RISE Foundation IISER and DHITM Sign MoU to Promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship in North Bengal

Kolkata/Darjeeling, June 24, 2026:

RISE Foundation IISER, the Technology Business Incubator of IISER Kolkata, and Darjeeling Hill Institute of Technology and Management (DHITM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster innovation, scientific temper, entrepreneurship, and startup awareness across North Bengal, particularly in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) region.
The two-year collaboration aims to create opportunities for students, educators, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs through innovation awareness programmes, entrepreneurship bootcamps, faculty development initiatives, innovation challenges, hackathons, and ecosystem-building activities.
Under the partnership, RISE Foundation IISER will provide technical expertise, mentoring support, and guidance on innovation and startup development, while DHITM will coordinate regional outreach and stakeholder engagement.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ayan Banerjee, Director, RISE Foundation IISER, said that the collaboration would help nurture future innovators and entrepreneurs by providing greater exposure to innovation ecosystems and emerging opportunities.
Shri Amiya Ranjan Badajena, Chairman, DHITM, said the partnership would empower the youth of the hills and surrounding regions by strengthening access to innovation and entrepreneurship resources.
The MoU also provides a framework for jointly exploring support from government agencies, CSR initiatives, and other organizations to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in North Bengal.