What sets a successful entrepreneur apart? Is it the ability to think creatively, solve problems, or take risks? At Ekya Nava, one of the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore, we believe that entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business—it’s a mindset. It’s about innovation, leadership, and ethical problem-solving, skills that our students begin cultivating from a young age.
Through our Innovation and Entrepreneurship Pathway, we aim to prepare students not only for academic achievements but also for real-world success. Here’s how we’re shaping the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.
The Garage: Where Ideas Come to Life
Welcome to The Garage—a hub of creativity and innovation at Ekya Nava. Think of it as a playground for ideas, where students transform concepts into viable projects. With state-of-the-art resources and a collaborative environment, The Garage is designed to bring out the entrepreneurial spirit in every student.
What happens at The Garage?
Students work on hands-on projects, experiment with design thinking, and collaborate with peers to solve real-world problems. From creating prototypes to pitching business ideas, The Garage is the epicentre of forward-thinking ventures.
For example, a group of students recently designed a sustainable water filtration system, blending science, empathy, and business principles to address a pressing global issue.
Our Purpose: Innovation with Responsibility
At Ekya Nava, our approach to entrepreneurship isn’t just about creating something new—it’s about creating something meaningful. Our purpose is to:
- Cultivate a culture of creativity and ethical entrepreneurship.
- Develop an entrepreneurial mindset through design thinking, systems & service thinking, and ethical practices.
- Equip students with a diverse skill set that integrates business principles and design innovation for effective problem-solving.
This holistic approach ensures that our students are not just creators but also responsible innovators who understand the impact of their work on society and the environment.
Key Strands of Our Entrepreneurship Program
What makes Ekya Nava’s entrepreneurship program unique? It’s the perfect blend of creativity, practicality, and ethics.
1. Design Thinking
Students dive into human-centered design, learning to empathize with users, identify problems, and develop innovative solutions. They follow a structured process of ideation, prototyping, and testing to create impactful projects.
Example: In one project, students designed an app to connect local farmers with urban consumers, ensuring fair trade and reducing food waste.
2. Systems and Service Thinking
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about products—it’s about systems. Students learn to think holistically, designing solutions that address user needs while considering long-term sustainability.
What’s unique? Students work on building systems like community recycling programs or efficient public transportation models that can make a difference in real-world settings.
3. Ethics of Practice
The world doesn’t just need innovators; it needs responsible innovators. Our students explore the ethical dimensions of entrepreneurship, ensuring their ideas align with values like inclusivity, sustainability, and fairness.
Real-World Relevance: Students are encouraged to ask questions like, “How does my solution impact the community?” or “Is this approach sustainable in the long run?”
4. Business and Design
At the crossroads of business and design, students learn how to turn creative ideas into practical solutions. They delve into market research, branding, and financial planning—all essential skills for launching successful ventures.
Example: Students created a student-run social enterprise selling eco-friendly stationery, learning the ins and outs of product development, marketing, and sales.
Key Strands of Our Entrepreneurship Program
What makes Ekya Nava’s entrepreneurship program unique? It’s the perfect blend of creativity, practicality, and ethics.
1. Design Thinking
Students dive into human-centered design, learning to empathize with users, identify problems, and develop innovative solutions. They follow a structured process of ideation, prototyping, and testing to create impactful projects.
Example: In one project, students designed an app to connect local farmers with urban consumers, ensuring fair trade and reducing food waste.
2. Systems and Service Thinking
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about products—it’s about systems. Students learn to think holistically, designing solutions that address user needs while considering long-term sustainability.
What’s unique? Students work on building systems like community recycling programs or efficient public transportation models that can make a difference in real-world settings.
3. Ethics of Practice
The world doesn’t just need innovators; it needs responsible innovators. Our students explore the ethical dimensions of entrepreneurship, ensuring their ideas align with values like inclusivity, sustainability, and fairness.
Real-World Relevance: Students are encouraged to ask questions like, “How does my solution impact the community?” or “Is this approach sustainable in the long run?”
4. Business and Design
At the crossroads of business and design, students learn how to turn creative ideas into practical solutions. They delve into market research, branding, and financial planning—all essential skills for launching successful ventures.
Example: Students created a student-run social enterprise selling eco-friendly stationery, learning the ins and outs of product development, marketing, and sales.
Learning Experiences that Shape Future Entrepreneurs
Our entrepreneurship pathway is anything but theoretical. Students actively engage in real-world experiences that prepare them for challenges beyond the classroom.
1. Designing a Sustainable Process or System
Students work on projects that blend design thinking, empathy, and business principles to create solutions with social and environmental impact. These projects teach them to think critically and act responsibly.
Example: A team of students developed an energy-efficient cooling system for classrooms, reducing electricity usage while maintaining comfort.
2. Developing a Student-Run Social Enterprise
Imagine starting a business while still in school! Students collaborate to create a product or service, develop a business plan, and launch their enterprise. This experience fosters leadership, collaboration, and decision-making—all while benefiting the community.
Highlight: One student enterprise raised funds to provide educational resources for underprivileged children, showcasing the power of entrepreneurship for social good.
3. Running a Student-Led Innovation Challenge
Students take the lead in organising innovation challenges, honing their leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. These challenges not only promote creativity but also foster a culture of innovation within the school.
Did You Know? Ekya Nava’s innovation challenges have sparked ideas like eco-friendly packaging solutions and AI-driven learning tools, proving that young minds can think big.
Why Entrepreneurship Matters for Students Today
The world is changing rapidly, and the skills needed for success are evolving. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business—it’s about being adaptable, innovative, and proactive in solving the challenges of tomorrow.
By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, Ekya Nava equips students to:
- Tackle global challenges with innovative solutions.
- Build resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing world.
- Lead with empathy and ethical decision-making.
Inspiring the Innovators of Tomorrow
At Ekya Nava, we don’t just teach entrepreneurship—we live it. By nurturing innovation, creativity, and responsibility, we prepare students to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Whether it’s turning an idea into a reality at The Garage or learning the principles of ethical innovation, our students embark on a journey that sets them apart as leaders and changemakers.
So, if you’re looking for a school that inspires creativity, fosters innovation, and equips students for the future, Ekya Nava is the place to be. After all, being one of the best IGCSE schools in Bangalore isn’t just about academics—it’s about shaping the leaders of tomorrow.