Kolkata, Sep 28 (IANS): Registration for a business reality television show to be hosted by former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly began here on Monday. The show aims to promote start-ups and nurture entrepreneurial talent.

A brain child of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the 'Egiye Bangla' show is a collaborative effort of the state government's Micro Small and Medium Enterprises and Textile Department and the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park.

Banerjee, earlier in the month, announced about the show which will "identify, recognize and reward aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs having unique innovative start up ideas across all sectors".

The registration for the show can be done through the official website http://egiyebangla.in/

"Through this TV show, the state desires to seek entrepreneurs with bright ideas, who, with little help and recognition, may become successful entrepreneurs, creating wealth and employment opportunities within the state of West Bengal," the website said about the programme.

According to the website, the contest will follow a "rigorous multi-stage process" to identify promising entrepreneurs where an "eminent jury" would evaluate business plans presented by the contestants, on the basis of "pre-defined criteria".

In order to participate, the candidates must have their principal business unit in West Bengal or should propose to set up their principal business unit in the state.

The business plan or the early stage venture should not be an extension of the applicant's family business or backward/forward integration with any existing business. It should also not belong to following industries - alcohol, tobacco, gambling, firearms and explosives.

The last date for registration for the show is October 21.