Sustainability today extends far beyond environmental concerns, it is increasingly shaped by innovation, entrepreneurship and responsible decision-making. Lakshmi Venkatesan, Founder and Managing Trustee, BYST, emphasised the importance of building an inclusive innovation ecosystem. Innovation, she noted, is not limited by background but enabled by opportunity. Highlighting the role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India’s economic growth, she pointed to initiatives such as Mudra loans that support young entrepreneurs. Encouraging students to begin with small, practical ideas, she stressed the importance of scaling sustainably. She further added that Innovation can come from any background when supported by the right opportunities.
Expanding on the role of entrepreneurship, Prof Avinash Singh, Former Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Technology and Management, reflected on India’s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem. Referring to well-known success stories such as Flipkart, Paytm and Zomato, he illustrated how innovation and persistence can transform ideas into impactful enterprises. He also highlighted the role of institutions like NITI Aayog in addressing real-world challenges, including urban mobility and infrastructure. Looking beyond traditional sectors, he spoke about the rise of OTT platforms and their role in creating new opportunities within the media and entertainment industry. For young people, he emphasised the need to combine technology, creativity and resilience in navigating these evolving spaces.
Bringing a forward-looking perspective, Prof (Dr) Rihan Khan Suri, Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Jamia Millia Islamia, highlighted India’s position as one of the leading global economies, with the third-largest startup ecosystem. He pointed to sectors such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence as key drivers of sustainable innovation in the years ahead. He stated that the next 20 years will be the golden era for the youth of our country. Encouraging active participation, he emphasised that meaningful entrepreneurship begins with identifying real societal challenges and developing practical, scalable solutions. He also noted the increasing support from government initiatives, including funding opportunities aimed at youth-led startups focused on sustainability and indigenous innovation.
Across the session on Igniting Startup Sparks: From Minds to Markets, a clear message emerged – sustainability is not confined to environmental action alone. It is equally about ethical business practices, inclusive growth and the responsible use of innovation. For young people, this means not only understanding sustainability but applying it through entrepreneurship, policy awareness and everyday decision-making. As the session concluded, it reinforced the idea that the future of sustainability will be shaped by those willing to innovate with purpose. For the next generation, the opportunity is not just to participate in change, but to lead it as responsible entrepreneurs, creators and nation-builders.
Riya Sachdeva is pursuing Bacheors in Journalism and Mass Communication at JIMS, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.