The Indian School of Business (ISB) on March 29 celebrated the achievements of 51 young entrepreneursโthe founding class of the I-Venture Immersive (ivi) programmeย at the graduation ceremony held at its Hyderabad campus.
Sanjay Nayar,Founder and Chairman, Sorin Investment Fund, President, ASSOCHAM; Mohit Garg, CEO and Co-Founder, OLOID; and Professor Bhagwan Chowdhry, Faculty Director, ISB I-Venture, awarded graduation certificates to the young entrepreneurs.
For six months, ivi students have had access to ISBโs renowned faculty, a robust alumni network, leading investors, and industry experts. They have been immersed in a dynamic environment that challenges them to think critically, adapt, and scale their ventures. The impact of this programme extends beyond the classroom, as these entrepreneurs contribute to Indiaโs evolving startup landscape.
Congratulating the graduating class, Sanjay Nayar, Founder and Chairman, Sorin Investment Fund, President, ASSOCHAM emphasised that the entrepreneurial journey is about far more than just securing capital or chasing rapid growth. Drawing on his extensive experience, he pointed out that true success comes from nurturing strong mentorships and building robust networks. He stressed the importance of disciplined execution, careful governance, and the humility to pivot, when necessary, especially in todayโs digitally transforming India where innovations are paving the way for sustainable business practices.
Professor Bhagwan Chowdhry, Faculty Director, ISB I-Venture, remarked that the I-Venture Immersive programme places the real exam in the act of building a businessโa test that continues well beyond graduation. He highlighted the critical role of alumni involvement in the programme, noting how they share firsthand experiences from the trenches of entrepreneurship. According to him, the depth of connections and the insights brought by the faculty were unparalleled, offering a level of practical learning opportunities. He concluded by reminding the graduates that ISB remains a home where they can always return for guidance, collaboration, and continued growth.
As part of Phase 2 of the programme, 12 ventures (15 students) from the graduating class have been selected to receive funding and extended venture-building support to accelerate their growth. This crucial backing allows them to refine their business models, develop prototypes, and move closer to market entry with the continued support of ISBโs ecosystem. Additionally, six more students will remain on campus to continue building their ventures.
