PCET’s Pimpri Chinchwad University Inaugurates the PCU & Garje Marathi Global Incubation Centre: A Landmark Event for Innovation and Collaboration

Pimpri, 26th August 2024 - The Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU), a proud member of the Pimpri Chinchwad Education Trust (PCET), celebrated the grand inauguration of the PCU & Garje Marathi Global Incubation Centre. This significant event, held on the university campus, brought together a distinguished gathering of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and academic professionals, all united by a shared vision of promoting innovation and partnership.

Garje Marathi Global (GMG) is a dynamic and inclusive platform dedicated to uniting 'Non-Resident Marathi' (NRM) individuals and 'Back to Motherland Marathi' (परत मातृभूमीला मराठी) who hold a deep appreciation for knowledge, education, and entrepreneurship. This global community thrives on the shared cultural heritage of people and students from all walks of life with a passion for entrepreneurship and is committed to building valuable connections and collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome address by Dr. Manimala Puri, Vice Chancellor I/c of PCU. Dr. Puri set the tone for the event by highlighting PCU's commitment to excellence and its vision to become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. She welcomed the esteemed guests and expressed her confidence in the Incubation Centre's potential to drive meaningful change in the region and beyond.

The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Anand Ganu, Co-Founder of Garje Marathi Global and Chairman of two pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. Mr. Ganu, a visionary leader in the pharmaceutical industry, expressed his enthusiasm for the Incubation Centre, emphasizing its potential to serve as a platform for nurturing startups and driving impactful research and development.

Mr. Madhav Dabke, a Global Business Strategist and Design Thinking Expert, joined the occasion as a Guest of Honour. In his address, Mr. Dabke highlighted the importance of integrating design thinking principles into the incubation process, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on user-centric innovation.

Another Guest of Honour, Mr. Sagar Babar, recognized among the Top 100 Digital Impact Leaders and a prominent figure in Digital Transformation and Meditation Evangelism, shared his insights on the evolving digital landscape. He underscored the need for digital literacy and mindfulness in today's fast-paced world, advocating for an all-inclusive approach to innovation that balances technological advancement with mental well-being.

Mr. Sachin Itkar, a distinguished Governing Body Member of Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU), played a pivotal role as the convener of the inauguration event for the PCU & Garje Marathi Global Incubation Centre. His exceptional leadership and innovative vision were instrumental in bringing this groundbreaking development to fruition. Recently honored with the prestigious Fellowship Award 2023 from the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA).

The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Sudeep Thepade, Pro Vice Chancellor of PCU. Dr. Thepade expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests, faculty members, and students for their contributions to making the event a success. He reiterated the university's commitment to supporting the Incubation Centre and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The event was blessed by the members of the PCET Board of Trustees, including Shri Dnyaneshwar P. Landge, Chairman; Smt. Padma M. Bhosale, Vice Chairperson; Shri Vitthal S. Kalbhor, Secretary; Shri Shantaram D. Garade, Treasurer; Shri Harshvardhan Patil, Chancellor of PCU; Shri Narendra D. Landge, Management Representative; Shri Ajinkya V. Kalbhor, Management Representative; and Dr. Girish Desai, Executive Director of PCET.

The inauguration of the PCU & Garje Marathi Global Incubation Centre marks a significant milestone in PCU's journey towards becoming a leader in higher education and innovation. The event showcased the university's dedication to creating a nurturing environment for startups and highlighted the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in this transformative initiative.