On 07.10.2024 a session was organized on the title “Igniting Entrepreneurial Mindsets: Building the Future Today” 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. 57 students and 2 faculties 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 the session by stating the example of Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato, to illustrate why engineers are inherently well-suited for entrepreneurial ventures. He explained that Goyal, with his engineering background, exemplifies how problem-solving skills can translate seamlessly into entrepreneurship. Engineers are trained to approach challenges methodically, which aligns with the entrepreneurial mindset of identifying problems and crafting innovative solutions—just as Goyal did when he identified a gap in the food delivery industry. Goyal’s journey underscores how engineers, armed with a strong foundation in technology, are ideal candidates for launching startups in industries driven by rapid technological advancements. The speaker highlighted that engineering equips individuals with the ability to create scalable and impactful solutions, which is key in today’s fast-evolving business landscape. Leveraging technology, as Goyal did by transforming the food delivery system with Zomato, is crucial for entrepreneurial success, especially in a climate where digital transformation is reshaping entire industries.
The speaker emphasized three key factors that contribute to entrepreneurial success, they are
Identifying Market Needs: Like Goyal, engineers must develop a deep understanding of customer pain points. Goyal’s identification of inefficiencies in the restaurant and food delivery sectors allowed him to create a solution that addresses real-world problems.
Product Development and Scalability: The speaker stressed the importance of building scalable products, much like Goyal’s Zomato, which began as a restaurant discovery platform and evolved into a global food delivery service, adapting to changing market demands.
Business Acumen: While technical skills are essential, the speaker pointed out that engineers, like Goyal, need to complement their technical expertise with business knowledge. Goyal’s success is partly attributed to his understanding of financial management, marketing, and strategic planning, which are critical for leading and sustaining a startup.
The speaker concluded the session and said that Entrepreneurship Development Cell at Francis Xavier Engineering College is dedicated to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students, encouraging them to create innovative business ventures that align with global market standards. He also said that our mission is to inspire future engineers to embrace entrepreneurship, contributing to industrial and national development.