On 29th January, 2025, Narayana Business School Ahmedabad’s incubation centre called Narayana Centre for research and innovation (NCRI) has entered into a strategic partnership with the JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF) to provide a launchpad for budding entrepreneurs, budding startup owners, students and alumnus with combined mentorship, opportunities to seek investments and the knowledge to grow and become successful as a business leader.
What Is JITO JIIF?
The JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF) is a non-profit organization established under the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). JIIF operates two primary initiatives:
- JITO Incubation Centre: This centre provides a leading startup ecosystem by offering affordable office spaces, shared services such as legal, HR, accounts, and IT support, mentorship from industry experts, and funding opportunities to help startups succeed.
- JITO Angel Network (JAN): JAN is a non-profit venture that connects investors with early-stage startups. It facilitates capital investment in exchange for equity and offers proactive advice, industry connections, and mentoring to founders.
Recently, JIIF facilitated India’s largest community-based group car purchase, featuring premium and luxury models from BMW, Mercedes, and Toyota.
By uniting demand, JIIF was able to secure unprecedented benefits for its members, demonstrating the power of collective strength and collaboration. This initiative reflects global trends in group purchasing, a strategy gaining popularity for its ability to deliver cost savings, streamlined processes, and enhanced negotiation power.
NBS Ahmedabad’s Dedication To Excellence And Inclusivity
NBS Ahmedabad stands out as one of the few B schools in India run by academicians, ensuring a strong academic foundation that prioritizes research and innovation. Dedicated to nurturing talent from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, NBS recognizes the immense potential and aspirations of young and growing India.
By focusing on the aspirational young India, the B school contributes to the socio-economic development of emerging urban centres, bringing out the best aspirations and aligning with India’s trajectory towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
The diverse student body at NBS, representing over 24 states and UTs, enriches the learning environment by bringing together a multitude of perspectives and experiences. This cultural amalgamation fosters global perspectives and cultural agility, essential traits for future business leaders.
NBS’s curriculum is continually updated to reflect the ever-evolving business landscape, ensuring that students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. The B school emphasizes hands-on learning, live projects, and industry exposure, providing students with practical experience that complements their academic studies.
Significance Of The MoU With JITO JIIF
The MoU between NBS and JIIF is a much-needed step in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical entrepreneurship. This collaboration offers students and alumni access to:
- Direct mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and investors
- Priority access to funding opportunities through the JITO Angel Network
- Advanced prototyping and development facilities
- Global networking through JITO’s entrepreneurial forums
JIIF enhances its capabilities through:
- Access to NBS’s research expertise and academic insights
- A pipeline of well-trained entrepreneurs and innovative startups
- Collaborative curriculum development
- Enhanced thought leadership in the startup ecosystem
Dr. Amit Gupta, Director of NBS Ahmedabad, emphasized the transformative nature of this partnership, stating that it integrates leading incubation support into their academic framework, prioritizing entrepreneurs and providing students with the resources to turn classroom ideas into market-ready solutions.
Parting Thoughts: Strengthening Gujarat’s Future Innovation Hub
This strategic alliance between NCRI and JITO JIIF reinforces Gujarat’s position as a leading centre for innovation and entrepreneurship in India. The partnership creates a robust framework for nurturing startups that can compete on a global scale, contributing to India’s growing influence in the international business landscape.
Students and alumnus of NBS after have an already set vast network of 670+ recruiters can now leverage the vast network of JITO as well.
Through this collaboration, NBS Ahmedabad and JIIF are setting new standards for entrepreneurial education and support, creating a model that combines academic excellence with practical business acumen. This partnership represents a significant step forward in developing the next generation of successful entrepreneurs who will shape India’s economic future.
