Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has launched a new initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among pre-final-year female engineering students across its affiliated colleges. The programme, titled ‘She Innovates’, is being implemented under the Visvesvaraya Research and Innovation Foundation (VRIF).

The initiative targets training nearly 4,000 students in entrepreneurial skills, with approximately 100 participants eventually selected to develop their own start-ups. So far, about 3,400 students have registered, with a cap of 80 students per college.

Participants will receive training from leading organisations such as Wipro, UN Women, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, and TiE chapters from Hubballi, Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Mysuru, among others. The programme is designed to provide industry exposure and practical insights into entrepreneurship.

According to Santosh Ittanagi, head of execution and operations at VRIF, the training will equip students with the necessary skills and understanding to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Following a three-month training period, participants will compete in a hackathon focused on solving real-world challenges in rural areas. This project may also count as their final-year internship.

The initiative aims to identify 100 highly motivated students who are committed to entrepreneurship, despite its challenges and risks. VTU also plans to engage with families of selected candidates to ensure they have a supportive environment.

VTU Vice-Chancellor S Vidyashankar said the programme is intended to empower women in engineering and prioritise students from rural backgrounds. He noted that many companies have extended support and that mentors will be assigned to guide participants.

Separately, addressing a principals’ meeting organised in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Vidyashankar stressed the importance of practical education in engineering. He stated that while job opportunities exist, there is a gap in industry-ready graduates, and institutions must focus more on hands-on learning to improve employability.

Inputs from TOI 

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