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The i5 Summit, hosted by IIM Indore and IIT Indore, was held at the institute from August 18-20, 2023. The three-day event illuminated the realms of innovation, entrepreneurship, and forward-thinking strategies. It brought together a confluence of trailblazing thought leaders, burgeoning entrepreneurs, and seasoned industry veterans.
Col. Dr. Gururaj Gopinath Pamidi (Retd), Chief Officer (Administration), inaugurated the event on 18 August 2023. He delivered a stirring opening address that set the stage for the event’s overarching theme, “Disruptive Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Innovation.” His words resonated with the audience, serving as an inspirational call to action. In a significant symbolic gesture, he unveiled the offline model for this year’s summit, underscoring the summit’s triumph over the adversities posed by the pandemic.
The event witnessed a series of speakers, each bringing their unique perspective to the discourse. Ms. Radhika Dhingra (Director, Badlaav SRF) illuminated the topic of menstrual hygiene awareness, shedding light on an issue that affects millions of lives. Ms. Shreya Prakash (CEO and co-founder, Flexibees) shared her entrepreneurial journey, a tale of resilience and determination that resonated with aspiring entrepreneurs in the audience. Mr. Kapil Vardhan’s (CHRO, Mensa Brands) insights into cultivating high-performance cultures struck a chord with organizational leaders. At the same time, Mr. Sanket Atal (MD, Salesforce India) bridged the chasm between idea and execution, offering a roadmap for translating vision into reality. Mr. Kumar Ranjan’s (Founder, eFeed) story of innovation and sustainability in cattle farming provided a powerful example of how entrepreneurship can drive positive change. Collectively, these discussions ignited conversations that promise to shape the entrepreneurship landscape for years to come.
Drawing from his rich experience, Mr. Sreekuttan (Head of Products, QKrishi) offered a unique perspective on harnessing scientific acumen and entrepreneurial zeal to pave the way toward a quantum-powered future. Shri P Narahari, IAS, delved into the transformational journey of initiating a cleanliness drive in and around Indore. He attributed the resounding success of the campaign to the amalgamation of innovative strategies, including door-to-door garbage collection and the inspiring Swachch Indore anthem. Shri Narahari also shared insights into the conceptualization and execution of the ‘Ladli Lakshmi Yojana,’ highlighting the importance of designing policies with meticulous attention to the needs of beneficiaries. His multifaceted engagement extended to the literary realm, emphasizing the significance of documentation and recommending works such as “Roots” by Alex Haley. The interactive session allowed participants to engage with the dignitary, facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Ms. Punita Mittal, the co-founder of SoulUp, delivered a captivating address that served as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship to drive change. She recounted her entrepreneurial journey, vividly painting the challenges and triumphs of building an emotional health startup. Her impactful statement, “While building a startup, you build yourself,” resonated deeply with the audience, sparking cheers and applause that filled the venue.
Mr. Mansingh Gadhvi, a distinguished Startup Mentor and Investor, brought his two decades of industry expertise to the fore. His address delved into the theme of “Disruptive Entrepreneurship,” shining a spotlight on a spectrum of Indian startups that have been instrumental in reshaping industries.
The participants also got to immerse themselves in a day dedicated to the heart of IIM Indore’s campus life. “A Day at IIM Indore” offered more than just a glimpse; it was an immersive experience into the vibrant ecosystem of academia and culture that defines the institution. Attendees were provided with an insider’s view into the esteemed classroom experience and the strategic problem-solving methodologies emblematic of IIM education. Insights into CAT preparation strategies provided aspiring MBA candidates with invaluable tools, while the multifaceted journey of MBA students highlighted the challenges and opportunities of business education.
The flagship event, “Get Funded”, showcased eleven startups pitching their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of esteemed judges. Mr. Pranav Sanghvi, Associate Principal (Investments) at MABS Family Office; Mr. Vikrant Varshney, co-founder of SucSEED Innovation Fund, Venture Capital Angel Fund; and the aforementioned Mr. Mansingh Gadhvi. This event exemplified the core essence of the i5 Summit – bridging visionary ideas with vital resources and fostering the growth of innovative ventures.
i5 Summit 2023 echoed innovation and entrepreneurship reverberated through the corridors of IIM Indore. The event’s impact extended beyond the confines of the digital platform, permeating industries and inspiring a wave of innovative thinking. From inception to conclusion, this year’s summit not only facilitated the exchange of ideas but also nurtured the seeds of disruptive thinking that could reshape the future of business and beyond.
The i5 Summit 2023 has been a testament to the power of visionary thinking, collaboration, and the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship. It is a legacy that will continue to inspire and drive change long after the curtains have fallen on this year’s event.