Events

The Bangalore Slush’D EarthLab Roundtable with SPJIMR WISE Tech set the stage for the upcoming Slush’D Bangalore event. Organised by the Sunil Bhatia Start-up Resource Hub at SPJIMR, in collaboration with KDEM and Headstart, the EarthLab roundtable focussed on the intersection of sustainability and entrepreneurship. The event united a select group of founders, investors, and corporate catalysts to discuss key climate challenges, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Highlights

The roundtable was structured around thematic discussions with a specific sustainability theme assigned to each table. Experts and entrepreneurs at each table delved into guided discussions, exploring the challenges and potential solutions in their respective areas. Presenting each table’s thematic discussion below:

Renewable energy: Discussions centred around the future of solar energy, focusing on technological advancements, affordability in rural areas, and challenges in integrating solar power into the existing grid.

Corporate sustainability: Participants explored the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into corporate strategy, discussing the benefits, measurement techniques, and common implementation challenges.

Sustainable agriculture: This table focused on innovations in sustainable agriculture, particularly the role of technology in enhancing productivity and reducing environmental impact, as well as the challenges faced by small-scale farmers.

Sustainable transportation: The future of electric vehicles (EVs) was the key topic, with discussions on advancements in EV technology, infrastructure improvements, and barriers to widespread adoption.

Waste management: Reducing plastic waste was the focal point, with strategies discussed for enhancing recycling, promoting alternatives to plastic, and addressing consumer behaviour.

Public awareness and education: This theme addressed the importance of raising public awareness about sustainability, exploring strategies for effective communication, and the role of educational institutions and media in driving sustainable behaviour.

Key takeaways

Collective innovation: The event underscored the importance of collective innovation and collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges. Participants agreed on the need for continued dialogue and joint efforts to implement the ideas and solutions discussed.

Technological advancements: Across themes, the role of technology in driving sustainable practices was emphasised, whether in energy, agriculture, or transportation. However, high costs and regulatory hurdles were noted as significant barriers.

Sustainability in business: The integration of sustainability into corporate strategies was recognised as not only beneficial for the environment but also as a driver of long-term business resilience and stakeholder value.

Community engagement: Public awareness and education were crucial in promoting sustainable practices. Effective engagement strategies, particularly through media and educational institutions, are essential for fostering a culture of sustainability.

Outcomes and impact

• The event served as an excellent platform for networking, where participants appreciated the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore potential collaborations.
• There was a clear consensus on the importance of continued collaboration, with many recommending forming working groups to further develop and implement the solutions discussed.
• The attendees expressed great satisfaction with the stimulating thematic discussions and the event organisation.

The Bangalore Slush’D EarthLab Roundtable with SPJIMR WISE Tech successfully set the stage for deeper discussions and collaborations, reinforcing the commitment of SPJIMR and its partners to driving sustainability through entrepreneurship and innovation.