Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs: IIM Visakhapatnam & APIS Host Workshop on Growth Strategies
The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society (APIS) under the Department of ITE&C, AP government, successfully organized an insightful workshop on Women Entrepreneurship and Prospective Growth Strategies. The event was conducted at IIMV Andhra University Campus as part of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India project, focusing on vital aspects of growth strategy, competency building, and concerns pertinent to women's entrepreneurship.
The chief guest, Shri Tentu Anil Kumar, CEO of APIS, Andhra Pradesh, addressed the entrepreneurs and highlighted APIS's pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurial endeavours among women. He spoke about the significant contribution of women in the Chandrayaan-3 mission and highlighted the global shift towards individual entrepreneurship. He reaffirmed the AP government's unwavering commitment to fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem and introduced the AP Startup One Portal. This platform aims to streamline access for incubators and research labs, fostering excellence in entrepreneurship activities.
He also shed light on pioneering cybersecurity and logistics innovation initiatives facilitated through collaborations with academic institutions and government sectors. These efforts aim to promote cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and advanced transportation systems. He emphasized the partnerships with governmental bodies and private enterprises, a collective striving towards nurturing startups for holistic advancements across various industries.
Ms. Lavanya Chimata, Joint Director (Administration and Infrastructure) at APIS, Andhra Pradesh, presented a thematic overview of the services offered by APIS to entrepreneurs across four cities in the state. These include subsidized incubation spaces, product prototyping, market access, mentoring, seed funding, and legal support. Her presentation underscored APIS's commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation.
Prof. M.V. Anuradha (Dean Administration) IIMV, warmly welcomed all attendees. She expressed gratitude to the determined women entrepreneurs who are striving for growth despite challenging societal conditions. She detailed IIMV's role in cultivating entrepreneurial expertise through its IIMV FIELD incubation and startup hub, emphasizing its dedication to creating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation for students and women entrepreneurs.
Also, Program Manager of IIMV FIELD briefed about the incubation center at IIMV, highlighting and promoting diverse ventures, including those led by women, social enterprises, students, and those in emerging tech fields like EdTech and FinTech.
During the workshop, Prof. Sushil Kumar (Chair - Entrepreneurship) shed light on the challenges women entrepreneurs often face in balancing business responsibilities with household and family duties. Despite these hurdles, he acknowledged the remarkable resilience and innovation exhibited by women entrepreneurs in India, who drive change across various sectors.
At last, he expressed his sincere gratitude towards the cohort of APIS society. He thanked all the dignitaries, participants, and staff members for attending this workshop with their active participation and adding value. This ongoing research project is an endeavour to explore the challenges and obstacles of women entrepreneurs. The study may help to frame better policy for women entrepreneurs in future.
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