The event was organized by Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), an incubator at IIMA since 2001. On the occasion, IIM-A alumni who have built successful businesses like Sanjeev Bikchandani, Founder, Naukri.com; Deep Kalra, Founder, Makemytrip.com; Shantanu Prakash, Founder, Educomp spoke on entrepreneurship journey and challenges.
The event was inaugurated by Prof S K Barua, Director IIM, Ahmedabad on June 29, 2008 at the Ravi J Matthai Centre for Education Innovation (RJMCEI) Auditorium at IIMA.
Prof Samir Barua, Director IIM Ahmedabad, on the occasion of the event being the first of its kind at the Institute says, "The Entrepreneurs' Meet showcases the achievements of IIMA alumni who took the path less travelled and became successful entrepreneurs, thereby contributing significantly not only to the economic growth but also social development of the nation". Speaking on the meet, Professor Rakesh Basant, Chairperson, CIIE says, "We hope that this event will help build a strong and vibrant network for facilitating enterprise creation by IIMA alumni as well as by others, especially those associated with the Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE)".
A book on entrepreneurial endeavours of IIM-A Alumni "Stay Hungry Stay Foolish" was also launched on the occasion. The book authored by Rashmi Bansal, an IIM-A Alumnus is a CIIE Initiative and is supported by the Wadhwani foundation. The book profiles 25 entrepreneurs from the Institute who have done India proud. The book talks about the struggles these entrepreneurs faced and the fame they achieved through their enterprise.
The meet held panel discussions on The Entrepreneurial Life Cycle, Fostering Innovation based Entrepreneurship in India and building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for IIMA Entrepreneurs. The panel members will include some of the faculty at IIMA and the IIMA Entrepreneurs. The meet is an effort to create an overall ecosystem in the country.
The Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship was established in 2001. The Centre aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship development through research, incubation, consultancy and training in hi-tech and mass impact technologies to enhance welfare and competitiveness of the Indian economy. CIIE offers incubation support to outstanding high-tech and mass impact innovations. The incubation suite provided by CIIE to its incubates includes infrastructure and networking support apart from dedicated mentoring from experts. Entrepreneurship development through research, incubation, consultancy and training in hi-tech and mass impact technologies to enhance welfare and competitiveness of the Indian economy.
