Motwani Jadeja Foundation Launches US-India Ambassadors Program 2024
The Motwani Jadeja Foundation (MJF) successfully organized the US-India Ambassadors Program in partnership with TiE in 2024. This initiative aimed to foster stronger connections between the United States and India by bringing a select group of US-based entrepreneurs to experience India’s dynamic business ecosystem, particularly in Bangalore and Mysore. The program took place during the TiE Global Summit (TGS) 2024, providing participants with a comprehensive immersion into India’s startup culture and corporate environment.
2024 Program
In 2024, MJF arranged a one-week immersion tour that allowed the attendees to explore Bangalore and Mysore. The tour offered them the chance to attend the TiE Global Summit, participate in masterclasses, pitch at IISc, and engage in corporate and cultural tours. The program gave the entrepreneurs firsthand exposure to India’s vibrant market, and they also had the opportunity to interact with influential business leaders and innovators.
Attendees for 2024 Program
The attendees for the program included a diverse group of entrepreneurs:
- Won Chul Shin, Senior Vice President, STCLAb
- Alice Kathleen Crisci, Founder, Ovum Health
- Thomas Rutherford Coleman, Founder, Runway
- Elizabeth Anna Jaworski, Co-founder and CEO, XN Health
- Oscar Rene Pedroso, Founder, Thimble.io
- James Charles Barrood, CEO, Innovation+
What Happened During the Program
The program kicked off with the participants arriving in Bangalore and participated in a meet-and-greet event. The following day, they attended masterclasses and had the opportunity to pitch their ideas at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). They then witnessed the grand opening of TiE Global Summit 2024, followed by a full day of attending the summit’s sessions and engaging in various tracks. On the fourth day, the group traveled to Mysore, where they spent the day at Infosys Campus, before enjoying a dinner at the Mysore Race Club. The final two days included corporate tours in Bangalore, where the participants visited prominent companies and explored India’s corporate culture. They also went on a group cultural tour, immersing themselves in India’s rich history and traditions. The tour concluded with their departure from Bangalore, leaving them with valuable insights and lasting memories.
The Importance of the Program
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Strengthening US-India Relations: MJF has been actively working on enhancing the relationship between the US and India. Through initiatives like the US-India Ambassadors Program, MJF plays a crucial role in creating avenues for deeper collaboration and understanding between the two nations. This year, by bringing six US entrepreneurs to India, MJF helped lay the foundation for future partnerships and ventures.
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Cross-Cultural Exchange: MJF places a strong emphasis on cross-cultural exchange. By immersing entrepreneurs in India’s unique corporate and cultural environments, the program helped foster meaningful connections and opened doors for new business opportunities.
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Entrepreneurial Impact: India’s growing market is a goldmine for innovation and entrepreneurship. MJF’s program aimed to showcase this potential, enabling US entrepreneurs to understand how to navigate and tap into India’s expanding business landscape.
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TiE Women Partnership: The program was in collaboration with TiE Women, an initiative that empowers female entrepreneurs and helps them break barriers in the business world.
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Expanding US-India Trade: As one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, India offers vast opportunities for collaboration. MJF’s efforts in facilitating exchanges like this are pivotal in strengthening economic ties and boosting trade relations between the US and India.
Through this program, MJF continues to make significant strides in promoting a stronger relationship between the US and India, enabling entrepreneurs from both nations to come together, share knowledge, and grow their businesses in an increasingly interconnected world.