Ludhiana 23 January 2026-Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST) with support of Government of Punjab launched SHE 4.0 at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana in collaboration with the Vety & Livestock Innovation & Incubation Foundation (VLIIF). Dr. R. S. Sethi, Dean, College of Animal Biotechnology and Project Director, VLIIF, informed that SHE (Startup Handholding and Empowerment for Women Entrepreneurs) is a flagship programme of PSCST aimed at empowering aspiring and existing women entrepreneurs through structured handholding, mentorship, and access to funding and incubation support. He elaborated on the vision, objectives, and achievements of VLIIF under the DST–NIDHI framework, highlighting its role in nurturing technology-driven startups, particularly in the livestock, dairy, and allied sectors.

SHE 4.0 was launched by Dr JPS Gill, Vice Chancellor in the presence of Er. Pritpal Singh, ED, PSCST, Dr. Dapinder Bakshi, JD, PSCST, Dr R S Sethi, Project Director, VLIIF, Dr R S Garewal, Director Extension Education, Dr Suresh Sharma, Registrar, Dr SK Uppal, Dean, PGS, Dr VK Dumka, Comptroller, Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean, College of Fisheries, and Dr Varinder Uppal, Director, HRM along with Senior Officials, academicians, women innovators and students.

While launching SHE 4.0, Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice Chancellor, emphasized the pivotal role of academic institutions in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. He stressed that universities must act as hubs for innovation by identifying real-world problems, especially in the livestock sector, and enabling startups to develop practical, scalable solutions through research, mentorship, and industry linkages.

Er. Pritpal Singh, ED, PSCST, highlighted the various state-level support mechanisms available for startups and shared examples of entrepreneurs who have benefitted from these schemes. He underscored the importance of integrating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem within academic institutions. Dr. Dapinder Bakshi, JD, PSCST, discussed existing gaps and emerging opportunities for startups and explained the modalities through which women entrepreneurs can avail benefits under the SHE initiative. She further informed that SHE Scheme is open for applications and potential startup’s can apply by first week of February by visiting PSCST’s website.

Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean, College of Fisheries, emphasized the need to nurture women entrepreneurs across all sectors. A special session on women entrepreneurship was delivered by Mr. Shibananda Dash, Director, MBCIE and CEO, Ludhiana Angels Network, who shared insights on startup scaling and investment readiness.

The workshop also featured inspiring success stories from VLIIF-incubated startup Ms. Pooja Sharma, Co-founder, Agristar Animal Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Ms. Aditi Dwivedi, Founder, Nappad Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and Brand Ambassador of SHE. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of various colleges of Vet varsity, as well as nearby schools and colleges. Dr. Varinder Uppal, Director HRM, proposed the vote of thanks, followed by a visit to the exhibition stalls.