A joint initiative of IILM University and Beyond Next Ventures — built to turn curiosity into ventures, one stage at a time.
The IILM × BNV Innovation Lab is a joint initiative of IILM University and Beyond Next Ventures (BNV), created to build innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture creation among the IILM community.
Designed for students and faculty members who are curious about entrepreneurship, eager to solve real-world problems, or aspiring to build impactful ventures — whether you're exploring entrepreneurship for the first time, working on an early-stage idea, or preparing to launch a startup, the Innovation Lab provides a structured pathway to support your journey.
By combining the academic environment of IILM with the venture-building expertise and global network of Beyond Next Ventures, the Lab creates an ecosystem where ideas evolve into successful ventures through mentorship, community, industry exposure, and access to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Many aspiring founders aren't immediately ready for incubation. The Innovation Lab exists to get them there — preparing future founders to become incubation-ready, rather than working independently of the incubation ecosystem.
To build a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship by empowering students and faculty to transform curiosity into impactful ventures.
Aspiring entrepreneurs often face the same set of questions. The Lab exists to answer them, one stage at a time.
The IILM × BNV Innovation Lab addresses these questions by creating an environment where members can learn, experiment, collaborate, and grow within a structured entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through workshops, founder interactions, mentorship, networking opportunities, and hands-on support, members gain the confidence and resources needed to progress from exploration to venture creation.
The Innovation Lab supports entrepreneurs from the earliest stage of their journey — bridging the gap before founders are ready for incubation, and complementing the incubation ecosystem rather than replacing it.
Discover entrepreneurship, build foundational knowledge, attend events, and become part of the community.
Open registrationValidate ideas, receive mentorship, collaborate with peers, and begin building solutions.
By applicationBuild startups with structured guidance, strengthen business models, and access the BNV ecosystem.
Committed buildersStartups ready for the next phase transition into structured support for product, growth, and scaling.
Next stageA structured membership framework that supports individuals at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
The gateway to the Innovation Lab. Students and faculty members interested in innovation and entrepreneurship can register by completing the Explorer application form. Once registered, members become part of the Innovation Lab community and gain access to entrepreneurship-focused activities. This stage is designed for individuals who are curious, eager to learn, and interested in discovering entrepreneurship.
Members who identify a problem or develop a promising idea can apply to become an Ideator. Selected applicants join a dedicated builder community where they receive structured guidance to validate their ideas and begin building solutions — transforming ideas into viable startup opportunities.
Designed for members who are committed to building scalable ventures and taking their startups to the next stage. Members receive focused support to strengthen their ventures and prepare for long-term growth.
Regular activities designed to inspire entrepreneurial thinking, strengthen practical skills, and encourage collaboration across the IILM community.
A Japan-based venture capital firm primarily investing in the deeptech industry, with cheque sizes ranging from ₹4 crore to ₹15 crore per startup, and currently raising ₹600 crore in capital to invest in the Indian deeptech ecosystem.
No prior startup experience is required. Whether you're simply curious about entrepreneurship or already working on an idea, the Innovation Lab provides a platform to learn, build, and grow.
Register as an Explorer to join the Innovation Lab community and get access to events, founder talks, and entrepreneurial opportunities from day one.
Explorer Registration FormEvery venture that comes through the Innovation Lab is logged in our student startup registry — searchable by campus, programme, sector, and stage.
I am grateful to IILM Gurugram for the wonderful experience & exposure I got while I was doing my PGDM here. Not only the subject expertise I’ve got, but an overall well-structured education where I received life changing lessons as well as guidance from all the faculty members, one of them is to change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and move out from unacceptable.
A Special thanks to Sujata Shahi ma’am for her mentorship which made my journey a special one in IILM Gurugram.”
– Senior Manager Supply Chain (Global Omni channel Logistics) at Amway India
BBA classes in the day and theatre classes in the evening, my journey at IILM gave me the freedom to pursue my passion and effectively strike a balance between the two important aspects of my life with ease.
Theater has always been an integral part of my life. Having been associated with Shri Ram Centre of Performing Arts (SRCPA) since the last five years, I continued my passion for acting even after enrolling for my BBA program at IILM University.
During this duration of study, I not only learned from academicians and industry professionals at IILM University, but was also able to perform over 10+ professional theatre shows in Delhi and got associated with renowned leaders like Shah Rukh Khan, Imtiaz Ali and Alia Bhatt from the industry. Recently, I also completed my internship in the film “Night Before that Day” with acclaimed director Mr. Rajesh Chopra.
Today I have accomplished both academically and professionally because of the encouragement and support received from my teachers at IILM University. This not only gave me the confidence to continue my ambitions for theatre but also helped me succeed in both spheres. Truly grateful to be a part of IILM University!
I’ve always been a worrier, anything that I was supposed to do, would stress me so much, even once it was done I would run the thing over in my head. Keep on wondering, if I could have done anything differently or better.
When I started my journey at IILM, I remember doing exactly the same. submissions/tests or organizing events, would get me worked up & so was never able to enjoy the process in its glory .This could definitely have impacted what should be the most memorable 3 years of my life. During my first year, I was given so many opportunities at IILM, becoming a #Student #Ambassador for the college, going for a #summer #school program to the prestigious #London School of #Economics, being part of events I will forever remember and also getting the chance to learn from such valued faculty members. I didn’t want these times to get blown away because of me worrying. My credit goes to the IILM family who taught me that it isn’t ever about the outcome but the journey towards achieving it.
Even during these testing times, online teaching and learning was so structured and organized thanks to the IILM faculty. I again have IILM to thank for the numerous #internship opportunities given even during these trying times. My two months internship from home trained and taught me well. Ironically, being so close in proximity to IILM, in all probability will have to bid my farewell to it virtually which will be my only bone of contention thus far!
IILM has helped me tremendously in developing these critical skills by pushing me into real-time challenging tasks & leadership roles & in addition provided me the right spotlight and platform to shine & showcase my leadership & communication skills. I was also offered ample opportunities to test out my skills from first year itself, one of them in particular was being selected as “Student ambassador”, which was by far the most important & responsible leadership role I got to experience, helped me to hone my skills a lot & assisted me in driving my passion during my 2 month internship with KPMG India. Even during these arduous times, the faculty ensured to provide consistent personal attention to my visions & goals.
From participating in numerous fests to submitting assignments & meeting friends that I’ll be cherishing for life, this journey has been no less than a roller coaster. I thank IILM for providing me with countless opportunities & for these precious memories that I got experience in these past three years.
My time at IILM has been nothing short of life-changing. When I first walked in, I didn’t know just how much I would learn about myself along with psychology. From engaging in research, internships, and unexpected opportunities, every step has shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. What makes IILM special for me is not just the academic growth but the constant encouragement from faculty and the friendships that turned into family. It’s been a journey of discovering my strengths, building confidence, and creating memories that will stay with me forever.
The skills and knowledge I gained at IILM have been instrumental in shaping my career. The faculty don’t just teach – they mentor, push you to think critically, and stand by you long after you’ve left campus. The peer community here is equally remarkable. It’s the kind of environment that doesn’t just prepare you for a job, it prepares you for a career.
