Date: 27^th  – 31^st January 2025
Venue: Seminar Hall, GSSS Technology Business Incubator Foundation (GSSSTBIF), GSSSIETW Campus, Mysuru
Participants: 39 faculty members from 8 Engineering & Management Institutions in Mysuru
Knowledge Partner: Wadhwani Foundation (NEN Initiative)
Supported by: Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the DST NIDHI Scheme

Introduction

GSSS Technology Business Incubator Foundation (GSSSTBIF), in collaboration with Wadhwani Foundation, successfully conducted a five-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) on “Innovation & Entrepreneurship Skilling for HEI Faculty.” Supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the DST NIDHI Scheme, this initiative aimed to equip faculty members with essential knowledge and skills to drive entrepreneurship in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

The program focused on building an entrepreneurial mindset, mentoring student startups, and integrating innovation into academic curricula, empowering faculty members to become catalysts for entrepreneurship and startup incubation.

Objectives of the FDP

 To introduce faculty members to innovation-driven entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems.
 To provide hands-on training on design thinking, business model development, and startup mentoring.
 To equip faculty with the skills to guide students in startup ideation, incubation, and commercialization.
 To integrate entrepreneurship education into technical and management curricula.

Inauguration Ceremony

The FDP was inaugurated on 27th January 2025 with the presence of distinguished dignitaries:

 Invocation: Dr. S. Padmashree, PI, DST-ITBI-GSSSTBIF
 Welcome Address: Dr. Raviraj P, Co-PI, DST-ITBI-GSSSTBIF
 Floral Tribute: Honoring Late Prof. B.S. Pandit & Late Hon. Founder Secretary Smt. Vanaja B. Pandit
 Overview of the FDP: Dr. Hrishikesh A, CEO, DST-ITBI-GSSSTBIF
 Guest Introduction: Mr. Sanjay Pande SR, Incubation Associate, DST-iTBI-GSSSTBIF
 Chief Guest Address: Mr. Gopakumar V, Resource Person, Wadhwani Foundation
 Presidential Remarks: Dr. M. Shivakumar, Chairman, Governing Body, DST-ITBI-GSSSTBIF
 Vote of Thanks: Dr. Sushma S.J, Co-PI, DST-ITBI-GSSSTBIF
 Master of Ceremony: Mr. Vivek Bharadwaj G, Incubation Manager, DST-ITBI-GSSSTBIF

Program Structure & Key Sessions

The five-day FDP covered various aspects of entrepreneurship education, featuring expert talks, interactive workshops, and case studies.

 Day 1: Understanding Innovation & Entrepreneurship

 Introduction to Innovation & Entrepreneurship in HEIs
 Case studies of successful academic startups
 Role of faculty in startup mentoring

 Day 2: Ideation & Design Thinking

 Creative thinking & problem-solving techniques
 Design Thinking Approach for startups
 Hands-on workshop on idea validation

 Day 3: Business Model Development & Financial Planning

 Business Model Canvas (BMC) application
 Financial planning for startups
 Funding opportunities for entrepreneurs

 Day 4: Incubation, Scaling & Industry Collaboration

 Role of incubators & accelerators in HEIs
 Industry-academia collaboration for startup growth
 Patent filing & IPR protection

 Day 5: Pitching & Mentoring Techniques

 Evaluating student startup ideas
 Effective pitching techniques for entrepreneurs
 Faculty’s role in startup ecosystem development

Participation & Engagement

 The FDP saw active participation from 39 faculty members representing 8 engineering and management institutions across Mysuru.
 The interactive sessions included group activities, hands-on exercises, and industry networking opportunities.
 Faculty members collaborated with industry experts to explore practical strategies for mentoring students and fostering innovation.

Key Takeaways & Impact

 Faculty members gained practical insights into mentoring student startups.
 Strengthened understanding of entrepreneurship ecosystems and incubation processes.
 Enhanced collaboration between academia, industry, and startup enablers.
 Actionable strategies for integrating entrepreneurship education into curricula.

Feedback & Testimonials

 “The FDP provided a structured approach to integrating entrepreneurship into academics.”
 “The interactive workshops were highly insightful and engaging.”
 “A must-attend program for faculty aiming to mentor student startups.”

Valedictory & Conclusion

 The FDP concluded on 31st January 2025 with a valedictory session. Certificates were awarded to all participants, and Dr. M. Shivakumar, Chairman, Governing Body, DST-ITBI-GSSSTBIF, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the role of faculty in shaping future entrepreneurs.

Acknowledgments

GSSSTBIF extends its sincere gratitude to:
 Wadhwani Foundation (NEN Initiative) for their invaluable knowledge partnership.
 Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the DST NIDHI Scheme for their continued support.
 All faculty participants, industry experts, and resource persons for making this program a grand success.