Prof. Anuradha Narasimhan’s interview 

Innovation and entrepreneurship are the cornerstones of the modern world. To gain deeper understanding into these fields, Insight freshie feature participants interviewed Professor Anuradha Narasimhan, the head of the Desai Sethi School of Entrepreneurship (DSSE), as part of the Freshie Feature Program. With extensive experience in both the corporate and academic worlds, she shared invaluable perspectives that broadened our understanding. Read on to learn about her corporate journey, transition to academia, and views on entrepreneurship.

Before joining IIT Bombay as a professor, what was your academic and professional journey like?

My personal and professional journeys have been intertwined. You can’t run one without the other. In psychology, there are two terms: the need for achievement and the need for affiliation. Affiliation refers to the need for community, friendships, connections, and family. Some people are high on one, while others are high on the other. I might sound like I am both, and this comes at the cost of time and stress.

I was a student at IIT Bombay from 1986 to 1990 and graduated with a degree in civil engineering. Afterwards, I pursued my studies at IIM Bangalore. I worked in the industry for almost 24-25 years in strategy and marketing before returning when IIT Bombay was looking for professors of practice. They wanted people from the industry, and when they reached out to me, I jumped at the opportunity. I returned in 2021 and have been a professor of practice for almost four years. I have also been the head of the Desai Sethi School of Entrepreneurship for three years now.

Can you briefly describe your corporate experience and the companies you worked at?

I worked at well-known Indian companies like Britannia, primarily in sales and marketing strategy—always on the demand side of the business. I take great pride in the brands I have worked on and helped build. One example I often mention in class is Nutri Choice, which I saw grow from its infancy to its current stature. Another source of pride is mentoring professionals—both marketing professionals and women managers.

I reached the position of Head of Marketing and later Chief Marketing Officer at Britannia, handling large advertising budgets and multiple brands. However, I didn’t aspire to be a CEO. Around that time, my son was exploring academic institutes in the US, and I, too, felt a strong desire to study. I believed being on campus would be the best experience, so I pursued a PhD at Singapore Management University at 53 after leaving Britanna. At 70, I plan to start a venture—not for profit, but to stay connected with friends. My idea is to open a tea shop where people pay with conversations instead of money. Phones will be discouraged, and the focus will be on social interaction and community building.

What motivated you to leave your high-paying corporate job and return to teaching? Why IIT Bombay?

That was an easy decision—it’s my alma mater. They reached out, and I was already looking to teach, which is why I started my PhD. However, given that my expertise was in business and management, I never imagined it would be at IIT Bombay. Somehow, they found a fit, which has been a great match.

How did you adjust to the transition from the corporate world to academia?

It was a significant change. The corporate world has a well-established hierarchy with clear reporting structures. Academia operates differently. At IIT, I engage in two primary ways—teaching students and handling administrative responsibilities at DSSE.

With students, the traditional guru-shishya (teacher-student) dynamic doesn’t exist, and that’s fine. No one should look up to someone simply because they are a teacher. I see teaching as a performing art. Before every class, I prepare stories, anecdotes, and jokes to make lessons engaging. I was extremely shy growing up and even during my early career, but I learned public speaking through initiative and practice. Transitioning from a structured corporate environment to academia required adjustments, but my background in sales helped—I had to influence, inspire, and motivate people in both roles.

As an IIT Bombay alumnus, what are some of your fondest memories on campus?

My first memory, and perhaps yours too, is arriving in late June when the campus is lush and beautiful in the early monsoon rain. Coming from a sheltered home, I was amazed by the newfound freedom—no curfews, no restrictions.

I tried my hand at ham radio and played basketball, mainly because there were so few girls that everyone had to participate. My favourite memories are from outside the classroom—competitions like Inter Hostel events and PAF (Performing Arts Festival), which still maintain their old charm. I worked behind the scenes as a coordinator, handling lights, camera, and sound, as I wasn’t comfortable speaking in front of an audience then.

What brings you happiness and satisfaction in life? Is your role as an educator a significant factor?

For me, happiness comes from satisfaction—having achieved something. I am competitive, but primarily with myself. In my corporate networking days, I even tracked the number of people I met weekly. I firmly believe that networks matter, but they are not just databases; they are meaningful connections. Every person in my contacts list is someone I know personally. I find fulfilment in both connections and accomplishments.

I once heard a saying: “Success should be measured by where you started and where you have reached.” I had a privileged upbringing, so I measure satisfaction rather than success—how well I have contributed, how well I have connected with people, and what I have built over time.

