Ashoka Foundation, Varanasi Becomes the Satellite Centre of BHU’s Atal Incubation Centre
A Strategic MoU Between AFIE–AITM and AIC–MFIE, IM–BHU to Expand Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Opportunities Across Eastern Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi | July 16, 2026
In a major boost to the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Ashoka Foundation for Incubation and Entrepreneurship (AFIE), Ashoka Institute of Technology & Management (AITM), Paharia, Sarnath, Varanasi, has been designated as the new Satellite Centre of the Atal Incubation Centre – Mahamana Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AIC–MFIE), Institute of Management, Banaras Hindu University (IM–BHU), Varanasi.
The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at AIC, Banaras Hindu University on 16 July 2026, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration to strengthen innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship in the region.
The MoU was signed by Prof. (Dr.) P. V. Rajeev, Director and Professor In-Charge, AIC–MFIE, IM–BHU, and Er. Ankit Maurya, Chief Managing Director (CMD), Ashoka Foundation for Incubation and Entrepreneurship (AFIE), Ashoka Institute of Technology and Management, Varanasi.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Nand Lal, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), AIC–MFIE; Dr. Sarika Shrivastava, Director, Ashoka Institute of Technology and Management (AITM); Dr. Aparna Singh, Professor In-Charge, AFIE – AITM, Varanasi ; and Mr. Sajjad Ali, Coordinator, Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), Ashoka Institute, Varanasi.
With this collaboration, students, researchers, innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs and startups from Eastern Uttar Pradesh will gain easier access to incubation support, expert mentoring, industry partnerships, investor connections, innovation guidance and entrepreneurship development programmes through the newly established Satellite Centre at Sarnath, Varanasi.
The initiative is expected to reduce the need for innovators from the region to seek such support outside Eastern Uttar Pradesh and will help build a stronger local startup ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) P. V. Rajeev said, “Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) must go beyond imparting education and actively support young innovators in transforming their ideas into successful enterprises. We believe this partnership with Ashoka Foundation for Incubation and Entrepreneurship (AFIE) will significantly strengthen the innovation and startup ecosystem of Eastern Uttar Pradesh.”
Er. Ankit Maurya said, “Our vision is not merely to prepare young people for jobs but to empower them to become job creators. This collaboration will bring together academia, industry and innovation, creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs while contributing to the vision of an AtmaNirbhar Bharat.”
Dr. Sarika Shrivastava stated that Ashoka Institute of Technology and Management plans to make its institutional infrastructure and academic resources available to students, entrepreneurs and professionals for research, innovation, incubation and entrepreneurial development, thereby creating a vibrant environment for innovation-led growth.
Dr. Aparna Singh, Professor Incharge, AFIE – AITM, announced that the partnership will soon lead to the organisation of major national initiatives, including the Bharat Innovation Conclave (BIC) and the UP East Startups Ecosystem & Entrepreneurship Development Summit (UPE–SEEDS). These platforms will bring together innovators, startups, industry leaders, investors, academicians and policymakers from across the country to foster collaboration, encourage knowledge exchange and accelerate innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
She also announced the launch of six new Executive Career Accelerator Programmes (AFIE – X – CAPs) by Ashoka Foundation. These 15-day, industry-linked, fast-track training programmes are designed for students, women, working professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs to develop niche, practical, employment-oriented and entrepreneurial skills in a short period. Offered at a special subsidised fee of just ₹5,000, the programmes aim to make high-quality professional training affordable and accessible while enabling participants to pursue employment, self-employment or launch their own ventures with confidence. For further information about the programmes, interested candidates may contact 9565440066 via WhatsApp.
Representatives of both institutions expressed confidence that this partnership marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will transform Eastern Uttar Pradesh into a vibrant hub of innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship, creating new opportunities for thousands of young people across the region.