entrepreneurship bootampSRM University-AP’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 2.0 concluded in style with a vibrant Demo Day, where budding entrepreneurs gathered with innovative ideas, driven by their passion for building successful ventures. The event, held on the university’s Amaravati campus, marked the culmination of a ten-week intensive entrepreneurship training programme designed to foster innovation among students.

The Demo Day featured an elite panel of mentors and investors, including Ms Sreedevi Devireddy, Head-Branding & Marketing, ASIP Technologies and Former Head of VDC Gitam University; Mr Cyrus Choi, Assistant Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST); Mr Lalith Mitra Reddy Kolli, Portfolio & Investor Relations Associate at Hyderabad Angles; Mr Samridh Seth, Founder, Black Komodo Investments, Dubai along with Prof. Sidharth Tripathy, Director-Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Mr Udayan Bakshi, Associate Director-Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Dr Krovi Raja Sekhar, CEO, Hatchlab Research Centre and Mr Pankaj Belwariar, Director-Communications of SRM University-AP.

The dynamic presentations by the participants showcased their innovative ideas, business models, and go-to-market strategies. The esteemed panel offered constructive feedback, enabling participants to refine their ventures further. “We approached you as living start-ups, and you rose to the occasion, demonstrating the hunger and drive of true entrepreneurs. Keep that fire alive,” Ms Sreedevi applauded the students.

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 2.0 engaged 85 participants, selected from over 356 applicants after a competitive selection process. Curated by Prof. Sidharth Tripathy, a Harvard alumnus and the Director-Entrepreneurship & Innovation at SRM University-AP, the bootcamp comprised 14 interactive sessions covering ideation, business modelling, and go-to-market planning. The programme included world-class case studies and hands-on mentoring sessions with global experts.

Participants represented ventures in diverse fields such as Waste-to-wealth innovations, Augmented reality, Automobiles, Food processing, AI and Deep tech, Healthcare, Agritech etc. Of the 16 standout ventures identified during the programme, the top 10 teams received incubation grants of ₹50,000 each.

“This event stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of our students. Their hard work has earned them the incubation opportunity that they truly deserve. These grants will support their entrepreneurial journeys through incubation and acceleration at the Hatchlab Research Centre, SRM University-AP’s premier business incubator,” said Prof. Tripathy.

 

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SRM University-AP flagged off the much-awaited Everest Base Camp Expedition that will take place from October 12 – 27, 2024. This is India’s first initiative by any private university in India to send a team of 18 students and faculty under the leadership of Mr Sidharth Tripathy, Director-Entrepreneurship and Innovation, to conquer Mt. Everest Base Camp. The audacious adventure was flagged off by Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, and Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Dean of Paari School of Business, in the presence of Mr Anil Kumar Nigam, Director-Student Affairs, Mr Udayan Bakshi, Associate Director-Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Prof. C V Tomy, Dean-SEAS and the cheering students of the university.

To enhance the quality of entrepreneurship, it is pivotal to foster a mindset that can take risks, tackle huge challenges and overcome tribulations from a broader perspective. Our motive as a 21st-century university is to cultivate this mindset through this thrilling adventure and to become the harbingers of transformation among students,” remarked the expedition leader, Mr Sidharth Tripathy. The 15-day exhilarating expedition jointly organised by the Directorate of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and the Directorate of Student Affairs will begin from Kathmandu and will reach Everest Base Camp, covering a distance of about 134 km and scaling a height of 17,598 ft.

In his address to the voyagers, Dr R Premkumar wished the group a safe and successful journey and opined, “This is an adventure of a lifetime that will teach you to live as a group, to grow as a team and contribute to each other for a common goal”. In addition to providing students with exemplary academic, research and entrepreneurial resources, SRM University-AP also emphasises the significance of nurturing 21st-century skills through experiential projects and initiatives. The Everest Base Camp expedition is a one-of-a-kind adventure that will ensure that students imbibe the value of belief, the significance of planning, training and camaraderie to develop essential leadership skills.

