Delhi Event report • Events
IFCCI Roundtable Conference: From Campus to Startup: AI Powering Education and Entrepreneurship
IFCCI organised a Roundtable under the aegis of its HE Committee and in collaboration with La FrenchTech India titled "From Campus to Startup"
As global attention focused on the AI Summit in New Delhi, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI), under the aegis of its Higher Education Committee and in collaboration with La FrenchTech India, organised a Roundtable Discussion on 20 February 2026 at the IILM Campus, Lodhi Road, titled “From Campus to Startup: AI Powering Education and Entrepreneurship.” The session brought together academic leaders and industry experts to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping higher education, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, while reinforcing IILM’s commitment to international collaboration and future-ready leadership.
The event commenced with welcome addresses by Dr. Bigyan Verma, Director, IILM; Dr. Harivansh Chaturvedi,Director General, IILM; and Mr. Nishit Jain, Muthoot Business School. They underscored the importance of global academic partnerships, industry alignment, and innovation-led education in preparing institutions and students for an AI-driven future. Their remarks set a forward-looking tone centered on capability-building and responsible technology adoption.
Ms. Jyotsna Mansukhani, Head – HR & Recruitment Services, IFCCI, followed with insights into the initiatives of the Higher Education and HR Committee, highlighting its role in strengthening Indo-French cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange, and fostering dialogue between academia and industry within the broader framework of bilateral collaboration.
The panel discussion opened with remarks by the moderator, Ms. Maud Le Bars, Chairperson, IFCCI Higher Education Committee and South Asia Area Manager, OMNES Education. She positioned AI as a structural transformation influencing both classrooms and innovation ecosystems, emphasizing responsibility, trust, and openness in its integration. The panelists- Ms. Ruchi Mago, Head Human Resources and Employee Experience, Orange Business; Dr. Sanjiva Shankar Dubey, Dean Executive Education and Hybrid Programs; and Dr. Francois Stephan, Director, ECE & Omnes Education, examined AI as an ecosystem challenge requiring enabling infrastructure, inclusive access, and faculty preparedness. They stressed the importance of expanding AI readiness beyond metropolitan centers and investing in teacher training and institutional capacity for sustainable implementation.
The session also featured a live demonstration by Dr. Francois Stephan of a generative AI “robo student” named Milo, illustrating how AI can simulate classroom dialogue and support interactive learning.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session.
Overall, the discussion positioned AI as a transformative bridge between campus education, startup ecosystems, and workforce readiness, emphasizing responsible adoption and capability-driven growth.
