Techno India University (TIU) hosted the Red Bull Basement Launchpad Event on September 4, 2024, which was a ray of innovative energy and entrepreneurial spirit. The event was a critical step in assisting young minds in harnessing the power of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to create the start-ups of the future as part of Red Bull Basement’s global program.
This opportunity was presented to TIU by Red Bull Basement, a global leader in enabling students to challenge established paradigms through innovative ideas, in association with Meghdut Roy Chowdhury, Executive Director & Chief Innovation Officer of Techno India Group. Students could investigate the nexus between creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship in the vibrant Launchpad, where they could also pick the brains of leading industry experts and obtain priceless insights.
The core mission of the event was to support aspiring business owners by providing them with networking opportunities, practical training, and professional mentoring. These tools are crucial for developing original ideas into successful start-ups that may leave a lasting impression on their respective sectors.
Meghdut RoyChowdhury emphasized the long-term vision for entrepreneurship at Techno India, stating, “This journey that we have started on promoting entrepreneurship at Techno India for our students, for the greatest city at last, keeps growing and building lots and lots of entrepreneurs in days to come.” His words reflect a strong commitment to nurturing future innovators and creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kolkata.
The impressive line-up of guest speakers, who offered an array of viewpoints on branding, technology, and the future of education, was one of the event’s main highlights:
Raina De, entrepreneur and founder of Marque & Brew, emphasized the human aspect of branding, urging students to build brands that connect on a personal level: “If you think of a brand and can’t think of a human being who will embody the brand, it’s not a good brand.”
Kaustav Majumdar, Professor of Practice at Maharashtra State Skills University, offered a provocative take on the rapid evolution of education and technology: “AI has changed the world, and future generations will study a science different from what we know today.” He also highlighted the impact of Make Calcutta Relevant Again, an initiative focused on restoring Kolkata’s global relevance. He praised the organization for its fabulous work in driving innovation and social change, empowering the youth to contribute to the city’s cultural and entrepreneurial renaissance.
Sandipan Chattopadhyay, CEO & MD of Xelpmoc Design & Tech, encouraged students to stay authentic: “True branding is about being yourself—building on your strengths and hiding your weaknesses.”
Beyond these insightful talks, the event’s workshops were where Red Bull Basement truly came to life. Participants worked directly with industry experts, refining their ideas through collaborative teamwork and constructive feedback. The event’s interactive format encouraged out-of-the-box thinking, pushing students to question the status quo and explore how AI technology can serve as a catalyst for meaningful innovation.
Red Bull Basement’s legacy of fostering innovation at Techno India goes back to 2010, marking over a decade of successful collaboration. This partnership has paved the way for many ambitious projects that continue to nurture entrepreneurial talent in the region. With the Launchpad at TIU, Red Bull Basement reiterated its commitment to shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs by giving them the tools to bring their visions to life.
What sets Red Bull Basement apart is its focus on global competition. The most promising student teams from TIU will now have the chance to represent India at the World Finals in Tokyo, Japan, where they will compete against innovators from over 40 countries. This opportunity provides a platform not only to showcase their ideas but also to connect with global thought leaders and visionaries, opening doors to further growth and development.
The event at Techno India University was not just about fostering entrepreneurship; it was about creating an ecosystem where students can take bold risks, challenge norms, and use technology to craft solutions that drive the future. By supporting these students through mentorship, collaboration, and global exposure, Red Bull Basement continues to fuel the innovative spirit that defines the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Red Bull Basement continues to be a motivating factor for these young inventors as they advance to the World Finals, supporting them in turning their concepts into reality while pushing them to approach global challenges with unbridled creativity.
