The REVA Start-up Summit 2024 was a revelation for me. When I casually asked the gathering of students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and industry experts how many of them envisioned themselves as future entrepreneurs, the overwhelming response was truly inspiring. Seeing the hands shoot up and the eagerness in their faces to pitch ideas gave me immense joy and pride. It reaffirmed my belief that our youth are not just prepared to navigate the job market—they are ready to redefine it.
As Chancellor, I have always emphasised that our students should aspire to be job providers, not just job seekers. My vision for REVA University is to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem where creativity, innovation, and ambition thrive. Today, as market dynamics shift at a rapid pace, the need for job creators is more urgent than ever.
The challenges brought by accelerated change also present unparalleled opportunities. An entrepreneurial mindset is the key to leveraging these opportunities, presenting innovative solutions, and contributing to India's economic growth. Recognising this, the Indian government has launched initiatives like Make in India and Startup India to develop entrepreneurship. With over 1,12,718 startups recognised by DPIIT, India is now the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, following the US and China. This remarkable transformation is a testament to the power of nurturing ideas and providing the right environment for them to flourish.
At
REVA University, we are committed to playing our part in this journey. Universities must act as catalysts, providing platforms for students to explore their creativity, develop practical skills, and establish their own ventures. By building an entrepreneurial spirit, we empower students to adapt to change, take calculated risks, and create their own opportunities.
Our efforts to nurture entrepreneurship include creating on-campus incubators and accelerators through initiatives like REVA NEST, our Technology Business Incubator. These programs provide the essential resources—mentorship, funding access, office spaces, and networking opportunities—needed to transform ideas into successful businesses. Such support systems allow students to overcome the initial challenges of entrepreneurship, significantly increasing their chances of success.
Encouraging entrepreneurship also has broader societal benefits. Start-ups drive economic growth, generate employment, and contribute to the development of a powerful entrepreneurial ecosystem that benefits both students and the community. When universities actively support student start-ups, they become hubs of innovation and growth.
The journey of an entrepreneur often begins with a simple observation: identifying a real-world problem or unmet need. This could be as broad as addressing sustainability challenges or as specific as improving individual safety. The key is to ask: What problems do I see in my immediate environment? How do they impact people, and why do they exist? Are there existing solutions, and if so, how can they be improved?
By asking these critical questions and analysing problems deeply, one can uncover meaningful solutions—the foundation for building sustainable businesses. At REVA University, we encourage our students to adopt this mindset, turning challenges into opportunities and ideas into innovations.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem at REVA University is more than just a support structure—it is a mindset. It is a belief in the potential of every student to become a changemaker. Through our programs, we aim to instill confidence, creativity, and resilience, equipping our students to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
As we continue to invest in cultivating entrepreneurship, I am filled with hope and optimism for the future. Our students, with their passion and innovative thinking, are not just building their own futures—they are shaping a better tomorrow for all.
