Puducherry: Pondicherry University, in collaboration with the First World Community (FWC) and the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), on Sunday hosted a one-day symposium on “Igniting Startup Intuition Among Young Minds” to inspire students towards entrepreneurship.

Inaugurating the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. Prakash Babu urged students to become “employment providers rather than job seekers,” stressing willpower and determination as vital for entrepreneurial success. Prof. Y. Venkata Rao, Dean of Students' Welfare, welcomed the participants and highlighted the growing role of startups in shaping the economy. Prof. P. Natarajan, Dean, School of Management, invited students to actively engage with the university's Startup Hub (PUSH).

Delivering an industry perspective, FWC Founder C.K. Ashok Kumar projected India's potential to emerge as an entrepreneurial hub complementing China's manufacturing strength. Manatech Group Chairman Mananathan cautioned about high startup failure rates and called for strong mentoring networks. GOPIO Chairman Gunasekaran stressed resilience in navigating entrepreneurial risks.

Chief Guest Alexander Dodonov, Director of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, encouraged students to innovate for the Russian market to boost Indo-Russian trade.

The symposium featured a panel discussion moderated by Prof. B. Charumathi, Director, ACIC PUSH, with speakers including Dr. Kavitha Sairam (FIB-SOL Life Technologies), Dr. Hudson Hyde (Faucone Group), Dr. Shivakiran (Infin8 Foundation), investor Jay Amaran, and entrepreneur Karunanidhi.

The event underscored Pondicherry University's commitment to fostering innovation through initiatives like PUSH and the Start-up Club.