Greater Noida: Platform Highlights the Role of MSMEs in India’s Growth Story
Sharda Launchpad Federation, the startup incubator of Sharda University, celebrated International MSME Day 2026 in collaboration with the International Business Startup & Entrepreneurs Association (IBSEA) at Sharda University, Greater Noida. The event was held under the leadership of Dr Amit Sehgal, Director, Sharda Launchpad Federation, and brought together key stakeholders from India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to recognise the critical role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving innovation, employment, and economic development.
The programme served as a platform for entrepreneurs, startup founders, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, academicians and ecosystem enablers to discuss strategies for strengthening the MSME sector through innovation, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, and collaborative partnerships.
Industry Veterans Share Insights
The event featured keynote addresses by several distinguished speakers, including Dr. Amit Sehgal, Kushal Pal Singh, Founder Director of Vivid Packaging Industries and former Indian Air Force officer; Suresh Kumar Singh (IAS Retd.), Executive Director of Shree SLM Ltd.; Dr. Shobha Dhawan, CMD of Dawnsun Kyosei Engineering Pvt. Ltd.; Nicoleta Ioana Ciurdean, CEO of RomIND Welfare Council; Dr. S. K. Soni, Vice President of IBSEA Delhi and NIRP; Subhash Manay, Principal Advisor, Delhi Management Association; Indrajeet Ghosh, Global Chairman, MSMECCII; and Dr. Anshumaan Singh, Chairman, IBSEA.
Speakers emphasised the importance of innovation-driven entrepreneurship, stronger industry-academia collaboration, and policy support to accelerate MSME growth and enhance India’s global competitiveness.
Industry Associations Reaffirm Commitment
A major highlight of the programme was the participation of leading industry organisations, including the Industrial Business Association (IBA), Industrial Entrepreneurs Association (IEA), and the Indian Industries Association (IIA). Their presence underscored a shared commitment to fostering industrial development, supporting startups, and strengthening India’s MSME ecosystem through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Excellence Awards Recognise Outstanding Contributions
During the event, the Bharat MSME Excellence Awards were presented to entrepreneurs and organisations for their exceptional contributions to business, innovation, and industrial growth.
The programme also recognised the role of the media in promoting entrepreneurship through the Media Excellence Awards, honouring journalists and media professionals for raising awareness about startups, MSMEs, innovation, industrial development and responsible journalism.
Innovation Key to Viksit Bharat: Dr Amit Sehgal
Addressing the gathering, Dr Amit Sehgal said that meaningful collaboration among industry, academia, government, investors, and startups is essential for creating a globally competitive innovation ecosystem. He noted that empowering MSMEs through technological advancement, innovation, and strategic partnerships will be instrumental in achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Networking Session Encourages Future Collaborations
The event concluded with a vote of thanks followed by a networking session, where participants explored opportunities for collaboration, investment and knowledge exchange. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from entrepreneurs, startup founders, MSMEs, investors, business associations, media professionals, academicians and students, reinforcing its role as a significant platform for promoting innovation, enterprise and sustainable economic development.
