‘Confluence 2024’ was hosted by IFMR GSB (Graduate School of Business), Krea University in partnership with TiE Chennai and The Chennai Angels with the theme – ‘Catalyzing Entrepreneurship’. The event, a part of the inauguration for the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Krea University brought together eminent leaders from industry, entrepreneurs, investors from across the nation in one platform.

Prof. Dr. Lakshmi Kumar, Dean, IFMR GSB, Krea University, in her welcome speech said, “Confluence 2024 is a manifestation of our commitment towards nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit. The convergence of such diverse and dynamic individuals underlines the potential for innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of our global community.”

Mr. Lakshmi Narayanan, Chancellor, Krea University, former CEO of Cognizant, mentioned how an idea, proper execution followed by benefits, is what entrepreneurship is all about. Citing real life stories he emphasized on three things every entrepreneur should continue having – Perseverance, Belief, Confidence.

Chief Guest, Mr. Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman and MD, TVS Capital Funds Limited, in his inaugural address said that entrepreneurial mindset reflects a deep rooted sense of achieving something and making an impact. Speaking about the entrepreneurial ecosystem, he said, “Entrepreneurship is not just about funding or success, even a failure should be celebrated. Entrepreneurs are today’s freedom fighters for Vikhshit Bharat.”

Mr. Srini Raju, Chairman, Sri City Foundation, spoke about sustainability of micro enterprises and MSE by enabling them to be part of supply chains for bigger companies in the industry.

Mr. Ashvin Chadha, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Anicut Capital, shared inspiring stories of successful entrepreneurs which started in middle class families and grew big with financial support.

Prof. Thillai Rajan from IIT, Madras, presented analytic and characteristics of Tech Start-Ups.

Host of interesting panel discussions followed begin with “Breaking Boundaries: The Power of Disruptive Innovators” with panelists Mahesh Ramachandran, Founder and Chief Mentor, Tech Innovations, CIGS, Natasha Jethanandani, CTO, Kaleidofin, and Senthil Kumar, Co-founder and Board Member, Qube Cinema, was moderated by Prof. R. Sathyanarayanan.

The next panel was on “Green Ideas to Green Profits: Stories of Eco-Entrepreneurs,” which presented sustainable business practices with speakers including Deepak Baghel, Co-Founder and CEO, Mielo India, Deepanshu Khandelwal, CEO, Catalyst AIC, LEAD at Krea University, Karthic Rathinam, Founder, Out of the Box, Madhumitha Udaykumar and Jagadeesh Kumar, Co-founders, The Indus Valley, moderated by Prof. Sathya Saminadan.

Day ended with interesting discussion on “Connected Efficient Inclusive: The Landscape of Smart Services,” with panelists : Akhila Rajeshwar, Executive Director, TiE Chennai, our very own – Nirmalya Pal, Founder, Campusutra.com, J Salim Vali, Partner, Capital Development, IIMA Ventures and Vamshi Vasudevan, Founder and CEO, Anyo App, moderated by Prof. Anil Srinivasan, Visiting Professor of Practice, Krea University and Co-Founder, Kruu Inc, shared their respective experiences on disruptive ideas and newer challenges of an inclusive society.

Prof. Vijayalakshmi C, Convenor of Confluence 2024, Professor at IFMR GSB, Krea University, in the conclusive delivered the Vote of Thanks and mentioned the significance of the conclave towards creating an ecosystem for entrepreneurship and incubation centre for start up ideas.