IIT Kharagpur partners with z21 Ventures to launch startup accelerator programme ‘KGP Forge Entrepreneur’

Tailored for final-year students, setting the stage for a new era of entrepreneurial excellence

In a powerful move to spark innovation and drive entrepreneurship among the brightest minds in India, Rajendra Mishra School of Engineering Entrepreneurship, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur (KGP) has joined forces with z21 Ventures, an early-stage, operator-led venture capital firm founded by esteemed IIT Kharagpur alumni.

This partnership heralds the launch of a ground-breaking startups accelerator programme tailored for final-year students, setting the stage for a new era of entrepreneurial excellence.

Designed to harness the immense talent at KGP and transform bold ideas into market-ready ventures, the accelerator will offer participants unparalleled access to mentorship, funding, and top-tier resources.

With a focus on building technical and scalable solutions to tackle global challenges, this programme aims to blend IIT Kharagpur’s cutting-edge research with z21 Ventures’ proven investment expertise, empowering student entrepreneurs to create world-changing impact.

The accelerator will welcome up to 10 dynamic teams in its inaugural cohort, equipping them with year-round mentorship, strategic guidance, and seed funding to bring their concepts to life. Participants will benefit from z21 Ventures’ vibrant network of industry operators, successful founders, and seasoned advisors, all dedicated to steering them toward market success. Additionally, IIT Kharagpur will offer crucial infrastructure support post-graduation, ensuring that the journey from ideation to implementation continues seamlessly.

The accelerator is open to B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD students in their final year, underscoring a commitment to inclusivity and interdisciplinary innovation.

Raj Singh, General Partner at z21 Ventures said, “Currently, there are fewer than 20 unicorns with roots at IIT KGP, including Persistent Systems, Rubrik, Innovaccer, and Swiggy. Our goal is to supercharge that number to 100 in the coming years.”

Published on : 26th November, 2024