The recently concluded Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in Sri Lanka left an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape, thanks to the collaboration of 12 universities. This remarkable partnership paved the way for unique events that directly impacted the entrepreneurial journey of university students across the country.
1. NSBM Green University orchestrated 15 events, including activities such as:
- Activity 4: 'Feasibility, Structure, Licensing, and Registration' aimed at guiding aspiring entrepreneurs in understanding the basics of starting and operating a successful business.
- Activity 5: 'Startup Culture in the Classroom' focused on inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurial thinkers by inviting community entrepreneurs to share their success stories with educators.
- Activity 6: 'Women in Entrepreneurship' aimed to inspire and empower future female entrepreneurs, innovators, and potential investors by hosting a panel of successful women entrepreneurs and community leaders.
2. At the University of Peradeniya, the 'Scientific Social Entrepreneurship Challenge (SciQuest Challenge)' became a platform for undergraduates to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit. The program, organized in partnership with the Faculty of Science Career Guidance Unit and SIRED Student Society, featured a multi-day event culminating in a pitching competition. It involved mentoring sessions, pitch development, and engagement with local entrepreneurial leaders, encouraging innovative thinking among 500 participating undergraduates.
3. University of Sri Jayawardhanapura conducted a 'Pitching Session for Undergrads' focusing on Opportunity Identification, Business Idea Generation, Screening, and the Fundamentals of Business Planning. This session aimed to equip students with essential entrepreneurial skills crucial for their future ventures.
4. The Asian Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) hosted a two-day workshop series in collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). The event aimed to nurture entrepreneurship among undergraduates by connecting them with industry experts from business management and IT sectors. This series culminated in a field trip to a manufacturing and warehousing plant, offering practical insights into business operations.
5. ESOFT organized workshops covering various aspects of entrepreneurship, including Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Business Planning and Development. Renowned industry experts shared insights on characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, market research, branding, financial aspects, and more.
6. The Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) conducted a one-day workshop to celebrate GEW. The event connected undergraduates with prominent entrepreneurs from both business management and IT sectors, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among students.
7. University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC) targeted second-year undergraduates entering the IT industry. They organized sessions aimed at providing fundamental knowledge of entrepreneurship to over 350 students preparing to venture into the IT sector.
The collective efforts of these universities during GEW reinforced the importance of fostering entrepreneurial spirit among students. These events not only provided knowledge and mentorship but also sparked the innovative mindset necessary for budding entrepreneurs.
As we celebrate the success of GEW in Sri Lanka, let's acknowledge the transformative impact these events have had on shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the country. The collaboration between universities and the entrepreneurial community has laid a solid foundation for aspiring student entrepreneurs, promising a future filled with innovation, creativity, and groundbreaking ideas.