NIBM NEO Ventures Launches at TRACE Expert City with the Presence of the Prime Minister and Key Government Dignitaries
View(s):The National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) proudly launched NIBM NEO Ventures, a national startup accelerator aimed at inspiring and empowering the next generation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs. The event took place at TRACE Expert City, Colombo 10, and was marked by the esteemed presence of Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, along with Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, and Hon. ChathurangaAbeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development.
During the launch, the Prime Minister was formally introduced to the state-of-the-art NIBM NEO Ventures Hub — a dynamic space designed to foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The presence of these distinguished dignitaries underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, nurturing young innovators, and supporting initiatives that transform knowledge into impactful startups.
Hon. Dr. HariniAmarasuriya addressed over 100 budding entrepreneurs, commending NIBM for pioneering a national platform that bridges academic learning with real-world business application. She emphasised the importance of empowering youth through innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of national development and global competitiveness.
The launch is the culmination of extensive efforts by Dr. GunathilakeTantirigama, Chairman of NIBM, and Dr. D.M.A. Kulasooriya, Director General of NIBM, who have spearheaded the initiative to provide students with mentorship, access to industry networks, and opportunities to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses. The programme is further strengthened through partnerships with leading ecosystem partners such as TRACE Expert City and CSSL participants with critical resources, guidance, and exposure to Sri Lanka’s growing startup landscape.
Initiated by the School of Computing and Engineering Division, NIBM NEO Ventures represents the next phase of Outcome-Based Learning (OBL) at NIBM. Moving beyond traditional exam-oriented education, the programme equips students from universities across Sri Lanka with practical entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and industry connections to build and scale startups. Over 1,000 applications were received for the inaugural programme, with 100 candidates shortlisted and 50 selected to join the intensive one-year programme. At the conclusion, investors will provide funding and support to help these startups achieve sustainable growth and impact.
The launch of NIBM NEO Ventures marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey toward a thriving knowledge economy and startup ecosystem. Through this initiative, NIBM continues to demonstrate its leadership in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship, positioning students to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
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