The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has inaugurated a state-of-the-art incubation facility at Salt Lake, Kolkata. The facility was inaugurated by Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Commerce and Industry. This initiative aims to foster innovation-led entrepreneurship, boost IT exports, and strengthen the IT/ITeS/ electronics system development and maintenance (ESDM) industry in West Bengal.
Commenting on the inauguration, Jitin Prasada, said, “India is on a transformative journey to become the global hub of technology and innovation. The inauguration of the new STPI incubation facility in Kolkata is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, nurturing start-ups and promoting inclusive growth across regions. STPI has been instrumental in creating a robust tech ecosystem by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, incubation support, and a platform for budding entrepreneurs to thrive. As we stride forward in the era of artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation, India is focused on developing its own AI models and graphics processing units (GPUs), ensuring equitable access for researchers, students and start-ups. With vast data resources and the government’s commitment to expanding technology access beyond metropolitan cities, we are bridging the digital divide and unlocking opportunities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Together, let us build a future where India leads the world in technology and empowers every citizen in the journey towards a digitally advanced nation.”
Meanwhile, Arvind Kumar, director general, STPI, said, “This incubation centre will provide world-class infrastructure, mentorship, and market access for start-ups, enabling them to drive innovation in frontier technologies such as AI, internet of thing (IoT), blockchain, and FinTech. With Kolkata’s rich intellectual and creative legacy, the city has immense potential to become a hub for emerging technologies. The Indian government is taking decisive steps to strengthen AI capabilities and enhance computing infrastructure to position India as a leader in the global technology landscape.”
As part of its larger mission, STPI operates 67 centres across India, with 59 located in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, ensuring inclusive growth and fostering entrepreneurship beyond metro hubs. The organisation has also established 24 domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) focused on HealthTech, MedTech, Blockchain, IoT, and Agritech, among others. Unlike traditional centres of excellence, these CoEs prioritize entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, helping start-ups scale their innovations for global markets. STPI is committed to providing 360-degree support—including mentorship, infrastructure, market access and global networking opportunities.
Key highlights of the STPI incubation facility in Kolkata include the following:
- Expansive infrastructure- Spanning 200,000 square feet, the facility offers plug-and-play office spaces and 75,000 square feet of raw incubation space.
- Cutting-edge technology- Equipped with high-speed data communication and state-of-the-art facilities to support IT/ITeS startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- Incubation and mentorship- Start-ups will receive comprehensive support, including mentorship, industry collaboration, and global networking opportunities.
- Employment generation- The initiative is expected to create substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region.
