In a celebration of innovation, enterprise, and youthful ambition, the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) hosted the 17th edition of MANTHAN — its flagship Business Plan Presentation Competition. Established in 2009, MANTHAN has grown into one of the most prestigious platforms for aspiring entrepreneurs, nurturing India’s startup ecosystem and galvanizing the next generation of visionaries.
ISBR Business School was proud to have its MBA students participate in this highly competitive event, which not only offers substantial prize money as seed capital but also promises vital incubation support — a stepping stone towards launching real-world entrepreneurial ventures.
A Transformative Learning Experience
The journey began with a two-day intensive knowledge workshop held on April 7th and 8th at the FKCCI Headquarters in Bengaluru. This workshop was nothing short of transformative, immersing students in the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through a blend of expert-led sessions, practical insights, and real-life success stories.
Day One focused on the essentials: “What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur”, evaluating the strength of ideas, and understanding financial structures. A standout session was led by Dr. Rajdeep Manwani, Research Head and a respected thought leader, who distilled entrepreneurial success into five compelling attributes — Creativity, Passion, Focus, Grit, and a Futuristic Vision.
The session was further enriched with a powerful testimonial from Abhay Ranjan, the 2016 Manthan winner and founder of One Good, a plant-based milk brand that was later acquired by Nourish. His journey offered the perfect proof of how ideas nurtured at MANTHAN can evolve into successful, acquisition-worthy ventures.
Real-World Wisdom from Changemakers
Day Two delved into the practical realities and challenges of entrepreneurship. Students gained firsthand insights into modern-day marketing through social media and digital channels. Among the eminent speakers were:
- Mr. Adhrith Dhuddu, founder of Alive Now and early investor in California Burrito – India
- Ms. Akshetha Maithri, co-founder of Sama, a legal aid platform empowering everyday citizens
- Mr. Ashutosh Ananth, founder of Rescript, a sustainable brand built on recycling newspapers
Perhaps the most moving story was shared by Ms. Vandana Suri, an investment banker-turned-social entrepreneur. In response to the urgent need for women’s safety, she founded Taxshe, an all-women taxi service, transforming lives of women from underserved communities. Her work has earned accolades from the World Bank and United Nations, and left a deep impression on every participant.
The workshop concluded with a practical guide on “How to Write an Effective Business Plan”, led by Mr. Chinmay Ananda and his expert panel, equipping students with tools to align their business models with investor expectations.
Building the Next Generation of Job Creators
At ISBR, we believe in shaping not just business leaders but job creators. MANTHAN provided an invaluable launchpad for our students to dream bigger, plan smarter, and move one step closer to becoming impactful entrepreneurs. As we look ahead to a Viksit Bharat 2047, these young leaders are poised to drive the future of India’s economy with courage, compassion, and creativity.
About ISBR Business School: ISBR Business School, located in Bangalore, India, is a premier institution dedicated to providing world-class education in business and management. Accredited by the NBA and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities and the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, ISBR has consistently been ranked as a platinum institute by AICTE-CII. With a diverse student body, a strong emphasis on industry collaboration, and a curriculum designed to foster innovation and leadership, ISBR Business School is committed to shaping the business leaders of tomorrow. The school’s robust placement record and partnerships with top global companies underscore its commitment to excellence and career readiness for its students