SRM University-AP is honoured to recognise the impressive accomplishments of B Tech CSE third-year students Sai Tharun Nelluru and Mahendra Kumar Velicheti, co-founders of Vascan Solutions, a startup aiming to disrupt the retail space. This is especially so when one considers that the decision to venture into entrepreneurship entails taking risks that the norm would prescribe against – seeking employment graduates.

Vascan Solutions, as a company, is a clear Shiff economics and architecture in Context business solving real problems in the business of retailing. Understanding the pain points that exist for both shoppers and retailers, Sai Tharun and Mahendra created a mobile app intending to improve retailing activity. Shoppers can search for items, navigate inside the store accurately and use their phones to pay for items. This improves the ease of shopping for customers. On the one hand, retailers get valuable information from consumers about what they choose and how often they come. With this information, it is easy for marketers to reorganise the store improve customer service and increase sales.

The creation of Vascan Solutions is a testament to the vision and commitment of SRM AP students. However, their success story also highlights the importance of mentorship, an integral aspect of SRM AP’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Sai Tharun and Mahendra were guided by Dr Shobin CC and Dr Randhir Singh, who provided technical expertise that helped refine their product and strategy. Additionally, Mr Siddharth Shankar Tripathy, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, SRM University-AP, played a pivotal role in mentoring the co-founders, offering them the support needed to navigate the complexities of launching a startup.

SRM University-AP’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship is evident in the success of Vascan Solutions. The university takes pride in cultivating an environment where students are encouraged to think creatively, innovate, and challenge the status quo. Sai Tharun and Mahendra’s decision to build their own business demonstrates the transformative potential of this environment. Their entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration not only to their peers but also to future generations of students who wish to explore non-traditional career paths and make a meaningful impact on society.

The establishment of Vascan Solutions aligns with SRM AP’s vision of empowering students to become leaders and innovators. The university strongly believes that entrepreneurship is not only a viable career option but also a path that can contribute to societal and economic development. Sai Tharun and Mahendra have proven that with determination, innovation, and the right mentorship, young entrepreneurs can turn challenges into opportunities.

Looking ahead, SRM University-AP is excited to see the continued growth of Vascan Solutions. With a solid foundation and a clear vision, the startup has the potential to scale and expand beyond the retail sector, further solidifying the impact of Sai Tharun and Mahendra’s contributions. As Vascan Solutions evolves, SRM AP remains committed to supporting entrepreneurial initiatives that empower students to become changemakers in their respective fields.

In a significant step forward for innovation and entrepreneurship, the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation recently organised the highly anticipated Techpreneur Expo-2024. The event, held at SRM University-AP, attracted a host of distinguished guests, including Dr Krish Gopalakrishnan, Co-Founder of Infosys; Mr Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Swiggy; Pro-Chancellor of SRM University-AP, Dr P Sathyanarayanan; Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj Arora; and Registrar Dr R Premkumar, who lent their support and expertise to this integral gathering.

The Techpreneur Expo served as a vibrant technical showcase featuring 25 stalls presented by the Department of Next Tech Lab, the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the Department of Research. Attendees were treated to an impressive array of cutting-edge technologies and projects, ranging from Additive Manufacturing and Bio-Printing to advancements in Robotics and Piezoceramics. Noteworthy projects included Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, IoT applications in Drone Technology, and pioneering RF Frontend Designs for 6G Applications. Environmental sustainability was emphasised through displays on Flexible Solid-State Electrolytes for eco-friendly lithium-ion batteries and the Responsible Management of Electronic Waste, along with initiatives for the Reclamation of Critical Metals aimed at fostering Sustainable Development.

