MoU inked with Rennes School of Business

As part of an official visit to Andhra Pradesh, members of the French Delegation visited the SRM University-AP campus on Friday, 25 February 2022. An MoU has been signed between Rennes School of Business, France and SRM University-AP on student exchange, curriculum development, and articulation programmes. University Vice-Chancellor Prof V S Rao called the MoU “an important milestone for SRM AP” and welcomed students from France to India.

Mr Thierry Berthelot, Consul General de France a Bangalore, reaffirmed the MoU between India and France in the number and quality of student exchanges. “We have reached the aim of 10,000 Indian students by 2020; now, we look forward to increasing the number of Indian students in France significantly to 20,000 by 2025”, he added. The signing of the agreement for the mutual recognition of degrees will facilitate the pursuit of higher education by Indian students in France and French students in India and enhance their employability. The delegation emphasised that the collaboration with Rennes School of Business will further equip students of SRM University-AP to gain professional experience and job opportunities around the world. Mrs Maud LE BARS, South Asia Area Manager Rennes School of Business and Conseillere du Commerce Exterieur de la France, highlighted the student and faculty diversity in France that surpasses language barriers.

Consequently, Dr Naga Swetha Pasupuleti, Associate Director – International Relations and Higher Studies, talked about the strong partnerships SRM AP holds with QS ranked global universities and especially EFREI, France. The delegation interacted with the students and faculty members of SRM University-AP and discussed various possibilities of international internships and study abroad opportunities.

Mr Francois-Xavier Morteuil, Attache Consulaire pour la Coopération Scientifique et Universitaire; Mrs Ambika Anilkumar, Deputy to Attache Consulaire; Mrs Vasudha Murlikrishna, Campus France Manager Hyderabad; Mrs Vidya Suresh, Country Manager ESIGELEC (engineering school in France); and Mr Samuel Berthet, Director of Alliance Francaise of Hyderabad were part of the delegation and explored the university campus.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof D Narayana Rao, Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Deans and Associate Deans of all schools were present in the discussion pertaining to the future scope of collaborations with French academic institutions.

Mr Lakshman Thatikonda, a 3rd year BBA student of SRM University-AP, has started his own business venture (TalentCrew), incubated at the Hatchlab Research Centre– The technology and livelihood business incubator of SRM University-AP.

The talent crew is a skill-based startup. They are one of India’s largest multi-category customised gifting companies, providing one of the best-curated collections of festival merchandise, gifts, handicrafts, wedding cards, carvings & personalised products for all occasions & festivals. TalentCrew has a global footprint with customers spanning 20 plus countries and the capability to deliver gifts to over 50 countries and 300 plus cities in India. Mr Lakshman started this organisation on the principles of creativity, agility, and social responsibility.

Over the next few years, TalentCrew envisions exploring and developing new products and services that will actively expand business while touching social responsibility.

Experience at Hatchlab Research Centre

The Hatchlab research centre aims to support SRM E-Cell’s mission of developing entrepreneurial talent and fostering the commercialisation of new ideas ventures. “Working with Hatchlab research centre was always a great experience. Here I found the fresh start for the innovation, and here the programme is very well structured with the right blend of practice,” says Mr Lakshman. “The best thing about this programme is that it allows me to learn while still being employed. And I always feel thankful for Dr Lakshmana Rao sir, for motivating me on every stand that I take, and Udayan Bakshi sir, for giving me such a wonderful opportunity” he added.