This initiative is being led by Anand Jagannathan, a Foundation Board Member and a serial entrepreneur.

Goal: To create the IITK Entrepreneurial Advisory Network that fosters entrepreneurship with both IITK alumni and current students. A sub goal is to create an entrepreneurship culture at the curriculum level with courses, programs and competitions.

Objective: A trusted destination (website, alumni list, meeting etc.) where a prospective entrepreneur can go to seek advice, expertise and funding.

Membership: Alumni and current faculty members who have successfully accomplished one or more of the following:

• Launched companies

• Functioned as a senior industry executive

• Financed companies

• Created products from academic research

Beneficiaries: Alumni and current students who have a business idea and have made some progress in executing the idea. A special focus should be to foster entrepreneurship at the campus level and offer opportunities to current students.

Elements: Some of the elements that have been identified are as follows:

• IITK Foundation provides an umbrella authority and guidance.

• A mechanism to spread a word about the program. This might be initially through the IITK newsletter, meetings at local chapters or a campus meeting

• A website that provides the details of the program and has a mechanism for members and beneficiaries to apply.

• A faculty contact to lead the designing of the course curriculum.

• A business plan competition and the selection of N companies to get seed funding.

Initially, the funds for the program can be raised through individual donations. Gradually, it can be converted into a self sustaining seed fund with some financial rewards for the IITK Foundation.

You are invited to contact

Professor Prabhat Munshi, DORA to discuss your plan for a donation to IIT Kanpur.
All contributions, large or small, will be deeply appreciated.