Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur has officially opened the Delhi Chapter of its business incubator, I-Hub Foundation, marking a significant expansion in its efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. The announcement was made during the curtain-raiser event for Marmagya 10.0, the institute’s flagship business conclave, held at its Delhi campus.
The I-Hub Foundation’s Delhi arm is designed to serve as a hub for alumni, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners in the National Capital Region. Its aim is to promote collaboration, investment, and innovation by offering support systems for startups and emerging ventures. The initiative aligns with India’s long-term development vision under Viksit Bharat 2047.
The event featured industry leaders and senior executives including Vibhor Jain, Acting CEO & CFO of ONDC, as Chief Guest; Altaf Hussain, Head of HR at ITC, as Guest of Honour; and Farhana Haque, Senior Director – Microsoft Asia, as the Keynote Speaker. Each highlighted the growing role of startups and institutional partnerships in India’s digital and economic rise.
As part of the launch, IIM Sambalpur also announced its Alumni Incubation Scheme, a new programme aimed at supporting business ideas led by its alumni. This scheme offers access to mentors, funding channels, and guidance from domain experts to help turn innovative concepts into viable businesses. The programme also focuses on ventures that contribute to national goals like self-reliance and inclusive growth.
Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, emphasized, “The Delhi Chapter is another step in strengthening our network for innovation and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to help our alumni and partners build solutions that matter — both to India and to the world.” Prof Atul Prashar, CEO-in-Charge of I-Hub Foundation, added, “This isn’t just about providing space or funding. It’s about building a bridge from idea to impact.” Among alumni, Aryan Kushwaha, a 2019–21 graduate and Manager at Shorthills.ai, welcomed the initiative. “As someone working on advanced AI systems, I know early support is vital. I-Hub’s incubation platform could be game-changing for alumni startups with bold visions.”
The theme of Marmagya 10.0 is “Navigating Businesses in a Multi-Polar World: Ideas for Viksit Bharat 2047”. The conclave brings together leaders from business, government, and academia to explore how companies can adapt to a rapidly shifting global and domestic landscape. Over the years, Marmagya has grown into a key forum for exchanging ideas, fostering partnerships, and showcasing innovation at IIM Sambalpur.
