With a vision to foster innovation and promote entrepreneurship and innovation, the city-based PU, Vadodara, Gujarat hosted the Young Entrepreneur Exchange Project-Indian Summer School Program 2024 (YEEP ISS). This program, organized through a strategic partnership between PU, India and Bern University of Applied Sciences, is an innovative initiative aimed to foster global entrepreneurship and cross-cultural learning opportunities for students from both institutions. Under this program, students from Bern University visited PU for an enriching two-week summer school program that offered them a platform to exchange ideas and collaborate on innovative entrepreneurship projects.

The year’s edition was the fifth edition of this successful collaboration between Switzerland and India; where students got to engage in workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions facilitated by the expert faculty members and industry experts from both the universities. Throughout the program, students from both the universities explored the multiple facets of entrepreneurship - including startup ideation, brand identity, business model development, market analysis, and pitch presentations - preparing them to tackle real-world challenges in the world of entrepreneurship. Students from both the Bern University of Applied Sciences and PU got an opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, exchange ideas, and gain practical insights into the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape in India. Aron Braun, Entrepreneur and Lecturer in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship at Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland, shared his thoughts on the collaborative environment at YEEP, stating, “I’ve been following the development and progress of PU for the last 5 years and they’ve developed a good entrepreneurial system with so many success stories. PU is truly a very entrepreneurial spirited university!”

The program saw the participation of a wide spectrum of innovative ventures - ranging from technological driven startups to healthcare, each bringing unique ideas and perspectives to the collaborative learning environment. These student startups are driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to addressing real-world challenges through entrepreneurial solutions. Some of the student startups included; Immuniso: Personalized Nutrition App for Health Management that aims to improve health outcomes through personalized diet plans, food charts, and nutrition guidelines, Cancer.Cure - a startup focusing on addressing the multifaceted needs of cancer survivors and their families throughout their post-cancer journey by providing nutritional support and collaborating with healthcare professionals, EcoPoly - a venture working towards developing sustainable biodegradable plastics, and Accomzy - a cost- effective platform designed to optimize accommodation for individuals such as students and working professionals.

Cultural immersion activities and visits to local businesses, startups, and innovation hubs further broadened the horizons of student startups, exposing them to diverse business practices and global trends. These experiences not only enhance their understanding of international markets but also inspire them to explore new opportunities for growth and expansion. “The YEEP programme shows me a lot about intercultural cooperation. The programme is so overwhelming in a very positive sense. I have learnt a lot about Indian cultures and religions,” said Lea Allemann, a Bachelor of Business Administration student at (BFH) Bern University of Applied Sciences.

Talking about the culture of India and Switzerland, Lara Matti, a BSc Business Administration student at Bern University of Applied Science, was quoted saying, “Working with Indian students has been a truly valuable experience, giving me a deep understanding of their culture and way of thinking. Spending a longer time in India has been fascinating, showing me the big differences between life in Switzerland and India. These contrasts are impressive, and this experience has broadened my view of different cultures. I’m coming home with many positive memories and a greater appreciation for the rich culture I encountered.”

“I am grateful for this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain insights from experienced mentors. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to develop their entrepreneurial skills in a collaborative and international setting,” said Anokhee Naik, a student from the Faculty of Applied Sciences PU and one of the brilliant minds behind the Immuniso startup.

Jay Sudani, CEO of Parul Innovation and Entrepreneurship Research Center (PIERC) and Convener of YEEP, shared his thoughts on the program, saying, “This program brings together aspiring entrepreneurs from India and Switzerland to share ideas, collaborate, and form lasting relationships. By partnering PU, Vadodara, with Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland, it provides students with valuable learning experiences while enhancing ties between institutions and nations, fostering mutual learning in entrepreneurship and innovation.” Adding to his views, Dr. Preeti Nair, Director of Centre for International Relations and Research and Convener, YEEP 2024, said, “Globalization is essential for strengthening business fundamentals and broadening entrepreneurial mindsets. The Young Entrepreneurship Exchange Program (YEEP) provides Swiss students insight into the Indian market and vice versa. Our universit's tailored program emphasizes practical knowledge, allowing students to engage with vendors and apply real-world learning.”

The Young Entrepreneur Exchange Program Indian Summer School (YEEP-ISS) underscores the university’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and providing students with transformative educational experiences. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this initiative aims to inspire the next generation of global entrepreneurs and innovators.