Envision Cell of IIM Bodhgaya organized its annual flagship event, the Youth Entrepreneurship Summit, in collaboration with Start-Up Bihar, NABARD

The Envision Cell of IIM Bodhgaya organized its annual flagship event, the Youth Entrepreneurship Summit, in collaboration with Start-Up Bihar (Department of Industries, Govt of Bihar) and NABARD on the 4th and 5th of March. The event aimed to encourage entrepreneurship among the youth and provide a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Socio-Tech.’
Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya, inaugurated the summit and encouraged the students to become job providers rather than job seekers. She emphasized that, “Problems are nothing but possibilities.” She elaborated on the nascent, aspiring India taking shape in Bihar in her speech. She highlighted the efforts of the Bihar Government in creating a conducive environment for startups to flourish. She praised the youth of India and emphasized that the future belongs to them.
Shri. Sandeep Poundrik, The Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, also shared his support for the event with a short video message indicating the need to nurture job creators in the state.
This was followed by the keynote speech delivered by Ms. Radhika Bajoria. She rose on LinkedIn to become one of the Top 25 most influential women leaders in Mumbai in 2021 and profoundly impacted the audience with her delivery. She highlighted the importance of self-convictions, reiterating, “Have self belief, and you can achieve anything.”
Mr. Amitesh Prakash, CIO of Karekeba Ventures, and Mr. Pratik Deo, Serial Entrepreneur and Startup mentor, both experts in entrepreneurship and investment, participated in the Mentogram workshop of YES and imparted their invaluable insights on startups and entrepreneurship. Mr. Pratik advised the students to stop comparing themselves with others, allowing them to be free. He also advised them, “Plan for the best, prepare for the worst.” Mr. Amitesh acknowledged the importance of investors by saying, “Society has greatly benefited from the dexterity and generosity of the angel investors.”
On the second day of the summit, Mr. Sunil Kumar, the Chief General Manager, Bihar Regional Office of the NABARD, graced the event with his presence. He said, “A vibrant ecosystem has been created in Bihar for start-ups to grow and function. There is an increasing improvement in the number of entrepreneurs in the state. IIM Bodh Gaya will play an active role in helping budding entrepreneurs achieve great success.”
Following this, Dr. Sahay inaugurated the campus startups – “Can on wheels” and “Drinks Exchange” on the campus of IIM Bodh Gaya. The committee also organized a panel discussion on the theme – “Socio Tech.” Mr. Rakesh Sinha, Founder & CEO of Quintes Global Private Limited, and Mr. Dharshana Ramachandran, ACDA one of the 40 global workforce game-changers under 40, inspired and motivated the young entrepreneurs and shared their valuable insights.
The summit hosted multiple business competitions with a total prize money of Rs 2.2 lacs. The competitions included business plan presentations, elevator pitch competitions, and case study analyses. The winners were awarded cash prizes in recognition for their innovative ideas.
The two days’ Entrepreneurship Summit ended on a grand note with a ‘Fun Fiesta’ comprising student stalls and a music evening hosted by the E- Cell. The entire summit was organized under the guidance of Dr. Srividya Raghavan, Associate Professor and Chairperson of Envision Cell of IIM Bodh Gaya. The students actively participated in the summit and learned about the dynamic startup ecosystem.