In a groundbreaking move on World Entrepreneurs Day, TiE Bangalore and Atria University have united to establish the Atria School of Sustainable Entrepreneurship supported by TiE Bangalore (ASSET). This strategic partnership aims to foster sustainable business practices by equipping future entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge.
Alongside this partnership, TiE Bangalore has also launched the TGS2024 GreenFlame of Entrepreneurship Global Campaign, engaging the global entrepreneurial community to secure over 100,000 pledges towards a sustainable future among the youth.
Partnership Details
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Shri Madan Padaki, Chair of TGS2024 and President of TiE Bangalore, and Shri Dr. Rajeevan Madhavan Nair, Vice Chancellor of Atria University, and former Secretary in the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India. This collaboration signifies a commitment to nurturing sustainable entrepreneurship, combining the strengths of TiE Bangalore’s entrepreneurial guidance with Atria University’s academic excellence.
Educational Programs at ASSET
The Atria School of Sustainable Entrepreneurship (ASSET) will offer a comprehensive suite of educational programs designed to advance sustainable business practices. These offerings include:
- Workshops, Certification Courses, and Diploma Programs: Covering crucial areas such as NetZero, Circular Economy, Asset Tokenization, and Responsible AI.
- Four-Year Degree Program: Incorporating Design Thinking, Rapid Prototyping, Market Validation, and eight additional sprints focusing on Entrepreneurship, including Ideation to Design, Validation & Viability, Market Sizing, and Business Model Innovation.
Students will receive mentoring support from Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiRs), TiE mentors, and angel investors, who will guide startup projects, conduct monthly talks/masterclasses, and offer internships in TiE startups. Atria University will also provide a dedicated co-working space, Beyonder Studio, for sustainability-focused startups recommended by TiE. These startups will benefit from open access to academic sprints, interaction with CoE practitioners and faculty, and collaboration with Atria University students across various majors.
Insights from Leadership
Madan Padaki, President of TiE Bangalore and Trustee of TiE Global, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The 20th-century industrial revolution borrowed from the future to pay for the present. We must break this pattern and find ways to achieve sustainable economic growth uncoupled from environmental degradation. This partnership represents a pivotal moment in our commitment to nurturing sustainable entrepreneurship. By combining our strengths with Atria University’s academic excellence, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem that not only supports but accelerates the growth of innovative and sustainable enterprises.”
Dr. Rajeevan Madhavan Nair, Vice Chancellor of Atria University and former Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, added: “Global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss aren’t just problems to solve – they are opportunities for innovation and new business models. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with TiE Bangalore. The launch of the Atria School of Sustainable Entrepreneurship on World Entrepreneurs Day underscores our shared vision of fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs who will lead with sustainability at the core of their business practices.”
TGS2024 GreenFlame Campaign
The TGS2024 GreenFlame of Entrepreneurship Global Campaign aims to inspire the global entrepreneurial community to commit to sustainable practices. The campaign features a vibrant virtual green flame animation symbolizing the global movement towards sustainable entrepreneurship. As the campaign progresses, each TiE chapter worldwide will be spotlighted on the microsite map as the flame reaches their region. Chapters will engage by sharing inspiring messages, celebrating green entrepreneurs, and posting impact stories on social media.
The campaign’s goal is to secure 100,000 pledges and achieve millions of social media impressions, showcasing the global entrepreneurial community’s commitment to sustainability. “The TGS2024 Green Flame of Entrepreneurship embodies our collective commitment to building a future where business success is deeply intertwined with sustainable practices. This initiative is not just about pledges; it’s about igniting a global movement that will inspire young entrepreneurs to lead with purpose and responsibility,” Madan Padaki added.
Conclusion
The partnership between TiE Bangalore and Atria University to launch the Atria School of Sustainable Entrepreneurship (ASSET) represents a significant step towards promoting sustainable business practices. With comprehensive educational programs and the TGS2024 GreenFlame campaign, this initiative is set to inspire and equip the next generation of entrepreneurs to lead with sustainability at the forefront. Keep an eye on this transformative journey as it unfolds, driving meaningful action towards a sustainable future.
