EDII Champions Green Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Growth at Kolkata Roundtable Meet
Times of India | 6 March 2025
KOLKATA: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), a globally unique institution fostering entrepreneurial skills, reaffirmed its commitment to green entrepreneurship at a recent roundtable meet in Kolkata. Aligning with the Government of India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and net-zero targets, EDII emphasized the critical role of eco-friendly businesses in addressing environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities.
“Green entrepreneurship is crucial in India due to the country's significant environmental challenges like pollution, climate change, and resource depletion,” said Raman Gujral, Director of Projects and the Southern Region at EDII. “By fostering sustainable businesses, we can mitigate these issues while driving economic growth and employment, catering to a growing consumer base seeking greener products and services.”
Gujral highlighted an example of a student-led initiative using algae to purify water contaminated with bacteria and pathogens. “This kind of venture is exactly the smart and sustainable business model we envision for the future,” he added.
The push for green entrepreneurship stems from several pressing factors: Addressing Environmental Concerns: Innovative solutions such as renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture can combat India’s severe air and water pollution. Economic Growth & Job Creation: Green businesses can generate new industries and employment opportunities while promoting environmental responsibility. Rising Consumer Demand: Increasing awareness of climate change is driving demand for eco-friendly products, creating a strong market for green entrepreneurs. Innovation & Technology Development: Encouraging sustainable solutions fosters technological advancements across industries. Social Impact: Green entrepreneurship not only supports economic growth but also positively impacts communities by promoting environmental conservation and responsible business practices.
Julie Shah, Deputy Chief of Institutional Communication at EDII, emphasized policy support for green enterprises. “The Indian government actively promotes sustainability initiatives, offering incentives and funding for businesses in renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly products,” she said.
Beyond green entrepreneurship, EDII continues to drive inclusive economic growth through education programs and social initiatives. As part of this mission, the institute recently organized a Roundtable Meet under its ‘Support, Activate, and Build Assured Livelihoods (SABAL)’ initiative. The initiative aims to create 3,000 enterprises for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), with 1,500 technology-driven and 1,500 general enterprises.
The meet brought together corporate leaders and government officials to strategize on fostering an environment where PwDs can establish and sustain their enterprises, ensuring their integration into the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
EDII’s Entrepreneurial Training Programmes
The discussions at the Roundtable Meet aligned with EDII’s long-standing commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The institute’s postgraduate diploma programs have yielded a high success rate, equipping students with skills essential for launching and managing successful ventures.
A recent survey found that 78% of EDII’s postgraduate alumni have pursued entrepreneurial careers, contributing to family businesses, launching startups, or leading social enterprises. EDII offers two specialized, AICTE-approved programs: Post Graduate Diploma in Management—Entrepreneurship (PGDM-E): A two-year, full-time program specializing in New Enterprise Creation, Family Business Management, and Social Entrepreneurship. Post Graduate Diploma in Management—Innovation, Entrepreneurship, & Venture Development (PGDM-IEV): A milestone-based program focusing on business model development, market validation, and startup incubation at EDII’s CrAdLE incubator.
With a 42-year legacy, EDII has supported over 1,000 family businesses, incubated 100+ startups, and built a thriving network of 1,800+ successful alumni. Accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and recognized with the USASBE Outstanding Entrepreneurship Program Abroad Award (2014), EDII’s outcome-based courses align with market needs, offering students hands-on exposure to tech-driven businesses, expert mentorship, and industry-relevant training.
Expanding the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Focus on Persons with disabilities (PwDs)
At the Roundtable Meet, discussions centered on creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem for PwDs. Key objectives included:
Best practices for PwD inclusion in entrepreneurship, from infrastructure improvements to workplace integration.
Aligning initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for long-term impact.
Strengthening corporate and institutional support for PwD-led enterprises.
Corporate participants committed to impactful interventions, including:
Community Sensitization Campaigns to promote PwD inclusion.
Life Skills Training for adolescents with disabilities.
Business Opportunity Sourcing to help PwDs establish ventures.
Credit Linkage Support for PwD-led businesses.
Entrepreneur Growth-Cum-Counseling Programs (EGCP) for mentoring PwD entrepreneurs.
Micro-Skillpreneurship Development Programs (MSDP) for equipping unemployed PwDs with business skills.
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII, who could not be at the meet, remotely messaged the institute’s commitment to inclusive economic empowerment. “By providing the right training and opportunities, we can ensure that entrepreneurship is not limited to a select few but becomes a viable option for all, including Persons with Disabilities.”
Adding to this, Dr. Raman Gujral highlighted the institute’s past successes. “Our initiatives have already reached over 8,533 PwDs through skill-training programs, resulting in the creation of 1,247 enterprises. This is just the beginning—we aim to scale these efforts and ensure more PwDs gain access to sustainable livelihoods.”
A Unified Approach to Sustainable Enterprise Development
EDII Ahmedabad’s dual approach—nurturing future entrepreneurs through academic programs while expanding opportunities for marginalized groups through corporate partnerships—sets a benchmark for holistic economic development. By championing green entrepreneurship and fostering inclusive growth, EDII continues to pave the way for a sustainable and equitable future.
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