NEW DELHI, November 22, 2013. Mr. Nandan Nilekani, Chairman, Unique Identification Authority of India,
said here today that the government needs to create platforms
for entrepreneurs and innovation to flourish in the country.
In his keynote address at a workshop on
‘Indo-U.S. Startup Accelerator’ organized by FICCI in partnership with the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum and Department of Science & Technology,
Mr. Nilekani said the UID platform was created after looking
at the two successful innovations that took place in the US namely,
internet and GPS. Both became platforms for numerous entrepreneurs and
startups. However, he added that both these platforms
initially were funded publically.
Citing the example of Aadhar Card,
he said, platforms lead to expansion. Aadhar cards have led to creation
of an infrastructure of unique identity of people, digital
authentication of a person, electronic KYC (Know
Your Customer) and capability of creating a financial address.
The workshop signifies the joint
commitment of all partners to create an enabling ecosystem for the young
and dynamic startups from India to make the big leap. It will
demonstrate the impact of rightful guidance
and mentorship provided to the startups to facilitate the process of
their becoming future market leaders.
Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology,
identified financial support, access to
market, material and technology as the challenges that the entrepreneurs
and startups face. It is often seen that funds are easily available to
already established e
