One of the standout highlights of GEW 2024 was the successful partnership between Villa College, Maldives, and GEW Sri Lanka, which brought a unique international dimension to the event. Under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Damith Gangodawilage, Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development at Villa College, this collaboration aimed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs in the Maldives by providing them with exposure to Sri Lanka’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Dr. Gangodawilage, a seasoned expert in innovation and entrepreneurship, played a pivotal role in shaping the partnership, focusing on creating opportunities for students at villa college to connect with Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial community. The partnership leveraged the resources and expertise of GEW Sri Lanka to foster cross-border collaboration, enabling participants from the Maldives to learn from Sri Lanka’s successful startups, mentors, and industry leaders.
The support of SquareHub, led by Kanishka Weeramunda, further strengthened the initiative by offering a platform for students to access valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. SquareHub’s involvement was instrumental in bridging the gap between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, creating a space for knowledge exchange and fostering relationships between the two nations’ entrepreneurial ecosystems. This collaboration not only highlighted the power of regional cooperation but also reinforced the importance of inclusivity and cross-border partnerships in driving innovation and entrepreneurship in South Asia. Through this partnership, GEW 2024 extended its impact beyond Sri Lanka’s borders, inspiring and empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs in the Maldives.