What sparked your interest in entrepreneurship?

Our IIT Bombay class of 1990 returned for a reunion in 2015. Reconnecting was a challenge because we had no social media when we graduated. As a batch, we decided to raise funds and invest in something meaningful. We chose two areas—clean energy and entrepreneurship. We felt we had missed the entrepreneurship wave but saw its potential for younger generations.

I led that initiative, frequently visiting IIT Bombay to work on it, which eventually deepened my engagement with entrepreneurship. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Every Sunday, we run IDEAS classes or seminars, and it brings immense joy.

What is the role of DSSE?

Entrepreneurship is not just about teaching; it involves research, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. DSSE supports students in their entrepreneurial journeys through structured programs like the IDEAS program, mentoring, grants, and networking opportunities. The school plays an integral role in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students, helping them translate ideas into real-world impact. Additionally, DSSE collaborates with student-run initiatives such as E-Cell and the Institute Technical Council to promote innovation on campus. We are also expanding into online education, offering courses on platforms like NPTEL and Coursera, and are working on launching a master’s program online.

What research projects are DSSE faculty currently working on?

Professor Sankalp focuses on university entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education, using ethnographic research methods to enhance the teaching of entrepreneurship. Professor Leena studies social entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurship, grassroots innovation, and the impact of AI on inclusive innovation. A key area of focus is translational research—bridging the gap between lab-based research and market applications. Entrepreneurship research, especially in emerging markets, is still nascent, and DSSE is actively contributing to this evolving field.

What misconceptions do students have about entrepreneurship?

The biggest misconception is how long it takes. Students see success stories, but they don’t realise that for every success, there are ten failures. The media rarely highlights the struggles. Also, entrepreneurship can be lonely. A venture may fail, but an entrepreneur gets up and tries again.

What kind of support does DSSE provide for students with startup ideas or even a product?

DSSE provides multiple avenues of support for students interested in entrepreneurship. Within courses, nearly 30% of all projects are team-based, allowing students to identify real-world problems, validate their ideas, and develop solutions. For those who wish to take their ideas further, the IDEAS program offers a structured, non-credit initiative where student teams receive mentorship, masterclasses, and feedback from industry experts. Additionally, teams can secure grants of up to five lakhs for prototyping and early-stage development.

Beyond financial support, DSSE offers networking opportunities through a robust mentorship ecosystem. Alumni and industry professionals guide students through challenges, helping them refine their business strategies. Students can also participate in the Supervised Learning Project (SLP), a credit-based initiative where they work under faculty supervision to develop their ideas into tangible ventures. These resources ensure that students have access to mentorship, funding, and technical guidance to transform their entrepreneurial aspirations into reality.

What role does entrepreneurship play in India’s growth?

India needs job creators, not just job seekers. The government is pushing both large-scale manufacturing and entrepreneurship. The IT industry created massive employment, and by 2030, startups are expected to generate a comparable number of jobs, spread across 100,000 startups instead of just a few major companies. IIT graduates are well-positioned to be job creators who drive innovation and sustainability.

How can entrepreneurship help address social challenges such as poverty and unemployment?

Entrepreneurship has the potential to address pressing social challenges by creating jobs, fostering economic development, and driving innovation in underserved areas. Social entrepreneurship, in particular, focuses on solving societal problems such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to essential services. By leveraging technology and business strategies, entrepreneurs can develop scalable solutions that improve livelihoods and uplift communities.

DSSE encourages students to explore these challenges through competitions like the Hult Prize, which promotes startups addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Faculty members also conduct research on social entrepreneurship and inclusive innovation to provide insights into how startups can create meaningful social impact. By equipping students with the right knowledge, mentorship, and resources, DSSE plays a crucial role in fostering ventures that contribute to sustainable and equitable development.

What policies or support systems is IITB offering that would strengthen India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem?

IIT Bombay already offers deferred placements, allowing students to skip placement for two years to work on a startup. We also have a dual-degree option for those interested in entrepreneurship. Additionally, we are introducing the Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program, providing stipends to young alumni who want to start ventures after gaining initial work experience.

Our goal is to remove some of the risks associated with entrepreneurship while fostering innovation.

Final message for IIT Bombay students?

You are the future. Whether it’s job creation, sustainability, or solving global challenges, the responsibility is in your hands. Think beyond being job seekers—become job creators and change-makers for a better world.