As part of National Startup Week celebrations from January 10–16, 2025, CIED-IUST Foundation organized a one-day Entrepreneurship Development Program for IUST interns, presided over by Prof. Parvez A. Mir, CEO of CIED-IUST Foundation. Approximately 60 interns participated in the event. During the program, Prof. Parvez engaged with the interns and emphasized the importance of setting actionable goals. He highlighted the critical role of skill development in today’s world, explaining that a strong skill set is essential for fostering innovation, solving problems, and driving business growth. He also pointed out that starting a business early offers significant benefits, helping entrepreneurs establish a solid foundation for long-term success. Mr. Syed A. Basit Andrabi, CEO of DST i-TBI, also interacted with the participants, stressing the importance of understanding the dynamic startup ecosystem. He discussed several initiatives and schemes launched by CIED, such as SIDBI’s STEM program, SISFS, and DST NIDHI, which play a crucial role in supporting and nurturing early-stage startups. He also mentioned the various skill programs CIED is planning for the future. The main aim of celebrating National Startup Week is to recognize and promote the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation. The event served as a platform to highlight the contributions of startups and encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to embark on their own business ventures.