Hyderabad has taken an important step to boost women entrepreneurship in universities. The UGC-MMTTC at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) started a five-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) on Tuesday under the Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme.
This initiative is backed by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), a leading body under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in partnership with NITI Aayog.
The FDP runs from July 29 to August 1, 2025, at the UGC-MMTTC at MANUU. It aims to empower 15 MANUU faculty members with skills and tools to mentor student entrepreneurs, especially women.
Key attendees at the inauguration included Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Registrar, and Prof. M. Vanaja, Dean of the School of Education and Training. Dr. Yamini Jaiswal, a Senior Consultant at NIESBUD, delivered the keynote. Prof. Saneem Fatima, Director of UGC-MMTTC, and Dr. Meraj Ahmed Mubarki, Deputy Director, also participated.
Dr. Jaiswal outlined the goals of the Swavalambini initiative, focusing on creating innovation and entrepreneurship hubs on campuses. She shared success stories from other institutions and urged MANUU faculty to mentor upcoming women entrepreneurs actively.
Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed highlighted the crucial role of entrepreneurship in today’s economy. He noted, “Empowering faculty is vital for building a sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. These programs not only train individuals but also cultivate mentors and leaders.”
He added, “MANUU is proud to join this national effort, supporting women-led ventures with knowledge and mentorship.”
Prof. M. Vanaja praised the program for its focus on inclusivity and capacity-building. Prof. Saneem Fatima affirmed the center’s dedication to offering transformative training, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The Faculty Development Programme will address developing entrepreneurial mindsets, designing business models, exploring funding options, and mentoring practices. It will also discuss the role of higher education in the startup ecosystem.
