RANCHI: In a move aimed at integrating Jharkhand’s emerging startups with the national innovation ecosystem, the Jharkhand Entrepreneurs Association (JEA) has signed a three-year strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Noida-based JSS Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Park (JSS STEP).The agreement was signed by JEA president Sumit Kumar and JSS STEP chief executive officer Dr Satyendra Patnaik.Under the partnership, startups from Jharkhand’s tribal belts, mining towns and smaller urban centres will gain access to national markets, a network of more than 200 mentors, investors and the wider Delhi-NCR business ecosystem.The collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between grassroots innovation and national-level incubation and investment opportunities.As part of the agreement, the two organisations will jointly launch an accelerator cohort programme focused on supporting agriculture-based innovations and AI and deep-tech products developed by students and young entrepreneurs.Selected startups will receive mentorship, product refinement support and assistance in raising capital.The partners will also organise hackathons, innovation challenges and entrepreneurship development programmes. In addition, they plan to work with central and state governments to facilitate policy and financial support for startups.A key highlight of the collaboration is the induction of Dr Patnaik, a veteran incubation professional with over 24 years of experience, into the JEA advisory council as chief advisor.He is expected to guide the association’s incubation framework and national expansion efforts.JEA president Kumar said, “Jharkhand’s innovators never lacked talent; they lacked a bridge to connect with national opportunities. This partnership gives our rural and tribal founders direct access to a national platform and helps them become job creators rather than job seekers.”
