BY AIT EC
The AIT Entrepreneurship Center (AIT EC) welcomed a diverse group of innovators, students, faculty, and industry mentors during its Open House on 29 October 2025.
The event showcased AIT’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and included international participants from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Philippines, demonstrating the growing reach of AIT EC as a regional hub for collaborative learning, startup development, and future-ready career growth.
Guided by the theme “Connect, Reconnect, and Network,” the Open House created an inclusive space for participants to explore AIT EC’s programs, gain expert mentorship, and forge new partnerships. It reinforced the Center’s mission to cultivate an innovation-driven ecosystem where creativity is nurtured, opportunities are accessible, and ideas are transformed into sustainable real-world impact.
Speaking at the opening, Prof. Siddharth Jabade, Vice President for Administration and Development (VPAD), emphasized that breakthrough innovation often begins with the “collision of ideas.” He highlighted AIT EC as a vital launchpad where research and creativity evolve into viable ventures through mentorship, intellectual property support, and technology transfer pathways.
Prof. Dieter Trau, Director of the AIT Entrepreneurship Center, welcomed the audience and reaffirmed AIT EC’s commitment to empowering young innovators. “Our mission is to ensure that every student who walks through our doors finds the tools, the mentorship, and the confidence to turn vision into value,” he said. “AIT EC is more than a space, it’s a community where ideas grow and changemakers rise.”
Participants then met AIT EC’s network of dedicated mentors, leaders who guide aspiring innovators in developing solutions that create meaningful change. The mentor lineup included:
- Dr. Lakeesha Ransom — School of Management (SOM) Adjunct Faculty and innovation leader, empowering learners to build global-minded, future-ready ventures.
- Dr. Tobias Endress — SOM Faculty and Director of Startup Grind Thailand Chapter, specializing in digital transformation and sustainable business growth.
- Prof. Andrei Szuder — Expert in EU grants and innovation funding strategies, helping startups navigate international financing opportunities.
- Mr. Raymond Chee — Technology entrepreneur and venture builder supporting deep-tech and AI-focused solutions.
- Mr. Bhargab Mohan Das (AIT Alumnus) — Entrepreneur and business strategist who introduced the newly launched CareerPlus+ Program supporting career readiness and early-stage innovation.
During the Open House, Prof. Dieter and Mr. Bhargab announced EC’s newest initiative, CAREERs Plus+, a new program powered in collaboration with EC’s partner DN69 Family, designed to help students thrive in professional life and build an entrepreneurial mindset. CAREERs Plus+ is a community dedicated to helping you find a “career with consciousness” and build a future that truly matters.
Together, these mentors showcased the strength and diversity of AIT EC’s entrepreneurial support ecosystem, offering real-world expertise, global industry insights, and practical guidance for startup success.
The Open House also highlighted ongoing opportunities such as the Movers Program for Climate Action & Sustainability Training with UNDP under the Green Jobs for the Future workshop, which empowers youth to lead sustainability and climate action initiatives; the Startup Grind Series, where entrepreneurs share real-world startup experiences; and the Rotaract Club at AIT, which fosters youth leadership and community engagement.
With MMSU delegates joining AIT’s multicultural community, the event sparked cross-border collaboration and broadened the collective vision for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Participants left feeling energized and connected, equipped with new ideas, strong networks, and clear opportunities to turn aspirations into impact.
By bringing together individuals ready to connect, collaborate, and create change, the AIT EC Open House 2025 reinforced AIT’s commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators and strengthening a thriving innovation ecosystem for Asia and beyond.
