Media Release
Mangaluru, May 23: The Department of Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management (YIASCM), Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, successfully inaugurated its entrepreneurship cell (E-Cell) on May 22. The event, held at the YMK Auditorium of the Kulur Campus, marked a significant step towards fostering entrepreneurial thinking and startup culture among the student community.
The programme commenced with a solemn opening session led by Sahana M, assistant professor, who served as the master of ceremonies. The session began with a prayer and scripture recitation by Ansar Ali, a first-year MBA student, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries on the dais, symbolizing the beginning of a new journey.
Saloni Rafeek, lecturer, Department of MBA, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the event and expressing gratitude to the esteemed guests. Akash S Savalasang, associate professor, provided an introductory note to the E-Cell, outlining its objectives, planned activities, and vision to support student-led ventures.
Prof Niyaz Panakaje, coordinator of the Yenepoya Research Centre for Finance and Entrepreneurship Development (YEN-REFINED) and the MBA programme, emphasized the Institute's commitment to supporting student startups through mentorship and guidance. He highlighted the collaboration with YUHUB, TAPMI Innovation and Entrepreneurship Cell, and Yenepoya Incubators to build a robust support system that nurtures student innovation and aligns with evolving corporate expectations.
The chief guest, Dr Iswar Haridas, associate professor and head of the TA Pai Center for sustainability and competitiveness at TAPMI, MAHE Manipal, delivered an insightful address on the role of sustainability in entrepreneurship, the importance of competitive ecosystems, and the transformative potential of student-led startups.
Asim Syed Sheeraz, CEO of Yenepoya Technology incubator, served as the guest of honour and shared valuable perspectives on the incubation process and how students can leverage institutional support to grow their ideas into viable businesses.
Prof Jeevan Raj, principal (in-charge), delivered the presidential address, appreciating the initiative for creating opportunities, strengthening academic aspects, and establishing a strong support system for student entrepreneurs.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof Vinayraj R and a group photo of the dignitaries and attendees.
The event featured two expert talks:
Session 1: "From campus to unicorn: Empowering youth to build scalable startups" by Dr Iswar Haridas, which discussed the entrepreneurial mindset, journey from ideation to execution, and real-world case studies of successful unicorns.
Session 2: "Startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship" by Pooja Acharya, founder of Digitallence, Mangalore, which covered essential topics such as digital business models, branding, funding strategies, and overcoming startup challenges.
Both sessions saw lively interactions and enthusiastic participation from the audience, reflecting the students' curiosity and interest in entrepreneurship.
The entrepreneurship cell was officially launched with a clear mission to support students in transforming ideas into impactful ventures through workshops, mentorship, and incubation.
The event concluded with encouraging feedback from students and faculty, highlighting a strong desire to engage with the E-Cell's upcoming initiatives. With over 150 students and faculty members in attendance, the inauguration marked a significant milestone in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation at YIASCM