BNM Institute of Technology (BNMIT), an autonomous institution under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and approved by AICTE, announced the launch of an all‑inclusive entrepreneurship and seed funding programme, the first of its kind among engineering and management colleges in its domain. The legacy BNM Educational Institutions group, founded in 1972, positions BNMIT as one of Bangalore’s oldest and most recognised colleges, offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in artificial intelligence, information science, machine learning, electronics, management and related fields.
The seed funding initiative allocates approximately Rs 3,00,000 per student project. To unlock this capital, students must prepare comprehensive project presentations, an impact matrix and projected return‑on‑investment analyses, thereby simulating the due‑diligence process employed by real‑world investors, venture capitalists and financial institutions. Faculty continuously scout for impactful curriculum‑linked projects and may also fund proposals submitted directly by students to the management or faculty.
Prof. Eishwar Maanay, Dean of BNMIT, emphasized that analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills, together with the ability to attract funding, are essential for contemporary entrepreneurs and that early exposure provides a competitive edge. The institute’s curriculum is deliberately crafted to develop entrepreneurial acumen from day one, moving beyond theoretical instruction to industry‑relevant simulations, challenges and socially‑impactful problem solving.
In parallel, BNMIT employs a people‑first grading mechanism called the Professional Grade Point Average (PGPA), which evaluates students on parameters such as communication skills, personal well‑being, creativity quotient and problem‑solving abilities, rather than relying solely on traditional academic marks. This approach is intended to foster independent thinking and ownership of ideas, preparing graduates to become impactful entrepreneurs by the time they complete their studies.
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