Role of Engineers in Entrepreneurship

On 27.6.24 a program was organized on the title “Role of Engineers in Entrepreneurship” by the Entrepreneurship Development Cell and IIC in association with the Electronics and Communication Engineering department. The session was handled by Dr. R Prem Ananth, IIC Convener, IIC Innovation Ambassador for "Design thinking & Innovations", Assistant professor, Francis Xavier Engineering College. 66 students and 1 faculty participated in the program. This event was coordinated by Mr Pradeep T Rajan, Assistant Professor, Department of ECE, Francis Xavier Engineering College.

The guest speaker started session by asking who is owner of Tesla, Elon Musk, an engineer and entrepreneur, has led multiple successful ventures, including SpaceX and Tesla. His technical knowledge and leadership skills have been instrumental in the success of these companies. The speaker said entrepreneurship is a vital engine of economic growth and innovation, and engineers play a crucial role in this dynamic ecosystem. As problem-solvers and innovators, engineers possess the technical knowledge and analytical skills that are essential for the development of new technologies, products, and processes. He highlighted the roles that engineers can play in entrepreneurship, highlighting the unique contributions they make to the startup ecosystem and the benefits they derive from entrepreneurial endeavors. The speaker said that Engineers as Innovators, Engineers are trained to identify problems and design effective solutions. This skill set is fundamental in entrepreneurship, where the ability to recognize unmet needs and create viable products or services can lead to successful ventures. Their technical expertise allows them to develop innovative solutions that are both feasible and scalable. He sighted the development of smartphone technology. Engineers identified the limitations of existing mobile phones and designed advanced features such as touchscreens, high-resolution cameras, and powerful processors. He employs Engineering Skills in Product Development, Engineers are adept at transforming ideas into tangible products. They use their knowledge of materials, mechanics, and electronics to create prototypes that can be tested and refined. Rapid prototyping techniques, such as 3D printing, allow engineers to quickly iterate on designs and improve product functionality. He concludes the speech and said Engineers are invaluable to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise, innovative thinking, and problem-solving skills. Their contributions are essential at every stage of the entrepreneurial process, from identifying opportunities and developing products to leading teams and commercializing technology. By embracing entrepreneurship, engineers can drive innovation, create economic value, and make a significant impact on society.