Hyderabad, Apr 17: GITAM School of Business, a part of GITAM Deemed to be University (NAAC A++, Category-I), and Bower School of Entrepreneurship, headquartered at T-Hub, HITEC City, Hyderabad formally announced a strategic alliance to deliver an integrated BBA in Entrepreneurship. The undergraduate programme brings together formal academic curriculum and real-world venture-building experience under a single, nationally recognised university degree.
The partnership was announced at an event at T-Hub, HITEC City, Hyderabad, attended by the leadership teams of both institutions, academic heads, guests, and media. It was formalised through the signing of a partnership agreement. Under this alliance, GITAM School of Business will be responsible for the academic curriculum and degree conferment, while Bower School of Entrepreneurship will serve as the Experiential Learning Partner. Bower will deliver a structured Venture-Building Learning Track that includes venture labs, experiential immersions, mentor access, investor exposure, and startup ecosystem engagement to equip students with practical skills and networks for venture building.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Pavan Allena, Founder and CEO of Bower School of Entrepreneurship, stated that the collaboration provides a programme where the degree and the venture-building journey happen simultaneously, serving as an alternative to a conventional classroom.
Dr Raja Pappu, Dean of GITAM School of Business, highlighted GITAM’s focus on delivering an academic curriculum that prepares students for the 21st-century economy. Furthermore, Prof. D S Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor of GITAM Hyderabad Campus, outlined the institutional vision of developing graduates who can ideate with intent, venture with conviction, and lead with consequence.
The programme, commencing with an initial cohort of 60 students at GITAM’s Hyderabad campus in Academic Year 2026-27, is designed to serve three distinct student profiles: those who wish to build their own venture, scale a family business, or take up employment and intrapreneurial roles in established organisations.
This alliance establishes a new operational framework for undergraduate entrepreneurship education in India, and both institutions are preparing to welcome the first cohort of Founders Track students.
