New Delhi, December 1, 2023: In the vibrant ecosystem of FIIB, the annual Meraki Business Plan Competition held under the aegis of the Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (CIET) stands as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs. The event, which unfolded on Friday, 1st December 2023, at the FIIB campus, showcased students’ innovative spirit and provided a platform for budding entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into tangible ventures. Spearheaded by Mr Imran Khan, Student Affairs & Lifelong Learning, and Dr. Kokil Jain, Dean of Research, Outreach & Professor, along with Dr. Bhajneet Kaur, Centre Head of CIET, Meraki aimed to foster a supportive environment for technological innovation and business acumen.
Unveiling Entrepreneurial Potential at FIIB
The competition showcased entrepreneurial prowess and addressed societal concerns by introducing the SDG Track, aligning with UNSD 4, 5, 8, and 9. As students pitched their business plans, the coordinators noted areas for improvement, suggesting a more apparent distinction between business plans and pitch decks. Despite the minor challenges, Meraki succeeded in igniting the entrepreneurial spark among students, emphasizing FIIB’s commitment to integrating entrepreneurship with management education.
The success of Meraki was not just a result of the innovative ideas presented but also a testament to the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee. Their meticulous planning and execution ensured a seamless event that provided a valuable learning experience for participants. As Meraki continues to evolve, its impact on the entrepreneurial landscape at FIIB remains profound, contributing to the institution’s mission of nurturing and empowering the next generation of business leaders. The convergence of diverse talents, insightful judges, and passionate participants made Meraki not just a competition but a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Judges of Excellence: Enriching Meraki with Diverse Expertise
Under the theme of an International Business Plan Competition, Meraki attracted a diverse pool of national and international participants. The selection process witnessed the convergence of renowned judges, each contributing a unique perspective to the evaluation process. Hetal Sonpal, an accomplished business leader and startup evangelist; Gajanan Vasant Joshi, a seasoned expert in solar power projects; Mallikarjuna Iytha, IDEA director and a social entrepreneur driving sustainable development; Ashish Jain, a venture capital veteran; Puru Vashistha, a prolific angel investor, and Vinay Mittal, a strategy and investment advisor, formed a stellar jury panel. Their collective expertise combined insights from various sectors, enriching the evaluation process.
Champions of Innovation: Celebrating Meraki 2023 Winners
Amidst intense competition, the outstanding winners of Meraki 2023 emerged as true champions of innovation:
General Track:
1st Place: Ksham Innovation – Government College of Engineering, Amravati
2nd Place: Stimlite – Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), Delhi
3rd Place: Svar – Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
SDG Track:
Winner: Scholars – BNM Institute of Technology (BNMIT), Bangalore
Congratulations to these exceptional teams for redefining innovation and proving that the future is in capable hands. Held annually at FIIB, the Meraki Business Plan Competition offers substantial prize money to recognize and reward the entrepreneurial endeavors of participating teams, underscoring FIIB’s commitment to fostering the next generation of business leaders. In the General Track, the winners stand a chance to secure a significant financial boost: Rs. 1,50,000 for the 1st Prize, Rs. 1,00,000 for the 2nd Prize, and Rs. 50,000 for the 3rd Prize, and a prize of Rs. 1,50,000 for the SDG track.
About CIET:
Among the interdisciplinary themes of the Fortune Institute of International Business are Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology. Collaboration for thought leadership and collaborative industry engagement are its visions for cutting-edge research, innovative teaching, and understanding of global economies and quality of life. In addition to organizing, developing, and commercializing technology-based innovations in existing firms, technical entrepreneurship also encompasses establishing, developing, and growing technology-based businesses.
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