-
About
-
Global
-
About GEN
Operating in 200 countries to make it easier for anyone to start and scale.
-
Board + Staff
Leading the strategic direction and daily execution of the GEN mission.
-
Our Partners
A range of organizations contributing expertise, experience and energy.
-
About GEN
-
National Leadership
-
Managing Directors
Individuals leading GEN chapters and all aspects of national engagement.
-
Global Leaders
Individuals contributing to national engagement in GEN programs.
-
Managing Directors
-
Compass Awards
Celebrating excellence and honoring those making a difference.
-
Contact GEN
Reach out to our team with any questions.
-
Global
-
Our Work
-
Our Pillars
-
GEN Ecosystems
Stronger and more globally-connected entrepreneurial ecosystems.
-
GEN Founders
Empowering innovators from all backgrounds to achieve their full potential.
-
GEN Invest
The right capital in the right hands – at the right time.
-
GEN Policy
Evidence-based ideas for smart policy design to help entrepreneurs thrive.
-
GEN Ecosystems
-
Our Work
-
GEN Programs
View a list of all our programs.
-
GEN Events
Flagship events + ongoing event series driving connectivity.
-
GEN Programs
-
Our Impact
-
Impact Reports
In-depth look at GEN’s impact each year since it began in 2008.
-
Impact Stories
Examples of GEN’s impact on individuals and ecosystems around the world.
-
Impact Reports
-
Our Pillars
-
Resources
-
GEN Connect
-
Ecosystem Connect
Connect with ecosystem builders + community leaders worldwide.
-
Founder Connect
Connect with founders building the next generation of startups.
-
Investor Connect
Connect with angels, VCs + other investors aligned to your stage + goals.
-
Mentor Connect
Connect with experienced mentors across our global network.
-
Ecosystem Connect
-
Policy + Research
-
GEN Atlas
Collection of public sector policies + programs to drive economic growth.
-
GEN Research Library
Collection of the latest research strategies, reports, data sets + more.
-
GEN Atlas
-
More Helpful Tools
-
Events Calendar
Find events advancing entrepreneurship near you + around the world.
-
GEN Speakers Bureau
Commission-free directory of speakers for your next entrepreneurship event.
-
GEN Community Directory
Searchable directory of GEN members representing 200 countries.
-
No Bad Ideas
Card game designed to help turn your ideas into great ones – no mistakes.
-
Events Calendar
-
GEN Connect
-
Events
-
Overview
Brief summary of all GEN events + gatherings
-
Global Entrepreneurship Congress
Global gathering of delegates shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
-
GEC+
Regional or sector-specific deep-dives built off the GEC model.
-
GEN Exchange
Virtual webinars for GEN community members to explore timely issues.
-
GEN Meetup
Open-source model to hold your own ecosystem event.
-
Startup Huddle
Chapters crowd-sourcing advice + support, one entrepreneur at a time.
-
Startup Nations Summit
Gathering of policymakers on regulatory issues + innovative programs.
-
Events Calendar
Find an entrepreneurship event near you.
-
Overview
-
News
-
Global Newsfeed
All of the unfiltered news + updates from the GEN community.
-
The Startup State
Major entrepreneurship announcements, reports, commentary + features.
-
Press + Media Kit
Official GEN assets and information for journalists, partners, and storytellers.
-
Subscribe
Sign-up to receive important updates, event invitations + more.
-
Global Newsfeed
- Countries
User login
Akilraj Gowribalan
Gowribalan Akilraj
Founder & CEO of AKIOW (AK’s International Organized Wealth)
Gowribalan Akilraj, a dynamic entrepreneur from Sri Lanka, is the founder and CEO of AKIOW (AK’s International Organized Wealth), a multifaceted company dedicated to innovative manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and export. Known for his commitment to social impact and sustainability, Akilraj has steered AKIOW to become a forward-thinking entity with a specific focus on eco-friendly products for the hotel industry, including the flagship Cosmic Soap line.
Akilraj’s journey began with an HND in IT from IIS City Campus, where his technical skills laid the groundwork for his later business acumen. Driven by a desire to create high-quality, sustainable products, he founded AKIOW with a vision to revolutionize the market with affordable, environmentally friendly options. Under the AKIOW umbrella, the Cosmic brand focuses on coconut oil-based soaps with biodegradable packaging and natural ingredients, designed to meet the specific needs of hotels while emphasizing social awareness, such as child abuse prevention.
Through Cosmic Soap, Akilraj has set ambitious goals: expanding production capacity, creating new market opportunities, and supporting local industries such as coconut farming and oil mills. His five-year plan for Cosmic Soap outlines strategic growth in sales and profit while ensuring a 38% ownership stake, a 22% investor share, 5% towards child abuse prevention initiatives, and 35% for reinvestment.
Akilraj's dedication to social and environmental responsibility is evident in all aspects of his business. Headquartered in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, he leverages local resources and lower labor costs to create affordable products while fostering goodwill through initiatives that support child welfare and community development.
A natural leader, Akilraj has assembled a talented team specializing in areas like quality control, sales, customer support, and financial management, each member contributing to the company’s robust operational strategy. With a keen eye on social impact, innovation, and sustainable growth, Gowribalan Akilraj continues to make a meaningful difference in the world of business and beyond.