Arba Minch University (AMU) marked the 11th Global Entrepreneurship Week from November 18-22, 2024, under the theme "Ensuring Institutional Autonomy through Being an Entrepreneurial University." The week-long event featured a series of activities designed to inspire entrepreneurial thinking and foster innovation among students and faculty members. Click here to see more photos.
AMU President Dr. Damtew Darza highlighted the university's ongoing efforts to transition towards autonomy, including the revision of Senate regulations and strategic plans. He acknowledged the panel discussion as a valuable resource for generating institutional income and strengthening the university’s foundation for autonomy.
Vice President for Research and Collaboration Office at AMU, Behailu Merdekios (Associate Professor), underscored the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset across the university community. This approach, he noted, would ensure the effective use of resources and foster meaningful collaborations with partners.
Dr. Wondwossen Jerene, Director of the Entrepreneurship Development and Incubation Center at AMU, highlighted the center’s significant achievements despite its recent establishment. The center has been instrumental in offering training, developing business ideas, and organizing competitions. Dr. Wondwossen emphasized that entrepreneurship plays a critical role in ensuring the university's long-term sustainability and its journey to autonomy.
A panel discussion on the final day offered a platform for exchanging ideas on how to achieve AMU’s vision of autonomy. Participants discussed resources, the role of being an entrepreneurial university, strategies, and shared experiences for the university’s journey toward greater independence.
Dr. Hassen Hussein, CEO of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) of Ethiopia, was the guest of honor at the event. He shared insights on the role of being an entrepreneurial university in achieving autonomy, drawing from his leadership experience. Dr. Hassen emphasized the need for universities to develop competitive departments in engineering, business, and law, while utilizing resources effectively and taking calculated risks. He stressed that entrepreneurial principles should drive both teaching and research, fostering innovation, supporting startups, and building strong industry partnerships.
Dr. Hassen also highlighted the importance of providing quality education and conducting research that addresses real-world challenges. He argued that universities should focus on producing market-ready graduates with skills that make them highly competitive in the job market.
During the week, the center conducted awareness training for students across all campuses, helping them develop an entrepreneurial vision and skills. The highlight of the celebration was a business idea competition, where six finalists, selected through a rigorous two-round screening process, presented their ideas. The winners received cash prizes, with the first-place winner receiving 8,000 Birr, and the runners-up awarded amounts ranging from 5,000 to 1,500 Birr.
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Public and International Relations Executive