Connecting global capital with Indian insight at SPJIMR

SPJIMR recently hosted a high-level delegation from France’s Epic Foundation at its Mumbai campus, bringing together global entrepreneurs, family business leaders, investors, and philanthropists for a focused dialogue on India’s evolving socio-economic landscape. The delegation was led by Alexandre Mars, Founder and CEO, and Myriam Vander Elst, Chief Engagement Officer of Epic Foundation.

Epic is a global foundation committed to empowering children and youth, and protecting the planet, with a strong focus on measurable impact. To date, Epic has backed 57 nonprofits and social enterprises and mobilised $100 million towards high-impact initiatives worldwide. Notably, 88 per cent of its portfolio organisations report that Epic’s support has been transformational, while 87 per cent of donors say it helped them overcome trust barriers in supporting nonprofits. Its 100 per cent pro bono model ensures that every dollar goes directly to impact. In India, its work spans organisations such as Apnalaya, SNEHA, Prerana, and REACH, addressing critical areas including education and livelihoods, healthcare and nutrition, child protection, and community health.

The visiting delegation reflected this philosophy in action, bringing together a diverse group of leaders including entrepreneurs, private equity investors, family business leaders, and philanthropists. Their presence underscored the growing global interest in purpose-led business and philanthropy.

The session, hosted by Dean Varun Nagaraj, highlighted the strong alignment between Epic’s mission and SPJIMR’s nearly five-decade commitment to responsible management education and social impact. As he noted, “What differentiates SPJIMR is our enduring engagement with the social sector. We consciously build managers who can serve both industry and society, ensuring that growth is inclusive and impact is tangible.”

Faculty insights anchored the dialogue in India’s unique context.

Preeta George, Professor of Economics and Policy, unpacked the complexities and opportunities of the Indian economy, highlighting the country’s demographic dividend and the transformative role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in driving consumption and inclusion. Manoj Mohan, Executive Director, WISE Tech, showcased India’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and SPJIMR’s focus on start-ups committed to the triple bottom line, creating social and environmental value alongside financial returns.

A walkthrough of Abhyudaya offered the delegation a powerful, first-hand perspective on how social immersion is embedded within the SPJIMR MBA journey, building empathy, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of India’s development challenges.

Alexandre reflected on the shared ethos between Epic’s mission and SPJIMR’s work: “I have long admired your work at SPJIMR, particularly your focus on ‘wise innovation’. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist committed to the idea that business must deliver both financial performance and social impact, I am keen to better understand the Indian market through a purposeful lens.”

For SPJIMR, such engagements are a natural extension of our growing global footprint and position as a leading Indian business school with international relevance. By convening global leaders who are shaping conversations around impact, innovation, and responsible growth, the institute continues to strengthen its role as a thought leader at the intersection of business and society.

The Epic Foundation visit represents more than a dialogue. It is a convergence of global capital, entrepreneurial energy, and institutional purpose, reinforcing the importance of shaping leaders who are not equipped not only to navigate complexity but also to create meaningful, lasting and inclusive impact across geographies.