The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department’s Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute, Tamil Nadu (EDII-TN) conducted a top-level management ‘Nimirndhu Nil’ for higher education centres at Annammal College of Education for Women, here on Wednesday.

The EDII-TN has been implementing several projects for entrepreneurs and students in the State. Accordingly the programme was organised for heads of higher educational institutions in Thoothukudi.

Addressing the inaugural event, Thoothukudi District Collector Vishu Mahajan highlighted the opportunities available to set up start-up companies, stating colleges usually give higher priority to interviews and employment through placement cells, however, colleges must also be given equal preferences to Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC).

He added that students must be encouraged to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills to shape the future. “Schools and colleges must guide students towards innovation from the foundational stage,” he said.

The event also featured technical sessions by M. Siva Barathi, District Programme Manager/Master Trainer, EDII-TN, Tirunelveli and S.T. Suvaitharan, District Programme Manager/Master Trainer, EDII-TN, Thoothukudi.

During the programme, participants were explained with EDII-TN’s projects, including the ‘Nimirndhu Nil’ programme which is implemented among students to enhance their innovative, entrepreneurial skills, and participation of educational institutions. It was also explained that the college can sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EDII-TN to engage in more creative activities in the district.