The Entrepreneurship Development Cell of Poornaprajna Institute of Management, in collaboration with the Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, successfully hosted a workshop titled “Vision to Venture: Understanding the Startup Ecosystem” on October 29, 2024, at Prajna Hall. This initiative aimed to inspire MBA students to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path. The distinguished speakers for the event included Mr. Prabhakara Nayak, President of the Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr. Vijayendra Rao, Secretary of the Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr. A. P. Achar, CEO of AIC, Nitte; Mr. Nataraja Prabhu, Managing Partner at Shreya Printers, Udupi; Mr. Avinash Poojary, Managing Partner,Indian Kitchen, Manipal.
The event began with an inspirational song by MBA students Mr. Himal, Mr. Anush, Mr. Sujan, Mr. Aditya, and Mr. Abhishek, setting a positive tone for the day. Ms. Shreeraksha warmly welcomed the gathering, while Ms. Ambika, Ms. Suraksha Devadiga, and Ms. Deekshitha introduced the speakers. Ms. Shrinidhi Rao delivered the vote of thanks, and Ms. Divya Shenoy skilfully served as the program’s master of ceremonies. Ms. Medha Prabhu and Mr. Himal were the overall student coordinators of the program. Dr. Bharathi Karanth, Associate Professor at PIM, was the staff in charge of the program.
The workshop featured three sessions: an insightful lecture on the evolving startup ecosystem, a panel discussion with industry experts, and an interactive Q&A session with students. The speakers shared inspiring stories of perseverance, dedication, and resilience, drawing from their journeys as successful entrepreneurs. They discussed the initial setbacks they encountered and the strategies that helped them overcome various challenges.
In the opening session, “Evolving Ecosystem for Startups,” Dr. Vijayendra Rao introduced the workshop’s objectives, emphasizing the commitment of the Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among Udupi’s youth. He highlighted the Chamber’s role in guiding and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs through market research and customer engagement. Dr. A.P. Achar further elaborated on the government’s entrepreneurship support initiatives, showcasing the vital role of incubation centers in providing resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities, with successful case studies from AIC Nitte.
  
  
The second session featured a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Vijayendra Rao, where the esteemed panellists engaged in an interactive dialogue with the audience on essential topics such as:
- Navigating the complexities of startup funding
- The critical role of networking and mentorship
- Leveraging digital platforms for business growth
- Strategies for sustaining competitive advantage in challenging markets
In his address, Mr. Prabhakara Nayak shared essential strategies for winning in the marketplace, touching on both personal and professional experiences. He provided practical insights, recounting instances where he encountered significant challenges and emphasizing the importance of promptness and hard work in overcoming them. His message to students was clear: there is no shortcut to entrepreneurial success. Achieving one’s business goals requires complete dedication and a genuine passion for the work at hand. He encouraged students to cultivate a love for what they do, making the journey of entrepreneurship not only fulfilling but a source of deep personal satisfaction. Mr. Nayak also assured students that UCCI is committed to offering all necessary support mechanisms for those embarking on entrepreneurial paths.
Dr. Sreeramana Aithal, Director of Poornaprajna Institute of Management, emphasized that entrepreneurship is not merely a career choice but a mindset and a deeply rooted attitude. He highlighted that successful entrepreneurship requires unwavering commitment and a readiness to immerse oneself fully in one’s vision and goals. Dr. Aithal encouraged students to cultivate resilience and adaptability, noting that entrepreneurship often involves navigating challenges and setbacks. He stressed that achieving entrepreneurial success demands focus, discipline, and continuous self-improvement. Ultimately, Dr. Aithal conveyed that an entrepreneurial journey is both rewarding and transformative for those willing to invest their time and passion into it.
  
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students posed questions about idea generation, work-life balance, managing competition, handling customer grievances, and seeing negative feedback as an opportunity for growth. Director of Poornaprajna Institute of Management, Dr. Sreeramana Aithal, encouraged students to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and invest their time and energy into achieving their goals.
The “Vision to Venture” workshop was a resounding success, nurturing a spirit of entrepreneurship among the participants. The Entrepreneurship Cell at Poornaprajna Institute of Management expresses its sincere gratitude to all speakers and attendees for making this event both memorable and impactful. The insights shared by industry leaders provided students with a deeper understanding of the startup ecosystem, motivating them to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations with renewed Vigor. Dr. Vinay Prabhu, Emiratus Professor of PIM and teaching and non-teaching staff attended this program along with 106 students of 1st Year MBA.
