IIM Bodh Gaya’s Youth Entrepreneurship Summit (YES 2026) attracts 1,000 participants from over 250 institutions – APN News | Authentic Press Network News
Bodh Gaya, India – The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya successfully organized its Youth Entrepreneurship Summit (YES) 2026 on February 6th and 7th, 2026. This significant event attracted around 1,000 participants from more than 250 institutions across the country, showcasing the growing interest in entrepreneurship among the youth.
Inauguration and Keynote Speakers
The summit was inaugurated by Prof. Deepika R. Gupta, Chairperson of the Envision Cell at IIM Bodh Gaya. She emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in shaping the future of the Indian economy. The inauguration also featured esteemed speakers including:
- Mr. Karan Bhardwaj, Founder of Rara Now
- Ms. Anooja Bashir, Co-Founder & CEO of Flexicloud
- Mr. Saksham Prashar, Associate Director at Zepto
- Mr. Sourav Sen, Senior Manager at PayTM
- Dr. Amanpal Singh Chawla, Executive Director of Skillspade Solutions
Themes and Discussions
The summit featured a series of discussions and workshops centered around key themes relevant to aspiring entrepreneurs. Some of the major topics included:
- Understanding investor time frames for grounded advice
- Determining the optimal timing for fundraising with a clear vision
- Differentiating businesses through focused metrics
- Recognizing that no single metric ensures scalability
- Balancing quick returns with higher long-term gains
Highlight Event: Pitch Perfect 7.0
One of the major highlights of YES 2026 was the “Pitch Perfect 7.0” competition. This event featured a prize pool exceeding ₹2.5 lakh, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to present their innovative ideas to a panel of industry experts. Participants were evaluated based on their creativity, business model, and presentation skills.
Competitive Events
In addition to Pitch Perfect 7.0, the summit hosted several competitive events designed to test participants’ creativity and business acumen. These included:
- Best Manager 3.0 – A competition to identify the best managerial talent among participants.
- Business Wars 5.0 – A strategic competition simulating real-world business challenges.
- Stockopoly – A stock market simulation game aimed at educating participants about trading and investment.
- Fish Tank – A pitch competition where participants present their business ideas to a panel of investors.
- Fun Fiesta – A light-hearted event focused on team-building and creativity.
Support and Sponsorship
YES 2026 received strong support from various organizations, including:
- NABARD – National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
- Startup Bihar – A government initiative to promote startups in the state
- Bihar Government – Providing overall support for entrepreneurship initiatives
- Department of Industries – Collaborating to foster business development
- Campa – Serving as the beverage partner for the event
Impact of YES 2026
The Youth Entrepreneurship Summit has reinforced IIM Bodh Gaya’s commitment to empowering emerging leaders and advancing entrepreneurship in India. By providing a platform for young minds to connect, learn, and innovate, the summit aims to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs who can contribute to the economic growth of the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Youth Entrepreneurship Summit (YES 2026) at IIM Bodh Gaya was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of participants eager to explore the world of entrepreneurship. With its engaging activities, insightful discussions, and competitive events, the summit not only inspired attendees but also equipped them with the necessary tools to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the event held on February 6th and 7th, 2026, and reflects the ongoing efforts of IIM Bodh Gaya to foster entrepreneurship among youth.
