Kolkata, 18 August 2025. IIM Calcutta recently hosted its 2nd National Conclave on Entrepreneurship, bringing together over 150 entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to discuss India’s economic future. A key highlight was the Joka Fund Fest 2025, which successfully connected six promising startups with IIM Calcutta’s alumni investors, resulting in strong funding interest ranging from ₹2 to ₹10 crore. This event underscored the powerful role of alumni networks in fueling India’s startup ecosystem.
In his keynote address, Mr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), stated that India is at a pivotal moment, with its entrepreneurial spirit now fully supported by a government committed to building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. He highlighted that policies like GST and a focus on reducing logistics costs are creating an environment where entrepreneurs can become the architects of the nation’s economic future.
Shri Shrikrishna Kulkarni, Chairperson of the IIM Calcutta Board of Governors, emphasized the importance of core values like trust, perseverance, and patience for entrepreneurs. He noted that they are vital for creating jobs and transforming the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) vision into reality.
The conclave also highlighted the crucial role of the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) in democratizing innovation. Mr. Ajay Jain, Chairman of IIMCIP, shared that their mission is to ensure entrepreneurs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, along with women-led enterprises, have equal access to capital, mentorship, and markets. Over the years, IIMCIP has mentored more than 2,000 startups and provided seed funding to over 130.
IIMCIP CEO Dr. Subhrangshu Sanyal emphasized that entrepreneurship is a powerful catalyst for social impact. The Joka Fund Fest is a prime example of how IIMCIP connects promising startups with alumni investors to help them navigate the challenges of early-stage growth and turn their aspirations into reality. This was echoed by Tajkira Begum, a supported entrepreneur who has empowered over 500 women in rural Bengal, showing how entrepreneurship can uplift entire communities.
Dr. Alok Kumar Rai, Director, IIM Calcutta, underscored the institute’s role: “Entrepreneurship is about challenging the status quo and solving real-world problems in novel, sustainable ways. Guided by our five strategic pillars – integration, inclusion, innovation, internationalisation, and Indianness, we are nurturing a new generation of leaders who will drive India’s economic and social transformation on the path to ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’”
