In an exciting showcase of entrepreneurial spirit, the 91´«Ã½’s , in collaboration with the , recently organized “Japura Kadamandiya” – an event designed to turn young people’s creative ideas into viable business opportunities. Held on August 29th, 2023, in front of the university, this vibrant marketplace featured 32 stalls open to the general public, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to bring their innovative concepts to life.

The brainchild of Prof. Hiran Amarasekara, the Startup Hub was founded in 2022 to nurture entrepreneurial aspirations among the university’s students and the wider community. Prof. Hiran Amarasekara’s vision is to bridge the gap between creativity and business acumen, and “Japura Kadamandiya” exemplifies this commitment.

Prof. Sudath Manjula Amarasena, Director of the Career Guidance Unit, and Chathurangani Thennakoon, Career Advisor, lent their valuable support to the event, recognizing the vital role it plays in fostering career growth and innovation among the student community.

The event saw active participation from distinguished individuals, including Danuka Liyanagamage, Director of the National Enterprise Development Authority, and Dr. Chathurei Nupearachchi from the Faculty of Technology, the visionary concept creator of Japura Kadamandiya and advisor of Startup Hub. Their presence underscored the importance of supporting and mentoring young entrepreneurs.

Student support was equally robust, with Ravindu Jayanath Jayawardhana, President of the Startup Hub, and Nisala Damith, Japura Student Union President, actively championing the cause of entrepreneurship on campus.

“Japura Kadamandiya” not only offered a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their talents but also served as a testament to the university’s commitment to nurturing innovation and creativity. This initiative exemplifies how education institutions can play a pivotal role in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and turning their dreams into reality.

Photos: Hesh Studio Photogtaphy

The post Empowering Undergraduate Entrepreneurs: Japura Kadamandiya Student Marketplace by Startup Hub USJ appeared first on USJ - 91´«Ã½.

The Inaugural Entrepreneurial Chat “From Startup to Success” organized by the in collaboration with the and Entre Club was held at Entre Club, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 91´«Ã½ on 22^nd May 2022. The visionary entrepreneur who shared his story was Dr. Ravi Liyanage, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Kingdom of Raigam. During the talk Dr. Liyanage shed light on his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the key factors that propelled his venture to success.

During his story, Dr. Ravi Liyanage humbly confessed that he was not a born entrepreneur and that it was the influence of the academic exposure received at the Faculty of Management Science and Commerce and the businesspersons he encountered during his time at USJ that sparked his interest in the entrepreneurial world. Despite initially joining as a customs officer after completing his university education, Dr. Liyanage nurtured a desire to solve real customer problems and make a meaningful impact. The catalyst for his entrepreneurial venture emerged when his mother lamented the wastage of soya meat due to weevil attacks. Driven to find a solution, Dr. Liyanage took on the challenge of preventing these losses. He embarked on developing a minimum viable product (MVP) by accurately measuring the ingredients of his mother’s beloved recipe using an electronic balance borrowed from the customs research division. To safeguard the quality of the soya meat, he innovated the product by introducing special packaging and airtight packets, effectively preventing the entry of insects. However, Dr. Liyanage’s journey did not end there. Recognizing the importance of natural flavours, he sought advice from Professor A. Bamunuarachchi from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, USJ, specializing in Food Science. With the professor’s guidance, he successfully incorporated natural flavours, further enhancing the taste of his product. This attention to detail and commitment to quality allowed Dr. Liyanage to manufacture a delicious and customer-approved soya meat product.

Driven by his dedication and the positive response from customers, Dr. Ravi Liyanage’s soya meat venture thrived. Today, his entrepreneurial spirit has led him to become a prominent figure in the business world, venturing into various other successful endeavours alongside his Kingdom of Raigam enterprise. The story of Dr. Ravi Liyanage’s transformation from a customs officer to a successful entrepreneur exemplifies the power of innovation, determination, and seeking expert advice. His ability to identify a customer problem, develop an MVP, and incorporate natural flavours with the guidance of a knowledgeable professor showcases the key steps he took to turn a traditional family recipe into a thriving soya meat industry.

As a prominent figure in the business world, Dr. Ravi Liyanage has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2005, he was honoured with the Platinum award for the FCCISL Entrepreneur of the Year, recognizing his exceptional contributions to entrepreneurship. Additionally, he was bestowed with the highly coveted CIMA Business Leader of the Year award, a remarkable accomplishment that made him the first entrepreneur to win both prestigious awards in the same year. Dr. Liyanage’s impressive achievements and extensive experience have established him as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The “From Startup to Success” chat series organized by the IIVCC follows the hugely successful International Finance Corporation Funded Coffee Chat initiative at USJ. The aim of this platform is to foster the growth and success of student-led startups and budding entrepreneurs. The event also partners with the Career Guidance Unit, Startup Hub, and Entre Club of USJ to provide comprehensive support and guidance to the participants. The Startup to Success initiative is supported by the SECRA Project which is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme.

The post How Dr. Ravi Transformed a Traditional Recipe into a Thriving Soya Meat Industry with Innovation and Expert Advice appeared first on USJ - 91´«Ã½.