The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MARCH 20, 2025
A transformative Faculty Development Program (FDP) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship has been successfully held at Electropreneur Park (EP) Bhubaneswar, an ESDM Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE) under STPI Bhubaneswar. The five-day program, organized by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), aimed to empower faculty members from academic institutions across the region with the skills and knowledge required to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in their respective institutions.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. Amiya Kumar Rath, Vice Chancellor of Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT), who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Also in attendance were esteemed guests, including Ravi Manie, Group General Manager and Senior Technical Advisor to the CMD of NALCO; Deboo Patnaik, Member of Bhubaneswar Angel and former President of TiE Bhubaneswar; and Dr. Abhishek Gautam, Founder of Ambula Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
In his keynote address, Prof. Amiya Kumar Rath underscored the increasing importance of entrepreneurial education in technical institutions. He urged the faculty members to nurture innovation and act as mentors to guide students toward becoming successful entrepreneurs. “The role of faculty is critical in shaping the entrepreneurial mindset of students, who are the future drivers of economic growth,” he said.
Surya Kumar Pattanayak, Director of STPI-Bhubaneswar, welcomed the participants and emphasized the need for universities to evolve into hubs of innovation. He encouraged faculty to support students in becoming job creators, aligning with India’s vision for self-reliance and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Ravi Manie, in his address, highlighted the significance of bridging the gap between industry and academia. He stressed the need for faculty to cultivate a problem-solving mindset among students, which is essential for tackling real-world challenges. His message was clear: “Faculty should guide students not just to innovate, but to create practical solutions that address pressing societal issues.”
Deboo Patnaik provided valuable insights into Odisha’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, elaborating on the available funding opportunities and financial support mechanisms for scaling up businesses. His session helped participants better understand how they can connect students to the financial resources necessary to transform ideas into successful ventures.
Dr. Abhishek Gautam, sharing his personal entrepreneurial journey, discussed the challenges faced by startups. He encouraged the faculty to instill resilience, confidence, and a sense of mentorship in their students, helping them overcome the fear of failure and learn from setbacks. “The journey of entrepreneurship is not easy, but with the right guidance and support, students can transform challenges into stepping stones toward success,” he added.
The FDP saw active participation from around 50 faculty members representing universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) from across the region. Over the course of the program, participants gained deeper insights into entrepreneurship and innovation, enhancing their abilities to mentor students effectively. The program also provided valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders, startup founders, and investors, further strengthening the ties between academia and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This initiative marks a significant step in shaping a robust startup ecosystem where academia, industry, and entrepreneurs collaborate to drive innovation and economic growth. It aims to transform university and institutional campuses into vibrant breeding grounds for innovation and entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to the broader vision of a self-reliant India.
