The Role of Academia in Entrepreneurship

India is becoming the world's fastest-growing startup ecosystem. The subcontinent has been making great strides in the department lately, currently being home to 107 unicorns with a total valuation of $340.79 billion. It indeed has had an excellent past few years for the Indian startup ecosystem. Remember, just five years ago. India had only 14 unicorns. The government has created a favorable milieu for startups to sprout and thrive. The major wedge of the 100 belongs to Bangalore and Mumbai. Understandably, most of them belong to the digital ecosystem.

The government's Startup India program, India's largest online entrepreneurship platform that allows startups to

network, access free tools & resources and participate in programs & challenges, has been a huge success. However, the responsibility to create and maintain a favorable environment for startups to make inroads and entrepreneurship to thrive doesn't fall on the government alone. Academia has a huge role to play.

The first International Conference on Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Development (ICESBD 2022), held at Amity University, is of great importance in that regard. The Conference aims to bring the practitioners of Sustainable Business Practices together and benefit the students and participants through a stimulating exchange of ideas.

Amity University, Noida, was established in 2005 and is recognized by University Grants Commission and accredited by the NAAC with a grade of 'A+.' It was India's first private university to implement reservations and merit-based scholarships for students. The university has always been at the forefront of promoting entrepreneurship and instilling a leadership mindset among its students. In this special issue, we unfold the stories of some of the alumni of Amity who make the university proud. Do let us know your thoughts.