In addition to these advanced technologies, the expo presented innovative projects such as Rechargeable Batteries, Smart Indoor Localization, and Edge AI. Guests and participants had the opportunity to explore the Thermal Management of Electronic Components, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, and Waste Valorization projects that advocate for sustainability. Cutting-edge companies, including SYNC-HAB, SecEn Semiconductors & Test Solutions, and Shakti Photon Solutions Private Limited, showcased their contributions to technology solutions. Moreover, unique offerings like Smart Automation and Self-Optimised Clean Energy Systems, No Wait (a smart solution for lift management), and AI-driven initiatives like ResuMatch for resume mock interviews and AdamantiumRE for malware analysis highlighted the inventive spirit of the event.

Throughout the expo, the esteemed guests visited each stall, commending the quality of the displays and the depth of innovation demonstrated by the students. The event proved to be a resounding success, providing invaluable insights and learning opportunities for students while fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit within the tech community.

The Techpreneur Expo-2024 not only spotlighted the remarkable talents of budding entrepreneurs and innovators but also set the stage for future advancements in technology, signalling a bright horizon for entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

The Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is thrilled to announce that the Hatchlab Research Centre (HRC), the Technology Business Incubator at SRM University-AP, has been chosen as the Implementation Agency for the “Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups (GENESIS)” initiative. This decision, made by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, marks a significant milestone for HRC and highlights its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

The GENESIS scheme emerges as a strategic umbrella initiative by MeitY aimed at nurturing and supporting startup ecosystems in Tier II and Tier III cities across India. HRC is among the 50 selected implementation agencies tasked with facilitating this vision, backed by a total budgetary allocation of ₹490 crores. This funding will be instrumental in providing vital resources and infrastructure for startups, ensuring they have the necessary support to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Prof. Sidharth Shankar Tripathy, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation of SRM AP, said, ” This announcement is a tribute to the soaring entrepreneurial spirit that is visible among the students, faculty and even the staff of our young entrepreneurial university. What makes this achievement even more special is that it was announced at an appropriate juncture time when SRM University-AP had declared the academic year 2023-24 as the “Year of Entrepreneurship & Innovation.With this new responsibility, we look forward to contributing to the success of startups and innovators across India!”

The HRC’s selection comes at a fortuitous time, as SRM University-AP has declared the 2023-24 academic year to be the “Year of Entrepreneurship & Innovation.” This initiative aims to foster a culture of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among students, providing them with the tools and support needed to transform their ideas into viable business ventures.

The GENESIS scheme is designed to enhance the startup ecosystem in smaller cities, enabling entrepreneurs outside of metropolitan areas to access essential services, mentorship, and funding opportunities. By selecting HRC as an implementation partner, MeitY acknowledges the centre’s potential to drive impactful change and support innovative startups in the region.

As HRC embarks on this new journey, it promises to create a robust framework that encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of sustainable business models among emerging entrepreneurs. The centre will facilitate various programs, workshops, and resources designed to equip startups with the skills, network, and funding requisite for success.

With this prestigious recognition, SRM University-AP’s Hatchlab Research Centre is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the entrepreneurial landscape, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse startup ecosystem across the nation.

In a pioneering move to promote innovation and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, SRM University-AP is proud to announce its partnership with the International Startup Foundation (ISF) as the regional hub for conducting the semi-finals of the Rural Ankura Yatra. This ambitious initiative by ISF seeks to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit across tier 2 and 3 cities and rural areas, identifying and nurturing latent entrepreneurial talent.
The Rural Ankura Bus Yatra, spearheaded by ISF, is more than just a journey—it’s a celebration of the entrepreneurial potential nestled within the heart of rural Andhra Pradesh. By uniting global CXOs, mentors, investors, researchers, and educators, this statewide yatra aims to strengthen the rural startup ecosystem, ultimately catalysing job creation and fostering economic growth in underserved regions.

The startup pitch contest, a key component of the Yatra, will serve as a platform for rural innovators to showcase their ideas and solutions to local problems. This initiative aligns seamlessly with SRM University-AP’s mission to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
Vice-Chancellor of SRM University-AP, Prof. Manoj K Arora, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “At SRM University-AP, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Partnering with ISF for the Rural Ankura Yatra allows us to extend our mission beyond urban centres, empowering rural innovators to drive meaningful change within their communities.”

