In a proud moment for the innovation ecosystem of Vidarbha, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the ICTRD Secretariat Building and Incubation Centre at Adarsh Nagar Ground, Trimurti Nagar, Nagpur, on 5th July 2025.
The state-of-the-art centre will serve as the operational base for the Confederation of Indian Innovators and Incubators (CIII). ICTRD, the parent organization of CIII, has envisioned this space as a hub for innovation, startup incubation, research, and skill-based education.
A Vision Realized by Dr. Ketan Mohitkar
The inauguration was steered under the leadership of Dr. Ketan Mohitkar, Member Secretary of ICTRD and Director of the Confederation of Indian Innovators and Incubators (CIII), who is also the driving force behind this landmark initiative. With over 15 years of experience across technology, education, startups, and public service, Dr. Mohitkar has been instrumental in the conceptualization, design, and execution of the ICTRD Secretariat and Incubation Centre.
Nitin Gadkari lauded Dr. Mohitkar’s vision, dedication, and sustained efforts in creating a platform that empowers youth, fosters entrepreneurship, and strengthens regional innovation capacity.
CIII to Operate from the New Facility
With this inauguration, CIII will officially function from the ICTRD Secretariat Building, leveraging the infrastructure and support ecosystem to accelerate its programs in industrial innovation, skill development, and startup mentoring.
The centre offers state-of-the-art incubation facilities, digital infrastructure, research support, and specialized training programs designed to nurture innovative ideas into sustainable startups. With a strong emphasis on research, education, and entrepreneurship, the centre aims to empower young innovators, bridge the skill gap, and create a meaningful impact in the startup and academic ecosystem.
A Strong Endorsement from Shri Nitin Gadkari
In his keynote, Shri Gadkari emphasized the role of ICTRD in building a self-reliant and future-ready Vidarbha, transforming youth from job seekers into job creators. He shared how the idea of this centre was seeded during earlier discussions with Nanda Jichkar, and praised the collaborative leadership of Dr. Ketan Mohitkar in making it a reality.
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries including Ajay Sancheti, Dr. Vikas Mahatme, Nanda Jichkar, Sanjay Bhende, Dr. Rajesh Gadewar, Dr. A. B. Sasankar and other esteemed leaders.
Looking Ahead
The newly inaugurated ICTRD Secretariat Building and Incubation Centre is set to become a hub for nurturing budding startups and fostering innovation. It will provide aspiring entrepreneurs with dedicated mentorship, infrastructure, and guidance to transform new ideas into impactful ventures. Various training programs will also be introduced to bridge the gap between skill and opportunity, empowering youth for future-ready careers. The Confederation of Indian Innovators and Incubators (CIII) will function from this facility, focusing on promoting research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and education-based initiatives—making it a powerful enabler for sustainable growth and capacity building.
The celebration concluded with a grand dinner and live music, bringing together changemakers and community leaders in a spirit of collaboration and future-building.