Mumbai : ITM Skills University’s Institute of Hotel Management (ITM IHM) successfully launched its Entrepreneurship Cell, IGNITE – Igniting Entrepreneurial Minds in Hospitality, on 6th March 2026. The initiative aims to nurture entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and business acumen among hospitality students by providing them with a platform to explore and develop startup ideas within the industry.
The launch event featured insightful sessions by distinguished industry leaders. Chef Ritesh Tulsian, Owner of Echelon Hospitality, shared his entrepreneurial journey of building and managing successful hospitality ventures. He emphasized the importance of strong concept development, operational excellence, and strategic financial planning in establishing sustainable food and beverage businesses.
The program also hosted Mr. Parthip Thyagrajan, Founder of WeddingSutra.com, one of India’s most influential wedding and lifestyle platforms. During his session, he shared valuable insights into creating niche digital platforms and discussed innovation, brand positioning, and the growing opportunities within the evolving events and wedding industry.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of startup ideas by students, who confidently showcased practical and realistic business concepts. The speakers engaged actively with the students, asking thoughtful questions and offering constructive suggestions to help refine their ideas and strengthen their entrepreneurial approach.
Dr. Purva Tawade, Director & Dean, ITM IHM said, “IGNITE is an important step towards encouraging our students to think beyond traditional career paths and explore entrepreneurship within the hospitality industry. By connecting them with experienced industry leaders and providing a platform to develop their ideas, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators and business leaders in hospitality.”
Through IGNITE, ITM IHM aims to create a dynamic ecosystem where students can interact with industry mentors, experiment with business ideas, and gain meaningful exposure to the entrepreneurial landscape. The initiative reflects the institute’s continued commitment to promoting innovation, leadership, and startup culture among its students in the hospitality sector.