The regional semi-finals at SRM University-AP are scheduled for September 11, 2024. The event is expected to draw over 500 participants from various districts, with the top 20 teams—10 from each category—advancing to the final demo day. These teams will have the opportunity to exhibit their ideas and solutions at SRM University-AP, vying for the support and investment needed to bring their ventures to life.

A distinguished panel of high-profile delegates, including professors from SRM University-AP and leaders from ISF, will serve as the jury, selecting the most promising ventures for the finals. Notably, five offers from venture capitalists associated with ISF will be extended to the top ventures.

Dr Siddharth Shankar Tripathi, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at SRM University-AP, added, “The Rural Ankura Yatra is a remarkable initiative that aligns with our vision of holistic development. By nurturing entrepreneurial talent in rural areas, we are not only fueling economic growth but also promoting sustainable development.”

Mr J.A. Chowdary, Founding Director of Software Technology Parks of India and former IT Advisor and Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of AP, emphasised the importance of the Yatra, stating, “The Rural Ankura Yatra is a vital step towards unlocking the vast potential of rural India. By bringing together global expertise and local talent, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.”

SRM University-AP has consistently championed entrepreneurship as an economic growth and social change catalyst. One of the university’s flagship initiatives, ADITRI, stands as a testament to this commitment. As a pioneering CSR project, ADITRI is dedicated to supporting and empowering rural women entrepreneurs in Andhra Pradesh. With funding of ₹2 crores, the project aligns with the university’s mission to promote innovation and social responsibility, focusing on economic empowerment, job creation, gender equality, and community development.

Through initiatives such as Micro Entrepreneurship Bootcamps and the Rural Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub (RWIEH), SRM University-AP continues to make a significant impact, having already reached over 1400 women across various mandals in Andhra Pradesh. As the university steps into the role of a regional hub for the Rural Ankura Yatra, it reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs who will drive India’s socio-economic transformation.

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SRM University-AP is gearing up for the ultimate thrill-seeking escapade, which will have hearts racing and adrenaline pumping like never before! The Directorate of Entrepreneurship & Innovation and the Directorate of Student Affairs jointly organise the “Everest Base Camp Expedition”, the mother of all adventures – a daring conquest of the Earth’s highest mountain above sea level – Mount Everest!

The 15-day exhilarating journey will take flight with a maiden batch of 20 young adventurers selected through a rigorous physical and mental ability test on October 11, 2024 (tentative). 4 months of extensive training will commence in full swing, with the selected students pushing their limits and testing their endurance, moulding them into a complete voyager. Various training and practice trips have been scheduled to Arakku Valley to test their strength, Mangalagiri temple for elevation trekking training and much more.

This is a first-of-its-kind initiative by a university in India, presenting a unique opportunity for every enthusiastic explorer to witness the magnificence of the cold, icy peaks of the Himalayas. In addition to providing students with exemplary academic, research and entrepreneurial resources, SRM AP also emphasises the significance of 21st-century skills in nurturing them into socially aware and ethical citizens of tomorrow. This one-of-a-kind trip will ensure that students imbibe the value of belief and courage to instil purpose or a greater aim for anything that they might pursue in life, the importance of not losing faith during hard times and overcoming the obstacles that hinder your aim, the significance of camaraderie and teamwork, to develop essential leadership skills etc.

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Students and their mentors have already begun their footsteps on a journey that will transform their lives! Embracing the thrill, embracing the adventure!

This journey will undoubtedly etch unforgettable memories into the fabric of their existence!

