Work on startups that resolve local problems: UP Guv to youth

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has exhorted young people to identify problems in their local communities and develop startup solutions to address them, stressing that innovation and entrepreneurship should focus on practical challenges in areas such as water conservation, agriculture, waste management and healthcare.

“Universities should not remain limited to awarding degrees but should develop as centres of startups and employment generation,” Patel said while addressing the ‘Purvanchal Startup Samvad-2026’ at Prof Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University in Prayagraj on Wednesday.

She said identifying the right problem was the first step towards developing a successful solution, citing examples from Gujarat and Maharashtra where public participation and innovation had helped tackle water scarcity, according to a statement issued by the Jan Bhavan here on Thursday.

The governor urged universities to activate their innovation hubs and incubation centres and incorporate design thinking, entrepreneurship and skill development into their curricula.

“Students should be encouraged to take their ideas forward through patent applications and prototypes,” she said. Patel also highlighted the potential of technology to address social concerns, suggesting specialised applications to provide immediate assistance to people in distress and help homeless people find accommodation.

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The Hans India