IIM Bangalore Launches BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship

In a significant step forward, IIM Bangalore (IIMB) launched its first undergraduate programme, the BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (BBA DBE), on September 16, 2024, during a virtual inauguration ceremony. The programme, designed to equip students with essential skills in digital business and entrepreneurship, marks the institute’s foray into undergraduate education.

Inaugural Ceremony
The virtual event featured esteemed speakers, including IIM Bangalore Director Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan; K Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Government of India; Dr Devi Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Health; Mukesh Bansal, CEO of Curefit & Founder of Meraki Labs; Professor Vasanthi Srinivasan, Chairperson of Digital Learning; and Professor Suresh Bhagavatula, Chairperson of BBA (DBE).

Professor Krishnan opened the event by highlighting IIMB’s decade-long experience in digital education and the significance of launching an undergraduate programme. “Our goal is to extend high-quality education to undergraduate students across the country,” he said, underscoring the importance of integrating traditional business management with the rapidly evolving digital business landscape.

With over 1,000 students enrolled in the inaugural batch, the programme aims to provide an interactive learning experience that combines digital expertise with core business principles.

Government’s Role in Digital Education
K Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, delivered the keynote address, outlining the government’s vision for digital education in India. He lauded initiatives like the SWAYAM platform, which have democratised access to education, and recognised IIMB’s significant contribution as a National Coordinator in this movement.

Murthy emphasised the importance of IIMB’s role in the future of digital education, noting that the institute’s leadership in this sector could help India realise its potential as a global leader in digital business and entrepreneurship.

Empowering Students with Digital Skills
Dr Devi Shetty, a renowned healthcare leader, expressed enthusiasm for the programme’s potential to make higher education more accessible in India. “In an era where education has become elitist, IIMB’s new programme opens doors for students who previously could only dream of such opportunities,” Dr Shetty remarked.

He also emphasised the employability of graduates with digital skills and an IIMB degree, predicting that they will be highly sought after in both the Indian and global job markets.

Shaping Future Entrepreneurs
Mukesh Bansal, an e-commerce pioneer, shared his insights on the programme’s ability to revolutionise education. Drawing from his experience in the tech industry, Bansal stressed the importance of understanding consumer behaviour through a digital-first perspective. He encouraged students to take ownership of their learning journey, leveraging the programme’s resources to build the skills necessary for the digital economy.

Key Competencies for Future-Ready Learners
Professor Vasanthi Srinivasan, an expert in digital learning, outlined four key competencies that the BBA DBE programme aims to instill in students: critical thinking, collaborative learning, digital literacy, and communication. She highlighted the role of IIMB’s digital platforms in not only delivering educational content but also fostering essential digital and life skills.

The programme, according to Srinivasan, is designed to produce graduates who can thrive in a technology-driven world, equipped with the ability to adapt to the rapidly changing business environment.

The Programme’s Unique Structure
Professor Suresh Bhagavatula, Chairperson of the BBA DBE programme, elaborated on its unique structure, which combines digital business technologies with core business fundamentals. “Our aim is to prepare students for a digitally-driven world,” he stated.

The curriculum is divided into three key components: 30% focused on emerging digital business technologies, 30% on core business disciplines such as finance, operations, and marketing, and the remainder emphasising an entrepreneurial mindset. The programme also features a mix of pre-recorded course content, live sessions, and offline exams to offer a flexible yet comprehensive learning experience.

Additionally, students will have the opportunity to engage in internships and projects through IIMB’s NSRCEL, one of India’s leading business incubators. These hands-on experiences will enable students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios while building valuable networks within the entrepreneurial community.

Looking Ahead
The launch of the BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship is a key milestone for IIM Bangalore as it expands its educational offerings to the undergraduate level. The programme’s innovative curriculum, combined with IIMB’s expertise in digital education, positions it as a leader in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

As Professor Bhagavatula concluded, “We are not just preparing students for jobs; we are preparing them to lead the digital transformations of tomorrow.”