The College of Agriculture Vellayani, recently hosted the transformative 'Illuminate 2023' workshop, organized by E-Cell CoA Vellayani, which brought together 120 enthusiastic participants and 18 online attendees. This event, held on January 8th, 2024, aimed to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit and foster a learning and collaborative environment.
The workshop opened with a dynamic inaugural session graced by esteemed personalities from academia and industry. Dr. Faizal M. H., Professor and Research Coordinator, at the College, warmly welcomed the participants. The session gained momentum with Dr. K. N. Anith, Associate Director of Research - RARS (SZ), emphasizing the critical role of entrepreneurship research. Dr. Roy Stephen, Dean of Faculty, and Mr. Babu Mohanan, Managing Director of Teleradpro, delivered inspiring addresses, setting the stage for a day of insightful learning.
Keynote speaker Mr. Babu Mohanan, with over 40 years in the IT industry, shared invaluable insights into entrepreneurship and innovation. His expertise as a certified Project Management Professional and a Certified Scrum Master, along with his commitment to mentoring young entrepreneurs, was particularly impactful.
The workshop's schedule was comprehensive, covering essential entrepreneurship topics like idea generation, team building, and business model development. The inclusion of a networking lunch break facilitated camaraderie among participants. Later sessions delved into finance, marketing, the art of pitching, and a final pitch competition, providing practical insights into the key components of successful entrepreneurship.
Dr. Allan Thomas, Head of the Department of Agricultural Extension Education, and Dr. Geetha Radhakrishnan, Assistant Professor & Faculty Advisor E Cell, also felicitated the event. Mr. Josekutty Sebastian, Operations Head, E Cell CoA, Vellayani, concluded the workshop with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the collaborative efforts that made the event successful.
The Illuminate 2023 workshop marked a significant milestone in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial skills among participants, creating a robust platform for future entrepreneurial endeavors within the academic community.