 

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 1.0 Demo Day, hosted by the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at SRM University-AP on March 31, 2024, marked a fitting culmination of rigorous entrepreneurship training for aspiring student and faculty entrepreneurs. Dynamic pitches were presented by participants through the demonstration of their innovative ideas, astute business models and go-to-market strategies, complemented by sharp & insightful feedback from global investors and world-class mentors. The elite panel of industry mentors included Srikanth Talluri, Founder and CMD of 6D.Works, Rathnakar Samavedam, Investment Director & CEO Hyderabad Angels, Deb Mukherji, Chief Advisor-Anglian Omega Group – India, Siddharth Dangi, Founder & CEO at Mentogram, Singapore, Ravi Eswarapu, President of TIE, CXO turned Entrepreneur and Dr Dhiraj K Mahajan, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Ropar along with Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor of SRM AP.

The Entrepreneurship Boot Camp 1.0 at SRM AP was a comprehensive 6-week cohort featuring 8 interactive sessions carefully curated for a dedicated pool of 60+ selected participants, who immersed themselves in an intensive boot camp guided by Prof. Sidharth Tripathy, a Harvard Alumnus and a Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at SRM AP.

Participants navigated the intricacies of ideation, business development, and strategic planning as the curriculum featured world-class case studies, practical implementation roadmaps, and real-time engagements with industry and business mentors of international calibre. From a competitive pool of 180 applicants, a rigorous selection process resulted in the acceptance of only 60 candidates. Further refinement led to the identification of 16 standout ventures. Ultimately, a select group of 10 ventures was chosen to receive a grant of Rs 50,000 each, thereby empowering them to incubate, accelerate, and build their ventures in Hatch Lab Research Centre, the incubator of SRM AP.

 

Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 1.0

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IndustreeOwl and Home of Leaders, Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation conducted a 2-day experiential Hands-on workshop on Robotics named ROBOTRIX on September 05 and 06, 2023, in collaboration with OSSEB, a Hyderabad-based company focused on providing students with relevant skillset according to industry demands. The workshop witnessed the presence of Mr Mohammad Abdul Khayyum, Chief Executive Officer of OSSEB, and Mr Ashish Kumar, who assumed the role of mentor for the two-day event. The guest mentors attended the workshop on behalf of OSSEB, signifying their active engagement and commitment to the workshop’s primary objective to provide students with essential knowledge as a crucial stepping stone for their future endeavours.

The workshop was conducted on the topic “Hands-on Experience on Android Controlled Robotics and Bluetooth Communications”. Students were encouraged to develop their own robots that could be controlled via their Android Phone’s Bluetooth. 139 students registered for the workshop out of which 122 people attended the 2-Day hands-on workshop with many participants registering on-spot. The students were eager to participate and learn about Robotics. Out of 122, almost 50 per cent of the participants were from the NRI Institute of Technology, Vijayawada.

The Workshop also included sessions on the basics of electronics and robotics where students were made to understand the concepts like Flow of Current in a battery, Motors, etc. along with the laws of Robotics and their applications. Insight into how, in the near future Robotics will ally with Artificial Intelligence to give a new shape to the world, was also discussed. This was followed by a session on hands-on activities where participants were formally instructed in the intricacies of programming the robot to facilitate its operational functionality and how to connect to the Robot with the help of the kit provided by OSSEB with their Code.

An Eminent Guest lecture featuring Shri J A Chowdhury, former ISRO scientist, Technological Leader and innovator who has been contributing to the development of the Indian IT industry for more than 35 years was conducted on the grand occasion of Teacher’s Day. He shared his professional experience including his understanding of Robotics and how it will be pivotal in shaping the future. Shri J A Chowdhury along with Mr Udayan Bakshi, Associate Director and Mr Sundhar Singh, Manager-Outreach, Directorate of Entrepreneurship & Innovation inaugurated the Robotrix poster symbolising this momentous Workshop.

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A Presentation Competition was spontaneously conducted by the IndustreeOwl team aimed at actively involving the students and fostering their practical application of the newly acquired knowledge. Pallavi Madala and Fadzai Ethel Muchina from SRM University-AP secured the first and second prize respectively.

