Mysuru, March 8, 2024: Dell Technologies has organised a programme as part of its CSR initiative to foster entrepreneurship and AI among students in India, particularly girls.
The event was held from January 10 to 14 at Dell Technologies, Domlur campus in Bangalore. Students from Mysuru’s Excel Public School have emerged as one of the top 10 participants in ShePreneur Programme, the CSR initiative of Dell Technologies organised in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and Learning Links Foundation as an implementation partner.
The students, Asmita Rao, Deeksha G, and Gahana H Prasad, currently in class IX presented a millet vending machine for dispensing customized millet malts at the programme. The team contended with 26 other innovative projects presented by teams from all over India to secure the coveted spot. This girl-focused entrepreneurship & AI initiative program conceptualized by Dell Technologies is focused on fostering entrepreneurship and AI among students in India, particularly girls.
The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets to promote their cultivation and consumption globally, with India playing a leading role in advocating for this initiative. Through Excel Public School’s (EPS) efforts to involve students in the battle against climate change, these young 9th graders merged technology, and sustainability to create a solution to promote the consumption of the sustainable crop ‘millets’ known for its nutritional value and adaptability to diverse climates.
The millet vending machine was first presented at the Atal Innovation Marathon 2023, followed by the Student Innovation Programme conducted by Learning Links Foundation, which further enabled the students to apply and earn a spot at the boot camp organised by Dell Technologies – ‘ShePreneur Programme’.
The boot camp focused on fostering girl entrepreneurs aligns with Dell Technologies’ commitment to diversity and empowerment. This programme introduces female students to various aspects of problem-solving, design thinking, product development, branding, and patenting.
Talking about their experience at the bootcamp, the student entrepreneurs of Excel Public School, Asmita Rao, Deeksha G, and Gahana H Prasad said, “The ShePreneur programme conducted by Dell Technologies brought out the leadership qualities in us and made us think like entrepreneurs. We were able to interact with global leaders and understand how the market works. The boot camp helped us to put our thoughts and ideas into action through various interactive and brainstorming sessions with mentors from Dell Technologies and Learning Link Foundations. The training comprised of various areas which emphasized the role of girls and Women in STEM fields and the importance of AI in Entrepreneurship. We also learnt the steps involved in arriving at the target segment, narrowing down the USP of the product and various marketing strategies involved to reach the target segment. Overall, it was a fun-filled learning experience where we established good mentor-mentee connections.”
Commenting on this achievement of the students, Mathew KG, Principal, Excel Public School said, “The students have made us proud with their achievement at DELL’s ShePreneur. This success not only reflects their individual brilliance but is also an inspiration to aspiring young student entrepreneurs across the nation.”
Sudhanva, MD & CEO of Excel Group said, “The achievement stands as a testament to the success of our vision to create an education system that encourages innovation, design thinking and problem-solving mindset among its students. As the torchbearers of tomorrow, the future of our society lies in the hands of the young minds of today. And it falls on us to nurture our children to shape a better tomorrow.”
