National Conference on Start-ups in India: Challenges, Issues, and Opportunities

The inaugural function took off with seeking the blessings of almighty by Ms. Sushmitha, Final MBA student. Later Mr. Suresh Shenoy, Asst. Professor read the security statements. He briefed the audience regarding the security measures taken by the institute for their safety presence in the auditorium.

Dr. Molly S Chaudhuri welcomed the dignitaries and briefed about the conference. Talking about the conference purpose she said that, India is the third-largest ecosystem for startups globally and has given birth to some of the world’s most impressive unicorns Management Institutions usually have a strong impact on new business growth and development. The institutions should enable startups with a stable business model to become a permanent organization.

The chief guest inaugurated the conference by releasing the conference proceedings in the form of an e-book consisting of the conference papers. The book titled on the conference theme ‘Startups in India: Challenges, Issues and Opportunities’ was edited by Dr. Molly S Chaudhuri and others. The book has 35 research articles representing the various sub-themes of the conference. The book bears ISBN-978-93-5396-791-8.

After the release of the book, the chief guest, Dr. V Ravindrachary delivered the inaugural address. Shri V Leeladhar Former deputy governor, RBI delivered the keynote address on ‘Startups in India.’ 

Keynote address was followed by the vote of thanks. Mrs.Usha Mogra, Asst.Professor thanked the chief guest, other dignitaries on and off the dais, delegates and other distinguished guests.

Mrs. Nanditha Sunil, Asst.Professor compered the inaugural ceremony. After the inaugural ceremony, the conference proceeded to technical sessions.

The first technical session (10.45-11.45) was conducted by Mr. Bobby Pauly, Partner– Tata Opportunities Fund. Mrs. Reema, Asst.Professor introduced the speaker to the delegates. Mr. Bobby took the session on ‘Role of Private Equity in Promoting Start-ups’. How to become an entrepreneur, what do we need to become an entrepreneur, role of venture capital in initiating a business were some of the aspects are discussed and he enthralled the student community by quoting some successful stories of business people. Mr. Pauly also answered the queries of the audience. Mrs. Reema thanked the speaker and the audience.

The second technical session (12.00-1.00) was handled by Dr. Madanmohan Rao, Research director at YourStory Media. Mrs. Divya Shetty, Asst.Professor introduced the speaker to the audience.

Dr. Madanmohan Rao engaged the session on the theme ‘From Jugaad to Frugal Constraint-Based Innovation. He said that like Jugaad we should have a flexible approach to solve problems, and be innovative in our doings and it is mandatory for an entrepreneur. He discussed juggads in four different actions. The session was highly informative and was highly appreciated by the audience. Questions asked by the audience were also attended by the speaker. After the question-answer session Mrs. Divya Shetty thanked the speaker and the audience. After the 2nd technical session the conference was deferred for the luncheon.

Paper presentation by delegates in the parallel session was commenced from 1.45-2.45.  35 Research papers were presented both by academicians and students. Dr. Praveen, Associate professor Besant Women’s College, Mangaluru and Dr. Nayana, Associate professor, GFGC Balmatta were the chairpersons and Mrs. Rashmi H, Asst. Professor, GFGC, Belthangady and Mr. Suresh Shenoy, Asst. Professor, MSNM Besant were the rapporteurs for the paper presentation session.

The third technical session was started at 2.55-3.55. This session was conducted in Virtual form. The theme was Role of incubation centres in promoting Start-ups. The speaker for this session was Mr. Gaurang Shetty, Chief Innovation Catalyst Research | Innovation | Incubation | Design | Lab (riidl ).  Mrs. Nanditha Sunil, Asst. Professor had led the virtual session.  Mr. Gaurang Shetty spoke on how to incubate an idea, an idea may be good or bad, don’t wait till it perfect, create things which people need, build a founding team, how to find investors and mentors and so on. It was an interactive session and the audience clarified their doubts about the incubation centers.   After the question-answer session, Mrs. Nanditha thanked the speaker and the audience.

After this session the conference proceeded to Panel Discussion, Mrs. Ridhvika Shetty, Asst. Professor introduced the moderator and the panel members to the gathering. Dr. Madan Mohan Rao was the moderator for the session.  Ms.Tanuja Maben, Founder of For-rader Academy, Ms.Prachetha Shetty, Director and COO of Thacher Farm tech Pvt Ltd, and  Mr. Prajwal M, Community manager in IKP Knowledge park participated as panel members. The panel discussed how an idea can be developed into a business, they shared their experience while answering the questions of the moderator.

Completion of the panel discussion led the conference to its last event; that is nothing but Valedictory Function.4.30-5.00 p.m. The Valedictory ceremony started with the presentation of clippings of the conference events that have been witnessed since morning. Mrs.Ashalatha, Asst. Professor and one of the conveners of the conference welcomed the chief guest and the other dignitaries on the dais and off the dais. Mr. K Devanda Pai, Secretary, WNES was the chief guest for the occasion. 

After the introduction of the chief guest, Mr. Ravisha B, Asst. Professor and the convener of the conference delivered the general Rapporteur Report. He narrated the events of the conference from its inaugural ceremony to valedictory. 

The general rapporteur report was followed by the valedictory address by the chief guest. Mr. K Devananda Pai in his valedictory speech said that the government of India is providing ample facilities for the growth of Start-ups and the present youth should utilize these facilities and develop into job creators rather than job seekers. He congratulated the organizers of the conference for holding the conference on such a theme. Dr. Vishnu Prasanna KN, Dean delivered the Vote of Thanks. The ceremony and the conference came to an end to the tune of the national anthem.

Mrs. Nanditha Sunil, Asst. Professor compered the valedictory ceremony.

Conference certificates and the conference proceedings were distributed to the delegates.