About the Conference:
 

Vellore Institute of Technology, Technology Business Incaubtor (VIT-TBI), an infoDev grantee, organized an International conference on Business Incubation with the support of infoDev and Department of Science and Technology, Govt.of India in Vellore. This conference had a theme “Creating a knowledge platform through partnerships and alliances among incubators” was held between 21st May 2007 to 23rd May 2007.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr.K.Ponmudi, the Minister for Higher Education in the state Government of Tamilnadu. Mr.G.Viswanathan, Chancellor, VIT University presided over the program. Mr. Julian Webb, infoDev Facilitator in the Asia Region and Mr.H.K.Mittal, Advisor & Member Secretary, NSTEDB- DST, Govt. of India delivered keynote addresses. The program had over 17 international delegates from Australia, China, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and 90 Indian Business Incubation professionals and other stakeholders in the Business Incubation process. The green academic campus environment provided ample scope for knowledge sharing and networking among the participants. Several important topics like Internationalization of Business Incubation, Different Models of Incubation in Asia, Building Linkages with Support network for incubation, Assessing the needs of the Incubator clients, Venture Finance: Myths and Realities were discussed. Mr. Julian Webb moderated a work shop session on “Creating a Knowledge Platform”. There was also an exhibition in the sidelines of this conference to showcase products of incubates and innovators.

This program has helped VIT-TBI to meet many of its program objectives:

• Raising the awareness and reaching out to innovators at large
• Creating a close network among a select group of Asian Incubators
• Bringing in other stakeholders like Incubator professionals, academics, industry, and government and to enhance their awareness.
• Building managerial capacity of young incubator professionals
• Strengthening the activities of Indian Science Parks and Business Incubators Association (ISBA).