*• New facility to focus on cybersecurity & next-gen startups to further strengthening state’s startup ecosystem: Aman Arora* •*Hub to nurture 50 startups, train 2,000 professionals in emerging technologies, says Aman Arora* CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 19: In a major push to position Punjab as a national hub for technology-driven entrepreneurship, the Punjab Government signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to set up “Startup Punjab Hub –Neuron 2.0” at STPI Mohali with an investment of ₹29 crore. The state-of-the-art technology incubation centre will focus on cybersecurity and next-gen startups to further strengthening state’s startup ecosystem. Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Mr. Aman Arora witnessed the signing of the MoU at Udyog Bhawan here. The agreement was signed by Director Industries and Commerce-cum-Punjab Startup Nodal Officer Mr. Jaspreet Singh and Director of STPI Mr. Shailendra K Tyagi. Mr. Aman Arora said the new facility builds on the success of Neuron 1.0, which incubated 114 startups, supported the development of 158 products and 171 prototypes and created nearly 2,700 jobs. Startups from the earlier hub have attracted ₹251 crore in investments and hold a combined valuation of ₹2,890 crore. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has extended an in-principle support of ₹12 crore for the project, while STPI will contribute ₹17 crore, he said, while adding that the initiative aims to nurture at least 50 startups over the next five years and train 2,000 professionals through structured skilling programmes in emerging technologies. Eligible startups at the facility will be encouraged to register with Startup Punjab to avail benefits under the state’s startup policy. Neuron 2.0 will introduce cybersecurity as an additional core domain alongside artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, internet of things (IoT) and audio-visual graphics. A dedicated cybersecurity lab with advanced facilities will be set up to support product development and experimentation.The facility is envisioned as a comprehensive innovation platform that will offer startup incubation, mentoring, advanced infrastructure, skilling, product commercialisation and industry linkages, he added. “The collaboration with STPI for Neuron 2.0 reflects Punjab Government’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for economic growth and job creation. By adding cybersecurity to our existing domains, we are strengthening the state’s startup ecosystem and preparing our youth for future opportunities,” Mr. Aman Arora stated. He said that STPI will operate and manage the facility, maintain the cybersecurity lab and conduct outreach programmes, hackathons, bootcamps and investor-connect events. The skilling component will include foundation, intermediate and expert-level programmes. Startup Punjab will facilitate startup outreach, mentoring, and ecosystem development, and connect the hub with government departments, educational institutions and industry bodies. Training opportunities will also be extended to students of government and government-aided schools and colleges. -----
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