Nagpur: Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the Indian Council for Technical Research and Development (ICTRD) Secretariat Building and Startup Incubation Centre on 5th July 2025 at Adarsh Nagar Ground, Trimurti Nagar, Nagpur, an initiative conceptualized and developed under the guidance of Dr. Ketan Mohitkar, Member Secretary of ICTRD, marking a significant step towards strengthening the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ketan Mohitkar, Member Secretary of ICTRD, emphasized that the newly established Secretariat and Incubation Centre represents a long-term vision of creating a structured platform for innovation, research, and startup development. He highlighted that the initiative is aimed at empowering youth, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing them with the right ecosystem to transform ideas into impactful
ventures.

He stated that ICTRD is committed to building a strong foundation for innovation-driven growth by promoting skill development, research-led initiatives, and industry collaboration. He underlined that such platforms are essential to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policy, enabling practical and scalable solutions for real-world challenges.

With over fifteen years of experience in technology, innovation, education, and public service, Dr. Mohitkar has played a key role in conceptualizing and developing the ICTRD Secretariat and Incubation Centre. He described the centre as more than just an infrastructure facility, calling it a dynamic hub designed to nurture startups, support researchers, and encourage skill-based learning across Maharashtra.

During the inauguration, Nitin Gadkari praised Dr. Ketan Mohitkar’s consistent dedication and referred to him as a driving force behind the initiative. He emphasized the importance of transforming India’s youth from job seekers into job creators and acknowledged ICTRD as a model platform for region-focused innovation and development. He also noted that the vision for such a centre originated from discussions with the late Nanda Jichkar, which has now
been successfully realized.

Speaking further, Nitin Gadkari elaborated on Vidarbha’s immense potential to emerge as a ₹10,000 crore orange economy, citing a Spanish-inspired agricultural model now being adopted by over 700 farmers and scientists. He stated that the ICTRD Centre will play a crucial role in replicating such high-impact models across agriculture, energy, digital innovation, and animal husbandry. He further emphasized that technology, innovation, and knowledge will define the future, and ICTRD is building a complete ecosystem that integrates research, education, and entrepreneurship.

The ICTRD Startup Incubation Centre is envisioned as a catalyst for grassroots innovation, offering startups and researchers access to infrastructure, mentorship, and technical support. It will also focus on promoting skill-based education through training programs, workshops, and collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

The inauguration marks a significant milestone in strengthening Nagpur’s position as an emerging hub for innovation and startup growth, with ICTRD playing a central role in shaping a future-ready ecosystem driven by knowledge, technology, and collaboration.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished dignitaries including Hon. Ajay Sancheti, Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Padmashri Dr. Vikas Mahatme, Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Sanjay Bhende, President, Nagpur Nagrik Sahakari Bank; Nanda Jichkar, Former Mayor of Nagpur; Lahu Kumar, Former Corporator; CA Milind Kanade; Dr. Yogesh Bonde; Dr. Ashish Sasankar, Chairman, ICTRD; and Dr. Rajesh Gadewar, Ex–Pro Vice Chancellor. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Rajesh Gadewar, who appreciated ICTRD’s efforts and reaffirmed support for region-
centric development.