Posted by New Delhi: MapmyIndia founder Rakesh Verma has pledged Rs1 crore to help strengthen the Incubation and Innovation Centre (IInC) at BITS Pilani, Goa. Verma is an alumnus of BITS Pilani, class of 1972.
“I am indebted to BITS Pilani, a generous giver, my alma mater has played a key role in shaping me personally and professionally. It gives me great pleasure to be part of this unique initiative – BITS Pilani Incubation and Innovation Centre (BPIInC),” said Rakesh Verma, Founder, Chairman and MD – MapmyIndia.
“In this pandemic hit scenario, we will churn out job creators rather than seekers. A class of professionally Aatmanirbhar students via mentorship, guidance, funding and incubation. BPIInC will be a legacy builder, one that will have a lasting impact on the future generations of the bright and talented alumni that will walk through the hallowed precincts of this great institution,” added MapmyIndia founder.
“What MapmyIndia did in the 1990s, despite a lack of support system really inspires us at BITS. It’s our commitment and ambition to support innovators on the campus with the resources they would need to be successful. With Rakesh’s pledge, we are moving a step closer to our intended goals,” said Prof. Souvik Bhattacharyya, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani.
This initiative comes close to the heels of the recent tie-up between MapmyIndia and ISRO to create India’s indigenous and advanced geospatial services. India has de-regulated geospatial map-making recently, opening the sector to private players and partnerships.
Further, “BITSian entrepreneurs and the alumni network has been widely acknowledged as one of the most helpful innovation networks. Rakesh Verma has been a long-standing contributor to this network. His collaboration with the incubation efforts at BITS will help scale outcomes to newer heights,” added Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean, Alumni Relations.
MapmyIndia funds shall be used for augmenting the upcoming IInC at the Pilani Campus. The Rs15 crore centre spread over 20,000 sq. ft area will house innovation labs and co-working facility. It will enable students and faculty in executing their innovation and ideas.
MapmyIndia founder Rakesh Verma is the man behind India’s digital interactive maps. Besides, 17 of BITS alumni-led startups have raised $700 million in the past few months.