The fast-growing economy and huge pool of youth talent make India a thriving place for entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship development has become a key policy priority of the central and state governments and most higher education institutions have dedicatedcell for supporting entrepreneurship.The Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) of IIT Bombay has been inspiring Entrepreneurs since 1998 and it is designated as Asia’s largest student-run entrepreneurship-promoting body by Thomson Reuters.

MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai organized an interactive session with the members of the E-Cell of IIT Bombay to explore areas of mutual cooperation to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among youth. The meeting also focused on imparting relevant skills for aspiring exporters and professionals in international trade. The session highlighted the significance of international trade and its know-how, encouraging students to use innovation to promote “Brand India” in the global market.

Students were also briefed about the history of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) and WTC Mumbai and their role in promoting an integrated business ecosystem for global trade. The students were informed about the various verticals of WTC Mumbai and their contribution in promoting entrepreneurship and integrating MSMEs into the global value chain. The students were invited to explore WTC Mumbai's academic and research resources to further help them understand the dynamics of global trade. They were also invited to join different professional courses offered by World Trade Institute, which is the education wing of WTC Mumbai. The session also featured a brief presentation by the IIT E-Cell on its various activities as well as its flagship event ‘Eureka.’ During the session, representatives from the E-Cell gave an overview of their upcoming Entrepreneurship Summit (E-Summit), which is a platform for exchange of innovative ideas and network to find potential partners, mentors, investors from industry and financial institutions.

Addressing the students, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of MVIRDC WTC Mumbai remarked, “WTC Mumbai wishes to partner with the E-cell in three ways to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. We can jointly partner to institute an annual innovation award to recognize student innovators and youth entrepreneurs who develop innovative products and technologies. WTC Mumbai can also partner with the E-Cell in organizing an annual Innovation fair. Besides, we can collaborate for organizing an entrepreneurship event and help aspiring entrepreneurs to raise risk capital from potential investors.”

During the event, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director of WTC Mumbai, invited the IIT Bombay students to attend the trade programs of WTC Mumbai and network with the incoming trade delegations from foreign countries. Ms. Naik also proposed to work with IIT Bombay in conducting student exchange programs with foreign universities.

Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman of MVIRDC WTC Mumbai proposed the vote of thanks.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai addressing the Interactive meeting with E-Cell of IIT Bombay. Also seen on the dais are (from left to right): Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai, Mr. Shringar Bansal, Marketing Head - E-Cell, IIT Bombay, Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai


Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai, Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai and Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai along with members of E-Cell IIT Bombay at the interactive session in WTC Mumbai