'MTV Kickstart': New initiative to promote startups among youth

New Delhi, Feb 18 Have a business idea, but lack insight to the corporate world? Well, now you can give a push to your career with “MTV Kickstart”, for which youth entertainment channel MTV has joined hands with the government's #StartUpIndia initiative.

With an aim to bridge the gap between ideas and investors, "MTV Kickstart" is a multi-platform initiative which will help turn the entrepreneurial dreams of young India come true. 

After the initial stage and sifting through talent, the initiative will be translated into a reality TV show which will give a platform to the selected young minds to pitch their ideas to investors and win seed funds. 

Viacom18 along with #StartUpIndia, which is an initiative of the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP), on Thursday announced the launch of the annual outreach programs for young entrepreneurs, said a statement. 

Amitabh Kant, secretary, department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP), said: "I'm excited about our association with Viacom18’s MTV for instituting a platform called 'MTV Kickstart'. The multi-platform programme will help us engage with the dynamic youth of India, help them start-up with ease and inspire a new generation to follow their dreams and become successful entrepreneurs.”

Delivered through engaging and interactive content through television, web, mobile and social media, “MTV Kickstart” will work towards educating the youth about the ecosystem of start-ups. It will also educate through personal and informal interactions with start-up kings, investors, and advisory.

The annual property will reach out to young aspiring entrepreneurs through multiple touch-points. The initiative will start with a massive outreach plan that will run through 52 weeks, reaching out to 300 colleges across the country backed by heavy media buzz.

MTV along with #StartUpIndia will also be hosting start-up festivals (two-day events) across tier-I and tier-II cities, to allow youth to have a personal interaction with the top entrepreneurs and investors in the nation.

And then it will hit the small screen as a reality TV show, in which youngsters will fight out for their pie of funds from the investors. 

As a reward, the winners will get seed funding for their idea. A massive award show is also planned during end of this program to recognise and felicitate best entrepreneurs under 30 years from various sectors. 

Sudhanshu Vats, group CEO of Viacom18, said: “We now wish to extend the catalyst role to the start-up space as well by being a part of the journey of young entrepreneurs who dream to create a better tomorrow for India."

"We are delighted to partner with #StartUpIndia to cultivate a culture of innovation within India and help young minds create exciting new ventures that drive India’s growth story.” 

The show is the channel's way of "driving India’s growth story by helping its biggest asset - the youth - to write their own narratives for the Make In India initiative laid down by our government," said Ferzad Palia, head - youth and English entertainment, Viacom18.