Workshop on Strengthening Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

The event was jointly organised by the Haryana State Higher Education Council (HSHEC), the Department of Higher Education, Government of Haryana, and GJUST, Hisar. The workshop brought together Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) Coordinators and Principals from State Universities, Model Sanskriti Colleges, selected Government and Government-Aided Colleges, along with startup mentors and domain experts.

The primary objective of the workshop was to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem within Higher Education Institutions by promoting innovation, startups, and self-employment among students. The deliberations were aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing the transformation of universities into hubs of innovation, startup incubation, and job creation rather than merely degree-awarding institutions.

During the workshop, experts shared practical insights on how universities can foster a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. Discussions focused on establishing and strengthening innovation and incubation centres on campuses, building effective linkages between academia and industry, and creating structured systems for funding, mentorship, and institutional support. Participants were guided on developing robust Entrepreneurship Development Cells, supporting student-led startups, and integrating innovation and entrepreneurial thinking into academic curricula.

The workshop strongly emphasized that entrepreneurship is no longer optional but an essential pillar of modern higher education. Institutions were encouraged to adopt a proactive approach in nurturing innovationdriven mindsets among students and positioning themselves as key contributors to the state’s economic growth and startup ecosystem.