IIM Kozhikode starts registration for online certificate course in entrepreneurship for working professionals

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode has started admissions for the seventh batch of its professional certificate course in entrepreneurship and new venture creation, an eight-month online course aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs and working professionals looking to start or grow their own ventures.

The course is designed to help participants understand how businesses are built from the ground up, from identifying opportunities in the market to developing business models and scaling ideas into sustainable ventures. Along with core entrepreneurial concepts, the course will also touch upon newer areas such as social entrepreneurship, crowdfunding, community-led businesses and tech-enabled solutions.

The institute said the course comes at a time when India’s startup ecosystem continues to expand rapidly, creating fresh opportunities for professionals and first-time founders across sectors.

IIM Kozhikode curriculum

The programme curriculum is spread across ten modules covering subjects such as accounting and finance, entrepreneurial marketing, debt and equity financing, corporate entrepreneurship, growth and franchising, and social entrepreneurship.

Also read Mumbai University Admissions 2026: Registration begins for PG programmes; schedule out

Participants will also work in teams to run simulated companies, make business decisions and present business plans as part of practical learning exercises. The programme will include live online classes, case discussions, simulations, pitch presentations and interactive learning sessions.

Apart from entrepreneurial concepts, participants will also receive guidance on accessing finance from banks, financial planning, annual fund estimation and due diligence processes related to legal, operational and technology aspects of running a business.

The programme is open to graduates and diploma holders from recognised institutions with at least one year of work experience. It is aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs, engineers, IT professionals, software professionals and individuals looking to transition from corporate careers into entrepreneurship.

IIM Kozhikode course offers exposure to startup ecosystem

One of the key highlights of the course is its connection with IIM Kozhikode live, the institute’s startup incubator and innovation centre. Through this platform, participants will get exposure to mentorship, venture-building guidance and practical insights into how startups function and grow.

Also read LNMU PAT 2026 result out at lnmu.ac.in for PhD admissions

Learners will also get an opportunity to present their business ideas through bouncer, an initiative under IIM Kozhikode live where startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs can pitch ideas before industry experts for feedback and refinement.

Speaking about the programme, Debashis Chatterjed, Director of IIM Kozhikode, said, "Entrepreneurship today demands more than ambition. It requires disciplined thinking, market awareness, and the ability to turn ideas into resilient ventures. This programme reflects IIM Kozhikode’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets. It offers rigorous academic exposure, practical frameworks, and meaningful engagement with India’s growing innovation ecosystem."

India’s startup sector is growing rapidly

The institute highlighted the rapid growth of India’s startup ecosystem over the past decade, driven by increasing digital adoption, investor interest and policy support. As per the official press release, India now has more than 120 unicorns with a combined valuation of over USD 350 billion.

Citing KPMG’s report on India’s startup ecosystem, the institute said startups contributed close to USD 140 billion to the Indian economy in FY23, with projections suggesting the contribution could touch USD 1 trillion by 2030.

Also read IIT Mandi opens applications for IMBA; admissions on JEE Main scores, 20% seats reserved for women

Sridhar Nagarajachar, business head, executive education at TimesPro, said, “India’s entrepreneurial landscape is creating new opportunities for professionals who can combine business acumen with innovation and execution. Through this programme, learners will gain structured exposure to venture creation, finance, marketing, simulations and pitch development, enabling them to approach entrepreneurship with clarity, confidence and strategic depth.”