Ahmedabad: The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has successfully concluded a 10-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Entrepreneurship for faculty members of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). The programme, coordinated by NIFT Gandhinagar, brought together 25 faculty members from NIFT campuses across the country to strengthen entrepreneurial thinking, innovation and industry-academia collaboration.
Designed to build institutional capacity in entrepreneurship education, the programme focused on equipping faculty members with practical knowledge and tools to mentor startups, integrate entrepreneurship into academic curricula and promote innovation-driven learning. The initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat by encouraging sustainable economic growth through entrepreneurship.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIM Ahmedabad, and Dr. Sameer Sood, Director, NIFT Gandhinagar, along with senior officials, faculty members and programme participants.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Bharat Bhasker emphasised that continuous learning is essential irrespective of one’s professional position and appreciated the participants for embracing the programme with enthusiasm. Highlighting India’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence, deep technology and space technology, he noted that sectors such as fashion and fashion technology would continue to play a critical role in economic growth, creativity and human well-being.
He underlined that successful entrepreneurship requires not only innovation but also financial and commercial acumen. Encouraging participants to create robust entrepreneurial ecosystems within their institutions, he highlighted the achievements of IIMA Ventures, which has supported over 3,000 startups, deployed nearly ₹180 crore in catalytic capital and facilitated investments exceeding ₹800 crore. He invited NIFT faculty members to collaborate with IIMA Ventures to transform fashion and design innovations into successful enterprises.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sameer Sood said the textile sector remains central to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat, echoing the Prime Minister’s focus on the “Three Ts”—Textiles, Tourism and Technology. He stressed that India’s growth must include rural prosperity, where textiles, handicrafts and artisan-led industries continue to generate sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. Sood also announced that NIFT plans to strengthen entrepreneurship across its campuses through the proposed Launchpad Initiative, under which dedicated Entrepreneurship Cells will mentor aspiring student entrepreneurs and encourage innovation-led ventures. He expressed confidence that collaboration with IIMA Ventures would create new opportunities in startup incubation, mentoring and industry partnerships.
The programme featured expert lectures, case studies, interactive workshops and mentoring sessions covering business model development, innovation management, intellectual property, venture financing and entrepreneurial leadership. Participants also interacted with experts from IIMA Ventures to gain insights into India’s evolving startup ecosystem. The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participants, who reaffirmed their commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and startup culture across NIFT campuses.