Strengthening Startup Ecosystem and Innovation at IIT Patna
Focus on Skill Development and Manufacturing Excellence at FDDI Bihta
Boost to Industrial Growth and Employment through Hero Cycles Unit
Date 23.04.26*
In a significant push towards strengthening Bihar’s innovation ecosystem, skill development landscape, and industrial growth, Shri Kundan Kumar, Secretary, Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, visited the Indian Institute of Technology Patna, Footwear Design & Development Institute, and Hero Cycles Limited.
During his visit to the Incubation Centre at IIT Patna, Shri Kundan Kumar reviewed the rapidly growing startup and innovation ecosystem being nurtured on campus. He toured several advanced facilities, including the PCB Development Lab, Testing & Calibration Lab, Mechanical Lab, Clean Room, and BioNest Lab—state-of-the-art infrastructure that is enabling innovators to transform ideas into market-ready solutions. He also engaged directly with incubated startups, interacting with founders, understanding their entrepreneurial journeys, and experiencing their innovative products firsthand. These interactions highlighted the remarkable progress being made across sectors such as technology, manufacturing, healthcare, electronics, and deep-tech.
The visit also included a meaningful interaction with Prof. T. N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna, and the Professor-in-Charge of the incubation centre. Discussions focused on strengthening industry-academia collaboration, enhancing innovation support systems, and creating stronger pathways for startup growth in Bihar. The engagement reflects the Government’s continued commitment to fostering research-driven entrepreneurship and building a robust startup ecosystem in the state.
At FDDI Bihta, Shri Kundan Kumar reaffirmed Bihar’s strong focus on skill development and manufacturing excellence. He interacted with officials to discuss key aspects of product manufacturing and industry practices, reviewed student presentations, and appreciated their creativity and innovation. Emphasizing the importance of workshops and hands-on training, he highlighted their role in enhancing industry readiness and expanding employment opportunities for youth. Adding further momentum, the Department of Industries is set to establish a Leather Footwear Accessories Park, marking another significant step towards strengthening Bihar’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Further advancing Bihar’s industrial momentum, Shri Kundan Kumar visited the Hero Cycles Limited manufacturing unit in Bihta. Spread across 7 acres, the facility is generating approximately 500 employment opportunities and contributing significantly to the state’s emergence as a preferred industrial destination. During the visit, he carried out a comprehensive review of operations, production processes, and overall efficiency. Engaging with the management, he discussed key challenges, explored growth opportunities, and shared actionable insights to help the unit realize its full potential.
The visit underscores Bihar’s accelerating growth trajectory—driven by innovation, powered by skills, and sustained by strong industrial development. With continued focus and strategic interventions, the state is steadily positioning itself as a hub for startups, manufacturing, and future-ready enterprises.