Start-up ideas on the show included momos on wheels, mushroom farming, technology to clean rivers.
In her hunt for industry and investment, Mamata Banerjee has now sponsored a game show on TV to kick start start-ups in Bengal. Her government has even set up a Rs 200 crore angel fund for seed capital. The brand ambassador of the show, 'Egiye Bangla' or 'Bengal is Ahead', is Sourav Ganguly.
The first episode, aired on Sunday, has triggered quite a buzz, if not business, already. Off the sets, Mr Ganguly is irreverent. "Dada and Didi are the best team. Dada is a little better," he laughs. But on the sets and behind the scenes, it is do or die. The show is Ms Banerjee's idea to look at talent at home as big industry is proving elusive.
Around 1,500 ideas were mailed in after Egiye Bangla advertised for start-ups. 40 were shortlisted for the show. Rajiva Sinha, secretary, Medium and Small Scale Industry, overseeing the project, says, "Egiye Bangla is part of a two year long journey by the West Bengal government to encourage entrepreneurs. A lot of support systems are already in place."
IIM Calcutta's Innovation Park has joined the effort. Said Subhrangshu Sanyal, CEO, "We will nurture the projects and support them so they can be successful ventures."
Start-up ideas on the show included momos on wheels, mushroom farming, technology to clean rivers.
"Bengal needs both big and small investments," says industrialist Sanjeev Goenka. Mr Roopen Roy of Sumantrana Management Consultants, says, "Start-up is a new bus about to leave the station. If Bengal plays its cards right and gets on the bus, it will be good for us."
Ms Banerjee will announce a start-up policy in January. Mentor Mohandas Pai , former director of IT giant Infosys, is helping. Will Egiye Bangla throw up a Bill Gates or Steve Jobs? Bengal is holding its breath and the remote.