Mumbai / Bangalore – In a significant development on World Entrepreneurs Day, TiE Bangalore and Atria University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Atria School of Sustainable Entrepreneurship supported by TiE Bangalore (ASSET). This strategic partnership aims to create a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing sustainable business practices by equipping future entrepreneurs with vital skills and knowledge. In conjunction with this partnership, TiE Bangalore has launched the TGS2024 GreenFlame of Entrepreneurship Global Campaign. This initiative is set to engage the global entrepreneurial community, secure 100,000+ pledges to drive meaningful action toward a sustainable future among youth.
The MoU was signed by Shri Madan Padaki, Chair of TGS2024 and President of TiE Bangalore, and Shri Dr. Rajeevan Madhavan Nair, Vice Chancellor of Atria University and former Secretary in the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India.
The Atria School of Sustainable Entrepreneurship supported by TiE Bangalore (ASSET) will offer a comprehensive suite of educational programs, including workshops, certification courses, diploma programs, and a four-year degree. These offerings will cover crucial areas such as NetZero, Circular Economy, Asset Tokenization, and Responsible AI, while also focusing on Design Thinking, Rapid Prototyping, and Market Validation. The degree program will also include 8 additional sprints concentrating on Entrepreneurship, such as Ideation to Design, Validation & Viability, Market Sizing, and Business Model Innovation, with mentoring support from Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiRs). TiE mentors and angel investors will guide and shape startup projects, provide monthly talks/ masterclass by successful entrepreneurs, and offer internships in TiE startups. Atria University will also provide a dedicated co-working space, Beyonder Studio, which will host sustainability-focused startups recommended by TiE. These startups will benefit from open access to academic sprints, interaction with CoE practitioners and faculty, and collaboration with Atria University students across various majors.
Present at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Madan Padaki, President TiE Bangalore and Trustee, TiE Global said, “The 20th-century industrial revolution borrowed from the future to pay for the present. We must break this pattern and find ways to achieve sustainable economic growth uncoupled from environmental degradation. This is where sustainable entrepreneurship comes into play. By combining traditional business acumen with a deep understanding of environmental and social issues, sustainable entrepreneurs aim to create solutions that address global challenges while generating profit. This partnership represents a pivotal moment in our commitment to nurturing sustainable entrepreneurship. By combining our strengths with Atria University’s academic excellence, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem that not only supports but accelerates the growth of innovative and sustainable enterprises.”
Dr. Rajeevan Madhavan Nair, Vice Chancellor of Atria University and former Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, emphasizes the importance of this approach. “We are seeing a fundamental shift in how we view economic opportunities. Global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss aren’t just problems to solve – they are opportunities for innovation and new business models. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with TiE Bangalore. The launch of the Atria School of Sustainable Entrepreneurship on World Entrepreneurs Day underscores our shared vision of fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs who will lead with sustainability at the core of their business practices.”
The TGS2024 Green Flame campaign will feature a vibrant virtual green flame animation symbolizing the global movement towards sustainable entrepreneurship. As the campaign progresses, each TiE chapter globally will be spotlighted on the microsite map as the flame reaches its region. Chapters will maximize engagement by sharing inspiring messages, celebrating green entrepreneurs, and posting impact stories on social media. The campaign aims to secure 100,000 pledges and achieve millions of social media impressions, showcasing the global entrepreneurial community’s commitment to sustainability.
“The TGS2024 Green Flame of Entrepreneurship embodies our collective commitment to building a future where business success is deeply intertwined with sustainable practices. This initiative is not just about pledges; it’s about igniting a global movement that will inspire young entrepreneurs to lead with purpose and responsibility.” Madan Padaki added.
