SPJIMR’s FinNovate Accelerator Curtain Raiser event showcases commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship
July 24, 2023
Mumbai, July 15, 2023 – Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) successfully hosted the Curtain Raiser event for its FinNovate Accelerator programme on July 15, 2023. The event brought together industry leaders, start-ups, and investors, highlighting SPJIMR’s dedication to fostering innovation and nurturing entrepreneurship in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) space.
The event marked a significant milestone with the unveiling of the Sunil Bhatia Start-up Hub. Sunil Bhatia, a distinguished SPJIMR alumnus and Benefactor of the Startup Hub, supported the establishment of a dedicated space for fostering innovation and collaboration among aspiring start-ups through an INR 10 Crore endowment.
The Curtain Raiser event featured a series of insightful sessions by industry experts. Dr. Pramod Varma, the erstwhile Chief Architect of Aadhaar & India Stack, captivated the audience with his visionary keynote address, highlighting the societal transformation that occurs when technology unlocks value across domains. Sunil Bhatia, former CEO of Infogain, shared his remarkable journey from startup to unicorn exit, inspiring entrepreneurs to think big and persevere in the ever-evolving landscape. Nandini Mansinghka, CEO of Mumbai Angels, shed light on the investment opportunities in startups, encouraging bold ventures in the dynamic market. Dr.Varun Nagaraj, Dean of SPJIMR, provided a comprehensive overview of SPJIMR’s commitment to driving innovation and nurturing future leaders.
Dean Varun Nagaraj, endorsing the FinNovate Accelerator programme, emphasised, “We believe in the value that the FinNovate Accelerator brings to the table in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship within the BFSI space. Our objective is to create a conducive environment where start-ups can thrive, driving the development of disruptive solutions that can reshape the BFSI industry. In the future, we envision the FinNovate Accelerator as a vital force in stimulating innovation, empowering start-ups to reach noteworthy milestones and making a positive impact in the BFSI ecosystem.”
Dr.Pramod Varma emphasised the significance of innovation in the BFSI sector, stating, “We need diversity of solutions, and this can only be achieved through entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs have the power to build numerous combinatorial solutions that can eventually reach a billion people. It’s wonderful to see SPJIMR setting up this accelerator, creating mentorship, and supporting the entrepreneurial journey, which is essential for our ecosystem as a whole.”
The FinNovate Accelerator programme received over 200 registrations from start-ups across various sectors, including fintech, agri tech, legal tech, and generative AI. Following a rigorous selection process, 12 start-ups were chosen to participate in the programme. These start-ups will undergo a three-month acceleration programme, during which they will receive a customised acceleration plan tailored to their specific needs.
The FinNovate Accelerator programme aims to provide start-ups with the necessary guidance, resources, and mentorship to propel their growth and success. The programme will culminate in a demo day scheduled for October, where the selected start-ups will have the opportunity to showcase their progress and achievements.
“The FinNovate Accelerator programme with its impressive CXO level mentors, investors and corporate partners is a testament to SPJIMR’s ability to create a high quality environment to nurture and empower innovative start-ups in the BFSI space,” said Manoj Mohan, Executive Director at SPJIMR’s Centre for Financial Innovation.
The FinNovate Accelerator programme exemplifies SPJIMR’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration in the BFSI industry, ultimately shaping a dynamic and vibrant start-up ecosystem.
About SPJIMR:
S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), a constituent of the eminent education trust Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), is consistently ranked among the top ten business schools in India. With its unique and distinctive approach to management education, SPJIMR aims to influence practice and promote value-based growth through pioneering programs and pedagogical innovations. For media inquiries, please contact mediarelations@spjimr.org