The Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Srinivas Institute of Technology, Valachil, Mangaluru, in association with the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), organized a session titled Entrepreneurship and Innovation as Career Opportunity on 25 February 2026 at 3:00 PM in Room No. 301. The session was delivered by Dr. Vinayak V. Rao, Professor in the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Srinivas Institute of Technology.

During the 30-minute session, Dr. Rao explained the importance of entrepreneurship as a transformative career path in today’s dynamic economic environment. He highlighted how innovation-driven enterprises are shaping industries and creating sustainable growth opportunities. The session emphasized the importance of identifying real-world problems, developing scalable solutions, and cultivating a mindset that embraces creativity, resilience, and calculated risk-taking.

Dr. Rao also discussed the growing startup ecosystem in India and the various forms of institutional support available for aspiring entrepreneurs, including incubation centers, funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and government initiatives that encourage student-led innovation.

The session also focused on bridging the gap between academic learning and practical implementation. Students were encouraged to participate in innovation challenges, research-driven product development, and collaborative projects. Real-life examples of successful startups were shared to provide insights into the entrepreneurial journey.

The program concluded with an interactive discussion where students raised questions regarding startup funding, entrepreneurship career paths, innovation strategies, and risk management.

The event was conducted successfully with the support and encouragement of the Principal, Dr. Shrinivasa Mayya D. The program was supported by Prof. Nagaraja Hebbar N, Head of the Department of AI and Data Science, along with the Institution’s Innovation Council. The session was coordinated by Prof. Ganapathi Sharma K, IIC Coordinator, and Prof. Ajay Prinston Pinto, AADE Association Coordinator. Faculty members and students actively participated in the session.