And the week begins...

February 24, 2007 , 11:00 am - A memorable moment for E-week partners and NEN, where 160 institutes and 11 organisations came together for a synchronized kick-off, declaring the E Week open at the same time, across the nation. In one wave, several thousand Indians participated in the official launch of India's first ever Entrepreneurship Week.

Here's what some of our partners across academia and business have to say about E Week...

Ashok Mishra, Director, IIT Bombay
"I support Entrepreneurship Week India initiated by the NEN and would like to endorse this nationwide forum that will allow students in India to come together under one platform. The activities of E-Week will provide an opportunity for the students to create new ideas and new partnerships. We need the student community in India to be pro-active. Moreover, E-Week will give other stakeholders like successful entrepreneurs, educationists, corporate India to come together and create an eco-system that fosters the spirit of creating new enterprise."

Dr. Tina Seelig, Executive Director, Sranford Technolgy Ventures Program (STVP)
"Entrepreneurship Week was initially the brainchild of the Kauffman Foundation and was officially adopted by the US Congress. However, once the fuse was lit, it took off like wildfire across the country and around the world. Clearly, the world is ready to celebrate entrepreneurial spirit!

I am thrilled that India has embraced Entrepreneurship Week. It is a perfect way to bring together all those who are already in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and to inspire others to join in. Entrepreneurship Week in India will highlight the wide range of entrepreneurial activities going on throughout the country and make young people aware of entrepreneurial opportunities in their midst. It will also serve as a strong motivator for those who are considering starting or entering a new venture."

R.Ramaraj, Ex CEO, Sify (Satyam Infoway)
Over the years one has seen the environment change for the better. There is more funding available; entrepreneurship has become more socially acceptable. But while things are improving, we need to work harder towards creating a better ecosystem. Thrust is needed on providing more technology and incubation support, as well as on mentoring. Entrepreneurship development across Institutes all over India will serve to make entrepreneurship accessible to a wider base of students in India, spurring innovation and competitiveness, critical for India’s growth. I support NEN’s vision for EWeek – it will bring successful role model entrepreneurs into the ecosystem, make mentoring more accessible to new and future entrepreneurs, and above all will help kindle the spirit of entrepreneurship in youngsters -- encourage them to be more entrepreneurial; inside companies, or while considering starting or entering a new venture.

Over the next few days, we hope to keep you posted on what India Inc. thinks of entrpreneurship, how Indian youth are creating awareness about entrepreneurship, and more importantly, what can be done to create a more favourable climate. Comments are welcome.

PS: If you would like to contribute to our blog, email your thoughts in not more than 200 words to eweekblog@nenonline.org and we'll be happy to post your views!