Page 6 - IIM(V)Issue Final (1)

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND WEBINARS

WORKSHOP ON WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND PROSPECTIVE

GROWTH STRATEGIES

24 AUGUST

The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam, in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Innovation
Society (APIS) under the AP government’s Department of ITE&C, organized a successful workshop on
Women Entrepreneurship and Growth Strategies. The event was held on the IIMV Andhra University Campus
as part of a project by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and the Ministry of Education,

Government of India, focusing on crucial aspects of growth strategy, competency development, and issues
relevant to women’s entrepreneurship.

The chief guest, Shri Tentu Anil Kumar, CEO of APIS, Andhra Pradesh, spoke to the entrepreneurs and
emphasized APIS’s pivotal position in encouraging entrepreneurial endeavors among women. He discussed
the important role women played in the Chandrayaan-3 mission and emphasized the global shift toward
individual entrepreneurship. He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the AP government to nurturing
the entrepreneurial ecosystem and unveiled the AP Startup One Portal. This platform intends to facilitate

access for incubators and research laboratories, thereby fostering excellence in entrepreneurial endeavors.

In addition, he elucidated pioneering cybersecurity and logistics innovation initiatives facilitated by academic
and government sector partnerships. These initiatives seek to promote innovative technologies such as
artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and advanced transportation systems. He emphasized the partnerships
with government agencies and private companies, a collective effort aimed at fostering the growth of
entrepreneurs for the advancement of multiple industries as a whole.

Ms. Lavanya Chimata, Joint Director (Administration and Infrastructure) at APIS, Andhra Pradesh, provided
an overview of the APIS services offered to entrepreneurs in four locations across the state. Among these
are subsidized incubation spaces, product prototyping, market access, mentoring, seed funding, and legal
assistance. Her speech highlighted APIS’s dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation.

Prof. M.V. Anuradha, Dean (Adminstration), expressed gratitude to the determined women entrepreneurs

who are striving for development despite challenging societal conditions. She elaborated on IIMV’s role in
fostering entrepreneurial expertise through its IIMV FIELD incubation and startup center, highlighting its
commitment to fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation for students and
women entrepreneurs.

In addition, the Program Manager of IIMV FIELD, provided an overview of IIMV’s incubation center, highlighting

and promoting diverse ventures, such as those led by women, social enterprises, students, and those in
emerging tech sectors such as EdTech and FinTech.

During the workshop, Prof. Sushil Kumar (Chair - Entrepreneurship) discussed the difficulties that female
entrepreneurs frequently face in balancing business responsibilities with domestic and family responsibilities.
In spite of these obstacles, he acknowledged the remarkable tenacity and creativity of women entrepreneurs

in India, who are a driving force for change in a variety of sectors.

3 VOL.4/ ISSUE 3, MAY - AUGUST 2023