IIM Calcutta Innovation Park Partners with Army Institute of Management Kolkata to Build Next-Generation Startup Ecosystem in West Bengal

A strategic partnership combining academic excellence with incubation expertise, enabling startup creation, industry collaboration and innovation-led entrepreneurship through a proposed DST NIDHI Maker Bhavan.

IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), one of India's leading startup incubators, has announced a strategic partnership with Army Institute of Management Kolkata (AIMK) formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under the partnership, AIMK and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park will jointly promote entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem in West Bengal by creating a world-class incubation support system while providing access to academic excellence and industry collaborations for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.

The partnership will entail outreach and capacity-building initiatives that foster an entrepreneurial mindset and enterprise creation. AIMK will allocate approximately 3,500 to 5,000 square feet within its campus for establishing the DST NIDHI Maker Bhavan that will include state-of-the-art fabrication laboratory, startup co-working spaces and meeting rooms under NIDHI PRAYAS 2.0 Scheme, post approval from the DST.

Beyond creating physical infrastructure, the partnership will focus on building a long-term innovation ecosystem through co-incubation programmes, mentor clinics, long-term cohorts for joint ecosystem development, startup scouting, innovation challenges, industry interactions, collaborative research and development (R&D) and faculty development initiatives. 

AIMK will identify promising startups and innovators, and facilitate stakeholder engagement with academic institutions, industry bodies, government agencies and investors. At the same time, IIMCIP will extend technical and strategic programme support, including access to incubation, expert mentorship, market connect networks, funding opportunities where applicable and a dedicated team to support the management of the proposed satellite centre.

Speaking on the partnership, Ajay Jain, Chairman, Board of Directors, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, said, "India's next generation of entrepreneurs will emerge from stronger collaboration between academia, industry and incubation ecosystems and this is an opportune partnership between two of West Bengal’s leading organizations, IIMCIP and AIMK. By combining AIMK's academic strengths with IIMCIP's incubation expertise, we aim to build a vibrant startup ecosystem that empowers young innovators and strengthens West Bengal's entrepreneurial landscape contributing meaningfully to India's innovation-led growth story."

Dr. Samip Baruah, Principal & Officiating Director, Army Institute of Management Kolkata, said, "Entrepreneurship is becoming an essential pillar of management education. Through our partnership with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, we will provide our students and aspiring entrepreneurs with direct access to one of India's leading startup ecosystems. This collaboration will create meaningful opportunities for experiential learning and enterprise creation, preparing them not just as managers of businesses, but as creators of businesses."

Over the years, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park has emerged as one of India's most impactful startup incubation ecosystems, having supported more than 2000 startups, facilitated over ₹2000 crore in follow-on funding, helped create more than 30000 jobs, and built a strong network of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, corporate partners and government institutions.

This partnership reflects the shared vision of both institutions to promote knowledge exchange, nurture innovation-driven leadership, strengthen industry-academia collaboration to contribute tangibly towards the growth of a robust startup ecosystem in West Bengal while supporting India's broader innovation and entrepreneurship agenda.

About IIM Calcutta Innovation Park

The IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) is a not-for-profit (Section 8) company established under the aegis of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in India. Recognised by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, IIMCIP’s mission is to nurture innovative, socially impactful entrepreneurs who can drive inclusive growth. Its core offerings span structured mentoring, capacity building, seed funding and access to markets and investors. To date, IIMCIP has supported over 2,000 startups and seed-funded 152 ventures, which have collectively raised more than Rs 2,000 crore and built a cumulative portfolio valuation of nearly Rs 8,000 crore. IIMCIP also works closely with government bodies, corporates and academia to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem, foster high-impact collaborations and promote women’s entrepreneurship, with a special focus on underserved regions of the country.

About Army Institute of Management Kolkata

For nearly three decades, Army Institute of Management, Kolkata (AIMK) has been shaping young minds into confident, competent and responsible management professionals. Established in 1997 by the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES), New Delhi, AIMK carries forward a distinctive legacy where academic excellence meets the enduring values of discipline, integrity and commitment.

Located in New Town, Kolkata, the Institute offers an intellectually stimulating environment that encourages students to learn, question, innovate and lead. Its AICTE-approved MBA programme and BBA programme, affiliated to MAKAUT, West Bengal, integrates strong academic foundations with experiential learning, industry interaction, case-based pedagogy and professional exposure.

What truly distinguishes AIMK is its unique Army ethos, reflected not only in its institutional culture but also in its approach to developing character, leadership and a sense of responsibility. With students drawn from diverse backgrounds, the campus fosters collaboration, inclusivity and a broad understanding of the contemporary business world.

As AIMK continues its journey of excellence, the Institute remains committed to creating future-ready leaders who combine managerial competence with character, purpose and social responsibility, leaders prepared not merely to succeed in the world of business, but to make a meaningful difference to society.