The second day saw a continuation of hands-on training where participants were taught to develop the code for controlling the movement of the Robot. They were also taught about Bluetooth Communications and were urged to install an application in their phone which will be pivotal in controlling the Robot. The session was followed by a Quiz Competition that saw the participation of more than 100 students. Yaswanth Dhulipalla from SRM University-AP bagged the first prize, whereas Saikeerthi Aluri and Punuru Varsha Reddy from SRM University-AP won the second and third prizes respectively.

The event successfully concluded with a speech and vote of thanks by Mr Udayan Bakshi where he urged the students to continue moving forward in their Robotics journey with the help of the kits and the mentors from OSSEB. He also felicitated the guests and mentors from OSSEB and the team of IndustreeOwl for the smooth conduction of the Workshop.

The workshop has not only met but exceeded its objective of imparting students with a foundational understanding of Robots and Robot Design. This newly acquired knowledge will undoubtedly serve as a solid stepping stone for them in their future endeavours, equipping them with valuable skills and insights that will open up exciting opportunities and possibilities in the world of robotics and design.

Technology Business Incubator of SRM University-AP launched the first venture cohort with 36 selected startup business ventures, on May 15, 2021, in the presence of the special guest of honour from industry, Prof Ramesh Loganathan, Head of co-innovation and outreach at IIIT Hyderabad and Ex-Chief Innovation Officer of the Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC).

“From the initial years onwards, SRM University-AP is focused to make entrepreneurs who can be the leaders of tomorrow. The University signed an MOU with the University of California, Berkeley to design the curriculum to promote entrepreneurship,” Said Prof V S Rao, Vice-Chancellor, SRM University-AP, in his welcome speech.

Advancing the proceedings of the event, the guest of honour Prof Ramesh Loganathan gave a brief understanding of the scope and future of entrepreneurship in India and the global scenario. “The entrepreneurial journey should start with identifying the problems in the ecosystem. A great example can be the face recognition software that started with the idea of capturing student attendance in colleges. Similarly, the budding entrepreneurs should identify such similar problems, do thorough market research and then prepare the business plan. The price of the product/idea should matter the last.”

SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh established the ‘Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA)’ as part of the strategic alliance with UC Berkeley to create an academy combining their Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Jacob Center of Design and Innovation to foster the culture of innovation, design and entrepreneurship among the students of all streams including engineering, liberal arts and sciences, and management. Dr Prakash Jadav, Associate Professor and Head of IDEA opined, “It is exciting to see so many students submitting their business ideas in the first business cohort. I am sure that with our guidance and mentorship, they all can reach new heights in setting up their ventures in the industry.”

62 teams, which comprises 192 students applied for the opportunity. After a rigorous screening and evaluation on various parameters like innovation, scalability and commercialization, only 36 teams/ ventures were selected to be a part of the SRM TBI’s first cohort.

The selected ventures will be mentored and supported for a period of a minimum 12 months where they will be facilitated with infrastructure support, mentoring and networking support, seed fund and innovation fund support, hardware and software support, industry connectivity, learning resources, market exposure and several others.

The selected ventures will be mentored and supported for a period of minimum 12 months will all the services of a regular technology business incubator. SRM TBI will also provide an opportunity to pitch to the investors, connects with industry experts, market linkage and a global network of mentors. The startups developing prototype and MVP can apply for the Product validation track and pre-revenue/ revenue stage startups can apply for the Market validation track. Each of the 36 startup ventures will get hands-on mentoring and guidance from the mentors and experts from their respective working areas. The startups go through physical interactions through contact sessions at SRM AP and virtual interaction with mentors through online workshops during the program.

After the Q & A session Mr Udayan Bakshi, CEO SRM TBI & Associate Director Entrepreneurship, cordially thanked all the speakers and panellists for their efforts to make the SRM TBI cohort launch a grand success. He also highlighted that TBI will not limit to just this batch of students or to the SRM University-AP, but shall extend its vision and activities to the entire ecosystem