The Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, SRM University-AP, is organising an interactive session with Prof. Soumitra Dutta, CREATOR OF THE GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX & NETWORK READINESS INDEX on October 13, 2026, at Auditorium-Xlab. Entrepreneurship is often defined solely by the launch of a new company. Yet, reducing it to the singular act of starting a business overlooks a profound truth: the entrepreneurial spirit is fundamentally a way of thinking. It is the capacity to identify opportunities, navigate uncertainty, and build meaningful value in any environment. This is the core theme driving the interactive session.
The starting point is the recognition of a critical gap: the perception that entrepreneurial ambition belongs only to tech founders and startups. The responsibility today is to broaden that definition. The pathways to entrepreneurial success are vast and varied. They run through existing corporate structures, social ventures, academic ecosystems,
and global institutions. True innovation thrives wherever there is a drive to solve problems and the resilience to transform an idea into reality.
On 13 October, the conversation will shift from the mechanics of starting up to the mindset required for long-term impact. Engaging with Prof. Dutta offers students a vital opportunity to look beyond local horizons, challenge their assumptions, and align their ambitions with global benchmarks. The session will focus on the enduring principles of
critical thinking, value generation, and strategic vision rather than the surface glamour of venture creation.
Ultimately, success in a rapidly changing world belongs to those who view their education as a toolkit for continuous reinvention. This session is an open invitation for the student community to reframe their future, embrace non-traditional career paths, and turn intellectual curiosity into purposeful, lifelong leadership.