Kollam, Kerala – In a significant step toward fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, the Bishop Jerome Institute (BJI) has announced a high-profile mentoring event scheduled for April 7th, 2026. This full-day event, titled "Demo Day/Poster Presentation of Business Plans & Mentor Linkages," aims to bridge the gap between academic business concepts and practical industry mentorship.
The event is a flagship initiative under BJI’s Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) and is registered as an "IIC Quarter 3 Activity - Level 3," signifying its importance within the institution's official innovation ecosystem. It will take place in the Seminar Hall of the MBA Block, the hub for the School of Management.
Spotlight on Faculty and Expertise
BJI has announced that Prof. Silpa A Prasad, an Assistant Professor and the ED Club Coordinator for the School of Management at BJI Kollam, will serve as the Key Facilitator. Her expertise in Entrepreneurship Development and Talent Source and Acquisitions makes her exceptionally suited to guide students through the complexities of presenting viable business plans to external mentors. Her involvement underscores BJI's commitment to leveraging in-house academic talent to support student innovation.
The event is also being supported by key faculty and student leadership, with Prof. Uneez B (Placement Coordinator and IIC Member) serving as the Faculty Coordinator and Ms. Ashna Ashraf (S2 MBA) acting as the Student Coordinator.
The Event Structure
This "Demo Day" serves as a crucial platform for students to present their business models and plans, developed throughout their academic terms, to a panel of expert mentors. These presentations will be in a poster format, allowing for iterative, face-to-face feedback and one-on-one "mentor linkages."
The primary goal is twofold:
Validation: Students receive real-world feedback from experienced professionals on the viability, scalability, and market-readiness of their proposed ventures.
Connections: The "linkages" aspect is vital. Successful interactions can lead to ongoing mentorship, internship opportunities, or even potential investment.
Institutional Commitment
The Bishop Jerome Institute, an entity affiliated with key organizations like the AICTE, COA, and the Catholic Diocese of Quilon, has been consistently intensifying its focus on practical, industry-oriented education. This event is a testament to BJI's "School of Management" strategy to not only teach business theory but to actively cultivate the next generation of job creators in the region.
The Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) at BJI, an initiative of the Ministry of Education (MoE) to promote innovation in Higher Education Institutions, has been crucial in driving this cultural shift. This upcoming event is a clear output of the council's Q3 activity plan, which focuses on validation and mentor connections.
Key Details for the Event:
What: Demo Day/Poster Presentation of Business Plans & Mentor Linkages (IIC Quarter 3 Activity - Level 3)
When: April 7th, 2026
Time: 09:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Where: Seminar Hall, MBA Block, Bishop Jerome Institute, Fatima College Road, Kollam
Key Facilitator: Prof. Silpa A Prasad
This event is highly anticipated by both faculty and the student body, promising to be a cornerstone day for the development of entrepreneurial talent at BJI in 2026.