State Government Will Support Student Innovation and Creativity: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Pune – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that incubation centres have been set up through the Department of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with the Maharashtra State Innovation Society, to encourage and nurture new ideas. He said that a ₹100 crore fund has been created in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to financially support such innovative projects.

Speaking to students, he encouraged them not to confine their ideas to academic projects but to identify flaws in their concepts, interact with successful entrepreneurs, and build business and skill-oriented models accordingly. He assured that both the state and central governments will stand behind them in this endeavor.

He was addressing the audience during his visit to the ‘DEPEX-2025’ state-level dynamic model exhibition held at COEP Technological University Grounds in Shivajinagar. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, COEP University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (Maharashtra & Goa), and Srujan Foundation. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha, Minister of State for School Education Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, and MLA Sunil Kamble were also present.

CM Fadnavis noted that over the past decade, DEPEX has offered a platform to showcase youth talent combining knowledge, skills, and innovation. Ideas presented here have been transformed into practical experiments.

Maharashtra: The Startup Capital of India

Technology today enables students to turn their ideas into reality. Even a small idea can become a successful business. Maharashtra is the cradle of startups and, according to the Start-Up India report, leads the country both in terms of the number of startups and the investment they attract. Hence, Maharashtra holds the title of India’s startup capital.

Youth and Innovation at the Heart of ‘Viksit Bharat – 2047’

The vision of ‘Viksit Bharat – 2047’ proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is rooted in the power of youth and innovation. This youth power will propel the nation’s development. Through the ‘Make in India – Make for World’ initiative, India is producing high-quality products not found anywhere else. In the defense sector alone, India exports goods worth ₹30,000–₹35,000 crore annually. Therefore, a self-reliant, self-sufficient, and empowered India is key to achieving this vision. Technologically advanced startups and innovations are driving this change, generating employment and promoting sustainable development through creative reuse of waste materials.

Students Driving Innovation Through Startup Ecosystems

Students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are actively participating in the startup ecosystem, especially in industrial institutions, polytechnics, and engineering colleges. Working in groups, they are creating models that enhance both ease of living and ease of doing business. By commercializing their ideas, they not only create employment for themselves but also for others.

India’s Journey Toward Energy Security

India is moving toward energy security through ethanol and solar power. The state government is working to ensure daytime electricity supply to farmers. By next year, Maharashtra aims to generate 16,000 MW of solar power to meet agricultural demand, which will help farmers receive free daytime power while also reducing state subsidies and electricity costs.

Aiming for Net Zero in the Energy Sector

Electricity from conventional sources is a major cause of pollution. Considering the impact of climate change, Maharashtra aims to achieve carbon neutrality through green energy. By 2030, the state targets generating 52% of its electricity from renewable sources and achieving ‘Net Zero’ in the energy sector by 2047.

During the event, CM Fadnavis released the ‘DEPEX-2025 Project Directory’, interacted with students at their exhibits, and learned about their innovative projects.

The event was introduced by Dr. Bharat Amalkar, trustee of Srujan. Among those present were DEPEX 2025 Welcome Committee Chairman Dr. Prakash Dhoka, Secretary Prasenjit Fadnavis, Coordinators Sankalp Phaldesai and Atharva Kulkarni, along with college faculty and students.