Presentations were delivered by Mrs. Robina Mittal, Founder – NiyuktiPath LLP, Ms. Manpinder Kaur Bajwa, Founder – Natchkin and Ms. Arushi Dhiman, Researcher – Recyteq, which inspired students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Key deliberations focused on the role of Higher Education Institutions in promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, the need for incubation, funding facilitation, and mentorship, and strengthening policy–academia–startup collaboration for sustainable women-led enterprises.

The SHE Programme reaffirmed IKGPTU’s commitment towards women empowerment, inclusive innovation, and startup-driven growth, in alignment with Punjab’s vision of building a robust and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.