As a part of the Smart Cities Mission, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Surat Smart City Development Limited (SSCDL) aimed to setup an institution to catalyse innovation and startup ecosystem to promote growth, entrepreneurship, investment and employment opportunities in Surat and make it a global Smart City. Hence, Surati iLab was formed. In conversation with Hemangini Kanth Rajput of Elets News Network (ENN), Ravin Sanghavi, Chief Executive Officer, Surati iLab, talks in detail about the startups ecosystem of Gujarat.
What is the idea behind Surati iLab?
Surat is vibrant due to its business and trade. A need was felt to harness newer technologies for the businesses so that city can remain dynamic. For that, Surati iLab was formed to welcome the ideas from various directions at various levels. The new innovations can also be applied to various other cities as well.
Popularly called as Surati iLab (Surat Ideas and Innovation Lab), it is a Section 8 company (Non Profit Organisation) incorporated as wholly owned subsidiary (SSCDL), which is in turn, is an SPV jointly formed by Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Government of Gujarat under Smart Cities Mission of Government of India. Surati iLab is first of its kind initiative in the country by any Urban Local Body (ULB).
What are the challenges you have been facing in the implementation of projects?
Surat being an entrepreneurial city, is flourishing due to traditional businesses of diamonds and textiles. It is the need of the hour to engage and encompass the new technologies so that business stays relevant. Technology has become the backbone of every business being done nowadays, especially in the increasing global scenario. Technologies like data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, newer innovations in manufacturing can be helpful in traditional businesses. Hence, it is essential that innovations and incubations remain the foray of conventional trades and they are also aligned industrially.
This story is from the May 2018 edition of eGov.
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This story is from the May 2018 edition of eGov.
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