The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has inaugurated a new incubation facility in Salt Lake, Kolkata, marking a significant step towards fostering innovation and promoting IT exports from West Bengal. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics and IT.
This initiative aligns with the government’s Digital India vision and aims to support startups, IT/ITeS companies, and entrepreneurs with state-of-the-art infrastructure, mentorship, and access to global markets.
Driving India’s Tech Revolution
Addressing the launch event, Shri Jitin Prasada emphasized India’s ambition to become a global technology and innovation hub. He highlighted that STPI has played a crucial role in nurturing the startup ecosystem by providing world-class incubation spaces and support for emerging businesses.
“The inauguration of this new facility is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation, nurturing startups, and ensuring inclusive technological growth across the country,” Prasada stated. He further noted India’s focus on developing indigenous AI models and computing capabilities to ensure equitable access for researchers, students, and startups.
Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI, highlighted the importance of this initiative in positioning Kolkata as an emerging technology hub, stating:
“This incubation center will provide startups access to world-class infrastructure, industry mentorship, and a launchpad for innovations in AI, IoT, Blockchain, and FinTech. The Indian government is taking decisive steps to enhance our AI capabilities and computing infrastructure to strengthen our global position.”
Key Highlights of the Kolkata STPI Incubation Facility
- Expansive Infrastructure: A 200,000 sq. ft. facility with 75,000 sq. ft. of raw incubation space and plug-and-play office solutions.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Equipped with high-speed data communication, advanced IT/ITeS facilities, and digital infrastructure to support SMEs and startups.
- Incubation & Mentorship: A structured incubation program with mentorship, industry collaborations, and access to global markets.
- Employment Generation: The initiative is expected to create substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region.
STPI’s Impact on India’s IT Sector
Since its inception in 1991, STPI has been instrumental in supporting India’s IT/ITeS industry, offering single-window services, incubation support, and data infrastructure. Over the years, STPI has grown from a few centers to 67 across India, including Kolkata, Kharagpur, Siliguri, Haldia, and Durgapur.
The government-backed startup initiatives, including Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS) and 24 domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs), have already supported over 1,300 startups in areas like HealthTech, Blockchain, MedTech, Agritech, and IoT.
Also read: Union Budget 2025-26: Fueling India’s Startup, Tech, and Green Innovations
Strengthening Digital India & Viksit Bharat
With 67 STPI centers across the country, including 59 in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, the organization is bridging the digital divide and promoting entrepreneurship beyond metro hubs. The Kolkata center’s launch marks a significant milestone in advancing India’s Digital India vision, ensuring that technology-driven growth and innovation reach every corner of the country.
The event was attended by key industry leaders, including:
- Shri Manjit Nayak, Director, STPI Kolkata
- Shri Manojit Sengupta, Delivery Center Head, Tata Consultancy Services
- Shri Ujjwal Mukherjee, Zonal Head (East), Concentrix Daksh Services India Pvt. Ltd.
- Shri Jitendra Chaddah, Managing Director & Country Head, GlobalFoundries Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
With this initiative, West Bengal’s IT sector is poised for significant growth, unlocking new opportunities for startups, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals.
