ISB to train grassroots entrepreneurs with no degrees
The Indian School of Business (ISB) has launched a programme for upcoming and promising entrepreneurs, called I-Venture Immersive (ivi) to be run by its entrepreneurship arm, I-Venture@ISB
The programme encourages keen innovators from across the country to pursue their passion with or without any formal educational qualification beyond Class 12.
BEYOND DEGREES
“In India’s vibrant start-up ecosystem, where talent often surpasses formal education, the inclusive approach of ivi holds significant importance in fostering innovation and driving economic growth. By embracing individuals without college degrees, ivi ensures that every potential entrepreneur has the opportunity to thrive, thus contributing to a dynamic and inclusive future for Indian entrepreneurship,” Professor Bhagwan Chowdhry, Faculty Director, I-Venture@ISB told businessline.
The first round of admission for ‘ivi’ is now underway, for the founding cohort starting in October. The six-month immersive experience – billed as ‘more than an incubator, more than a school’ – will be conducted full-time on the Hyderabad campus of ISB. Designed to provide budding entrepreneurs with transformative support, ‘ivi’ will also provide funding support for promising cohort members to bring their innovative ideas to life. The programme is designed to cater to a diverse group of aspiring innovators, including recent graduates eager to launch disruptive start-ups; tech professionals seeking to infuse entrepreneurial thinking into their careers; and next-generation family business owners who are eager to launch ventures beyond their legacies.
It will also welcome women entrepreneurs navigating unique challenges in the competitive market and armed forces veterans looking to apply their leadership skills to entrepreneurial pursuits.
SELECTION PROCESS
“Our pursuit is to empower individuals from all walks of life to follow their entrepreneurial aspirations, and we are focused beyond the usual big cities, with an inclusive focus on all tiers and towns,” Chowdhry said. The application and selection process will involve the candidate uploading videos explaining their motivations – a method of selection that is not bound to grades and marks.
In its delivery, the ‘ivi’ programme emphasises problemsolving through innovative methods, including AI, machine learning, and data analysis. Additionally, students will acquire proficiency in accounting skills.
The marketing segment will focus on branding, customer-centricity, and go-tomarket strategies. Further, the ‘ivi’ curriculum will pivot towards Lean Startup entrepreneurship and Design Thinking principles. Finance fundamentals for personal and corporate finance, negotiation enhancement, and supply chain management, are among the other subjects covered, using an immersive experience and hands-on training methods.