Darjeeling/Kolkata, June 24, 2026
In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering innovation, scientific thinking, and entrepreneurship in North Bengal, the Research Innovation and Scientific Entrepreneurship Foundation (RISE Foundation IISER), the Technology Business Incubator of IISER Kolkata, and Darjeeling Hill Institute of Technology and Management (DHITM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 24, 2026.
The partnership marks a significant step towards building a vibrant innovation ecosystem across North Bengal, with a special focus on the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) region. The two-year collaboration is designed to empower students, educators, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing access to mentorship, knowledge resources, startup exposure, and capacity-building opportunities.
Creating Opportunities for Young Innovators
Through this collaboration, RISE Foundation IISER and DHITM will jointly organize a range of activities including innovation awareness programmes, entrepreneurship bootcamps, student innovation camps, faculty development programmes, innovation challenges, hackathons, career guidance sessions, and outreach initiatives across schools and colleges in North Bengal.
The partnership also aims to establish Innovation Clubs and Entrepreneurship Cells that will encourage creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking among students. These initiatives are expected to nurture future innovators and job creators while promoting a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation-driven development.
Building a Regional Innovation Ecosystem
Under the agreement, RISE Foundation IISER will provide technical expertise, mentorship, and strategic guidance for innovation ecosystem development. DHITM, located in Takdah, Darjeeling, will act as the regional nodal institution responsible for outreach, stakeholder engagement, programme coordination, and local ecosystem development.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ayan Banerjee, Director of RISE Foundation IISER, emphasized the transformative role of innovation and entrepreneurship in regional development.
“Innovation and entrepreneurship are powerful drivers of socio-economic transformation. Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire young minds, build local capacities, and create pathways for students and aspiring entrepreneurs from North Bengal to engage with emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, and startup opportunities,” he said.
Empowering the Youth of the Hills
Shri Amiya Ranjan Badajena, Chairman of DHITM, highlighted the significance of bringing innovation-led opportunities closer to students and youth in the hill regions.
“This partnership marks an important milestone in bringing innovation-led opportunities closer to the youth of the hills and adjoining regions. By working together with RISE Foundation IISER, we hope to create an enabling environment that empowers students, educators, and aspiring entrepreneurs to become future leaders and job creators,” he stated.
Exploring Future Growth Opportunities
The MoU also provides a framework for jointly seeking support from government agencies, CSR initiatives, foundations, and funding organizations to expand innovation and entrepreneurship development activities across the region.
By combining academic excellence, scientific research, entrepreneurship support, and grassroots outreach, the collaboration aims to create sustainable opportunities for young people while contributing to the socio-economic growth of North Bengal.
A Shared Vision for Regional Development
The partnership reflects the shared vision of RISE Foundation IISER and DHITM to promote scientific temper, encourage innovation-driven thinking, and build an entrepreneurial culture that can address local challenges while creating global opportunities.
As North Bengal continues to emerge as a region of immense talent and potential, this collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.
About RISE Foundation IISER
RISE Foundation IISER (Research Innovation and Scientific Entrepreneurship Foundation IISER) is the Technology Business Incubator of IISER Kolkata. The organization promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, startup development, technology commercialization, and ecosystem-building initiatives across diverse sectors.
About Darjeeling Hill Institute of Technology and Management (DHITM)
Darjeeling Hill Institute of Technology and Management (DHITM), located at Takdah, Darjeeling, is committed to advancing quality education, skill development, industry engagement, and community development. The institution actively works towards creating opportunities for students through academic, industrial, and innovation-oriented collaborations.