December 16-19, 2024: The Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) conducted its 'Winter Immersion Program' (WIP) from December 16 to 19 at the Institute of Business Administration's (IBA) City Campus bringing renowned international trainers to shed light on the importance of entrepreneurship education and research along with incubation management in academia.

Dr Sanna Ilonen and Joachim Ramstrom, who are senior faculty at the School of Economics at the University of Turku, as well as, Islam Mohamed, the Chief Investment Officer at social impact catalyst in Saudi Arabia's Arweqah Alreyadah, were the trainers for the two workshops held over a four-day period.

IBA-CED Executive Director Dr Akbar Zaidi gave the keynote address, in which he stated that there needs to be an overhaul of the curriculum taught to students to consider the ever-evolving realm of entrepreneurship.

Dr Zaidi added that, "Workshops such as this allow participants to think creatively to keep up with changing trends in business."

The first workshop titled "Fostering Entrepreneurship in Academia," was led by renowned educators, Dr Sanna and Joachim, who have over two decades of combined experience in Entrepreneurship.

They allowed participants to develop a robust understanding of the tools, and resources needed to create and deliver engaging entrepreneurship modules or courses.

The participants were from diverse backgrounds with university faculty, incubation centre staff and media professionals in attendance.

While the second workshop which was led by Islam, who is from Egypt and one of the brightest minds in the innovation ecosystem, on "Elevating Innovators and Incubators" underscored the necessary hands-on knowledge and skills to design and manage a thriving university-based business incubator program.

A combination of lectures, interactive discussions, and case studies ensured that the WIP was a truly immersive learning experience for participants.

IBA-CED Director Dr Lalarukh Ejaz gave the closing remarks, in which she thanked the speakers and participants for being a part of the WIP.

Dr Lalarukh said that there was a dire need for universities and incubators to engage in such activities and workshops where the knowledge exchange and structured discourse takes place.

IBA-CED believes that cultural exchange is also an indelible part of the learning process and in this regard, souvenirs were handed out to the trainers.

The event concluded with the trainers and participants certificate distribution.