Bengaluru: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for Building Business Owners, celebrated a proud achievement as two startups from its Swavalamban–STEM Program, a joint initiative with SIDBI, were selected among the Top 5 Startups in Chhattisgarh under the CG TechStart Marathon, organized by the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Chhattisgarh.
The startups, Agrofab Sustainable Pvt. Ltd. (founded by Mr. Karan Chandrakar) and Auroarts (founded by Ms. Anuradha Sahu), were felicitated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, during the CG TechStart 2025 event held as part of the Rajat Jayanti Rajyotsava celebrations.
Out of more than 1,800 applications, it is a proud moment that both Mr. Karan Chandrakar and Ms. Anuradha Sahu have secured positions among the Top 5, with Mr. Chandrakar winning first prize and Ms. Sahu securing the fourth position.
The event, hosted by the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Chhattisgarh, brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders to celebrate the state’s growing startup and innovation ecosystem. With the theme “Powering the Future Code of Innovation” the program featured engaging sessions and keynote addresses by distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Subodh Sachan (Director, STPI), Shri Panneerselvam Madangopal (CEO, MeitY Startup Hub), and Shri Vikas Sheel (IAS), Chief Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh.
Speaking on this occasion, Prof. Sanjeev Prashar, Director-in-charge, IIM Raipur said, “The recognition of these startups marks a milestone for IIM Raipur’s Swavalamban–STEM Program, which supports aspiring entrepreneurs through structured mentoring, business incubation, and technical guidance. The initiative reflects the institute’s broader vision of driving innovation-led entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth in the region.”
Prof. Satyasiba Das, Dean- External Relations and the Program Director for the Swavalamban–STEM Program added, “With great pleasure, I, as the Program Director of STEM along with the program team including Professor Saroj Kumar Pani, Professor MS Rao, and Program Manager Ms Ayesha congratulate the winners and all participants of the STEM program for their valuable contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the state and the nation. We look forward to further initiatives from IIM Raipur that deliver significant value to the state’s economy.”
Mr. Karan Chandrakar, Founder, Agrofab Sustainable Pvt. Ltd. stated, “IIM Raipur STEM Program has been a turning point in my entrepreneurial journey. It helped me sharpen my startup goals and understand how to effectively design a go-to-market strategy for our products. This clarity has reflected in every pitch we’ve made, from winning the first prize at the Chhattisgarh Ideation 2025 and earlier securing the top position at the i-Hub Startup Shark Tank event, to continuously refining our business model with every milestone. At Agrofab, we’re committed to building a sustainable textile brand by converting agrowaste into premium products that contribute to both environmental and economic growth of Chhattisgarh. With the support of initiatives like the STEM Program, we aim to grow into a ₹50-crore brand within the next five years.”
Additionally, Anuradha Sahu, Founder, Auroarts Pvt. Ltd, said, “I have been working as an artisan for over four decades, with several awards and even an international patent to my credit, yet I never knew how to transform my craft into a sustainable business model. Being incubated at IIM Raipur under the SIDBI-sponsored STEM Swavalamban Program has completely changed that. The program helped me understand and visualize the commercial potential of my art, something I couldn’t have achieved without the guidance and mentoring from IIM Raipur. Even after 44 years in this field, it’s only through the Swavalamban Program that I’ve been able to take my craft from recognition to real business promotion”
The Swavalamban–STEM Program has supported startups across a diverse range of emerging sectors, including EdTech, Agri & Food Tech, HealthTech, Fashion & Apparel, Sustainable Textiles, Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics Solutions, Environmental Consulting, Packaging, and Beauty & Wellness, among others. This diversity underscores IIM Raipur’s holistic approach to entrepreneurship, fostering innovation that bridges technology, sustainability, and social impact. By empowering founders from varied domains, the program continues to strengthen the innovation and startup ecosystem of Chhattisgarh and beyond.
