YourStory Launches Bihar Idea Festival in Partnership with Bihar Govt to Empower 10,000 Entrepreneurs

In a bold step to unlock Bihar’s entrepreneurial potential, YourStory Media, in collaboration with the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), IIT Patna, and JEEViKA (NRLM Bihar), has launched the Bihar Idea Festival a large-scale initiative aimed at identifying, supporting, and scaling 10,000 startups across all 38 districts of the state.

The initiative is part of the Bihar chapter of The Bharat Project, a nationwide mission led by YourStory to democratize entrepreneurship in non-metro India. The launch was formally announced at B-HUB, the state’s flagship innovation centre in Patna’s Maurya Lok Complex, in the presence of dignitaries including Shri Nitish Mishra, Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Ms. Shradha Sharma, Founder & CEO of YourStory, Dr. Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, and Shri Kumod Kumar, CEO of CIMP-BIIF and President of TiE Patna.

YourStory's Bharat Project

The Bharat Project is YourStory’s flagship initiative to empower founders in Tier II, III, and rural India through storytelling, education, and digital tools. By spotlighting grassroots innovators, it aims to create an inclusive and thriving startup ecosystem beyond the metros.

CIMP & BIIF

The Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), through its incubation arm BIIF, has been instrumental in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in Bihar. CIMP’s collaboration brings academic strength and ecosystem know-how to the initiative.

JEEViKA & NRLM Bihar

As Bihar’s State Rural Livelihoods Mission, JEEViKA ensures the participation of women-led self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs, amplifying the festival’s grassroots outreach.

Key Highlights of the Bihar Idea Festival

1. Mission to Support 10,000 Startups

The festival will identify and incubate 10,000 promising startup ideas through workshops, digital tools, and expert mentoring across rural, urban, and semi-urban Bihar.

2. 38-District Startup Discovery Yatra

A unique Startup Bus Yatra will tour all 38 districts to engage over 1 lakh individuals, sourcing ideas from student innovators, artisans, women-led SHGs, and microentrepreneurs. The Yatra will be supported by District Industries Centres (DICs), MSME offices, and college E-Cells.

3. Shradha Sharma Onboarded as Mentor at CIMP

Ms. Sharma will officially mentor CIMP students and incubatees, focusing on founder storytelling, visibility, and strategic guidance—a key pillar of The Bharat Project’s outreach model.

4. Statewide Idea Festival and Pitch Platform

The Bihar Idea Festival will culminate in a high-impact event where selected startups will pitch to investors, gain national exposure, and connect with ecosystem leaders.

5. Top 50 Startups to Gain National Spotlight

YourStory will curate and feature 50 standout startups from Bihar on its platform, offering media amplification, investor access, and growth partnerships—bringing Bihar’s startup talent to the national stage.

Voices from the Launch

Shri Nitish Mishra, Minister of Industries, said:“This initiative is a new chapter in Bihar’s startup journey. It builds on the foundation laid by our Bihar Innovation Forum and reflects our commitment to inclusive growth and job creation.”

Shradha Sharma, YourStory & The Bharat Project, added: “We want to collect 10,000 ideas and show the youth and women of Bihar how to build income-generating ventures. This isn’t just about funding—it's about belief.”

Dr. Rana Singh, CIMP Director, emphasized: “We are receiving commendable ideas, but we must aim higher. With the right support, Bihar can become a hub for innovation.”

Shri Kumod Kumar, CEO of CIMP-BIIF, said: “This is a revolution for Bihar’s youth. It will improve livelihoods and catalyze large-scale economic transformation.”