Bengaluru, February 2025 – The second day of the 8th YESummit 2025 was a transformative experience, bringing together industry experts, startup founders, and business leaders to discuss the intricate journey of entrepreneurship. The day’s discussions revolved around transforming ideas into businesses, validating concepts, and scaling sustainably while staying true to core values. The sessions were insightful, practical, and inspiring, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge and strategies to navigate their business journeys successfully.
The day began with an engaging panel discussion titled “A Journey from a Concept to Business.” The session was moderated by Dr. Vandana Reddy, Assistant Professor at CHRIST University, and Ms. Priya Kothari, CEO of YouthAid Worldwide. The keynote speaker, Mr. Augustus Azaria, Regional Director, APMEA – Employee & Labor Relations, set the stage by emphasizing the importance of mentorship and collaboration. He noted that while having a great idea is crucial, aligning it with a clear purpose and surrounding oneself with the right mentors is the key to fostering innovation and achieving business success.
Mr. Animesh Rai, Co-Founder and CEO of Ripples Learning and Research & CHRMP, emphasized the necessity of structured planning and a clear vision, whether one is launching a business or working in a corporate role. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to prioritize mentorship, skill-building, and lifelong learning as essential drivers of long-term growth.
Ms. Sreekala Ramamurthy, Founder of Farmitopia, shared her insights on entrepreneurial perseverance. She stressed that aspiring business owners should remain determined and committed to their goals, regardless of whether their business models are traditional or unconventional.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Balasubramanian, Founder of Avohi & Vembu, focused on the significance of transparent communication with customers. He pointed out that while acquiring new customers is vital, retaining them is even more critical for achieving sustainable business success.
This session provided aspiring entrepreneurs with a strong foundation for transforming ideas into viable businesses by leveraging mentorship, resilience, and ethical business practices.
The second session of the day focused on the critical process of validating business ideas before scaling. Moderated by Mr. Vijith Varghese from CHRIST University and Mr. Nav Kishlay, consultant at YouthAid Foundation, this discussion guided entrepreneurs on refining and validating their ideas effectively.
Mr. Saurav Jha, President & CEO of Simnovus, delivered the keynote address and introduced the 5 Ps of validation—Product, People, Place, Price, and Purpose. He stressed that idea validation must go beyond theoretical models and should be tested under real-world conditions to ensure success.
Ms. Lata Bhagwat, from LNB Associates, advised entrepreneurs to clearly define their business purpose and identify their target customers early. She also provided insights into funding opportunities available through government programs and organizations like the YouthAid Foundation, which help turn innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Dr. Saptarshi Chatterjee, Associate Director at E-YUVA Centre, Adamas University, highlighted that an idea alone holds no value unless implemented effectively. He pointed out that knowledge and skills must be applied to solve real-world problems to drive success, a crucial aspect often overlooked in academic settings.
This session equipped attendees with actionable strategies to conduct market research, understand consumer needs, and validate their business concepts before scaling up.
The final session of the day addressed the challenges of scaling businesses while staying true to core values. Moderated by Dr. V. Harshitha Moulya, Assistant Professor at CHRIST University, and Mr. M.N. Sanyal, CEO of YouthAid Foundation, the session explored ethical scaling strategies.
The keynote was delivered by Prof. Michael Oyenuga, Assistant Dean of International Relations at Woxsen University, who emphasized that core values define a business’s identity and should remain intact throughout all growth stages
Mr. Sahil Suman from Telangana State Innovation Cell highlighted that grassroots entrepreneurs must understand the cultural and economic realities of the communities they serve. He pointed out that identifying the right customers and setting the right price are critical components of a successful business model. Additionally, he stressed the importance of leveraging local networks and community resources to build sustainable businesses.
Mr. Raj Reddy, Chairman of Metamorphyst, reinforced that values should remain constant, no matter how large a company grows. He advised entrepreneurs to stay true to their initial vision and avoid short-term temptations that could compromise their mission. He also shared real-life examples of businesses that succeeded by staying committed to their ethical foundations.
Dr. Saji Varghese, Associate Professor at CHRIST University, urged the entrepreneurs to scale their businesses patiently. While rapid expansion may be tempting, maintaining integrity and making thoughtful, strategic decisions will lead to long-term success. He emphasized that businesses that uphold their values will build trust and credibility in the long run. He also highlighted the role of innovation in driving sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Day two of YESummit 2025 was a dynamic exchange of ideas, insights, and inspiration for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. From transforming concepts into viable businesses to testing ideas in real-world conditions and scaling without losing sight of core values, the sessions provided practical knowledge from industry leaders. The discussions emphasized the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and ethical decision-making in building sustainable ventures. As attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable strategies, YESummit 2025 reinforced its role as more than just an event—it became a catalyst for shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs.
