Launch Investor-Ready Startups & Modernize Family Enterprises

Transform your entrepreneurial vision into a validated, scalable business-or revitalize your family legacy for the next generation.

The NextGen Entrepreneurs & Founders Program is an exclusive, high-impact 24-week hybrid learning experience jointly offered by IILM Lodhi Road, EDII Ahmedabad (India’s premier entrepreneurship institute), and international partners in Dubai.

Designed for:

  • Aspiring founders ready to launch validated ventures
  • Family business successors seeking to modernize and lead
  • Next-gen entrepreneurs ambitious about creating impact

What You’ll Gain:

  • Dual-track specialization (Startup Venture OR Family Business Leadership)
  • GenAI-enabled modules using ChatGPT, Midjourney, Notion AI
  • Global immersion: India + Dubai bootcamps (included in fee)
  • 1:1 mentor pods (1 mentor per 8 participants)
  • Real outcomes: Investor pitch decks, pilot launches, funded incubators
  • Post-program investor connects + alumni network + career support

Why This Program Stands Out Among Global Accelerators

Dual Tracks

Choose Your Pathway

Customize your journey with either Startup Venture track (investor-ready launches) or Family Business Leadership track (modernization & succession). Both tracks deliver distinct career outcomes and tailored mentorship.

GenAI-Enabled Innovation

AI-Powered Business Building

Practical modules teaching ethical AI integration across ideation, customer experience, HR, and product design. Hands-on training using ChatGPT, Notion AI, and Midjourney in real business scenarios.

Global Immersion Program

India to Dubai Bootcamps

One-week intensive at EDII Ahmedabad (India's entrepreneurship hub) + structured Dubai immersion combining international market exposure, cross-cultural leadership, and global investor networking.

Faculty Mentor Pods (1:8)

Personal Guidance, Real Outcomes

Work with world-class mentors from EDII, IILM, and industry leaders. Stage-gated sprints, peer reviews, investor demo days—simulating real acceleration environments.

4-Phase Program Design: Foundation to Scale

Phase 1

Entrepreneurial Foundation (Weeks 1-4)

Outcome: Build venture resilience and validate business models

Topics Covered:

  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: Developing resilience and learning from failure
  • Customer Discovery: Validation techniques and customer interviews
  • Business Model Design: Creating sustainable, scalable models
  • Digital & GenAI Tools: Practical introduction to AI for ideation and prototyping

Deliverables:

  • Validated customer discovery findings
  • Functional business model canvas
  • AI-assisted business plan outline
Phase 2

Build & Operate (Weeks 5-12)

Outcome: Master startup and family business operations; align resources and compliance

Topics Covered:

  • Entrepreneurial & New Venture Finance: Unit economics, valuation, funding instruments
  • Legal & Compliance: Structuring, regulations, governance essentials
  • Sales & Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy: Market penetration, positioning, funnels
  • Operations Readiness: Scalable processes, team structure, resource allocation
  • Industry Visits: Direct exposure to thriving businesses and ecosystems

Deliverables:

  • Financial operations plan (12-month projection)
  • Legal compliance framework
  • GTM strategy document with metrics
Phase 3

Leadership Futures (Weeks 13-18)

Outcome: Create governance frameworks and succession plans for multi-generational businesses

Topics Covered:

  • Family Dynamics & Governance: Board structures, conflict resolution, protocols
  • Equity Structuring & ESOPs: Employee ownership, incentive alignment
  • Professionalization & Team Design: Building capable, scalable teams
  • Leadership Transition & Succession: Planning for generational handoffs

Deliverables:

  • Family business constitution
  • Governance framework & board protocols
  • Succession plan (3-5 year roadmap)
Phase 4

Scale, Capital, Exit (Weeks 19-24)

Outcome: Design investor-ready pitch decks and execute real pilots

Topics Covered:

  • Valuation & Investor Readiness: Financial modelling, pitch perfection
  • Diversification & Strategic Alliances: Growth strategies, partnerships
  • Internationalization: Dubai immersion module on global expansion
  • Capstone: Demo Day with investor showcase

Deliverables:

  • Investor pitch deck (presentation + financial model)
  • 12-month financial & operational plan
  • Real pilot launch OR professionalization roadmap
  • Compliance, governance, and succession checklist

From Classroom to Boardroom: Immersive Learning Experiences

01

EDII Ahmedabad Visit (1 Week)

Experience India's premier entrepreneurship ecosystem:

  • Bootcamp intensives with successful founders
  • Direct incubator interactions and startup tours
  • Policy and innovation lab sessions
  • Networking with entrepreneurs and investors
  • Learning from venture ecosystem leaders
02

IILM Lodhi Road Immersion

Access India's capital's business heart:

  • Leadership workshops with faculty and industry experts
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem access
  • Expert talks from business leaders
  • Alumni network activation
  • Campus facilities and collaborative learning spaces
03

Dubai Global Business Module (Included in Fee)

International expansion and cross-cultural leadership:

  • Global market exposure and entry strategies
  • Cross-cultural leadership workshops
  • Networking with Middle East founders and investors
  • International business practices
  • Global competitiveness and scaling insights
04

Study Tours: Domestic & International

Learn from industry leaders firsthand:

  • Curated tours to high-growth ecosystems
  • Direct engagement with leading organizations
  • Observation of innovation, operations, and governance best practices

What You'll Achieve: Real Outcomes, Measurable Impact

Investor-Ready Ventures & Modernized Family Enterprises

  • Launch validated, scalable startups with investor appeal
  • Modernize family enterprises with professional governance
  • Access accelerator sprints and pitch deck clinics
  • Participate in investor showcase demo day
Real benefit: Secure funding or family buy-in to scale

Strategic Scaling Infrastructure

  • Develop comprehensive financial operations plans
  • Build governance constitutions and compliance frameworks
  • Create team structures for sustainable growth
  • Design succession and leadership transition plans
Real benefit: Confidence and clarity to scale exponentially

Incubation Lab Access & Investor Connections

  • Post-program access to portfolio incubators
  • Direct connections with angel investors and VCs
  • Continued mentorship and advisory support
  • Real pilot launches with professional oversight
Real benefit: Higher probability of funding and business traction

Lifelong Network & Career Acceleration

  • Join 50-participant cohort of next-gen founders and leaders
  • Alumni network with ongoing events and collaboration
  • Annual innovation summits with investor participation
  • Placement pull and career acceleration support
Real benefit: Access to co-founders, partners, investors, and opportunities

How to Get In: Simple, Merit-Based Selection

Step 1

Online Application

  • Fill out application form at IILM portal
  • Submit statement of purpose (250 words) explaining your entrepreneurial vision
  • No application fee
Step 2

Eligibility Review

  • Background: Graduates, professionals, family business members, entrepreneurs welcome
  • No prior business experience required—entrepreneurial hunger is key
  • Decision within 5-7 business days
Step 3

Interview (If Selected)

  • Conversational interview (30 minutes)
  • Panel: Program faculty + industry mentors
  • Focus on entrepreneurial mindset, ambition, and fit
  • Phone/video interview option available
Step 4

Admission & Payment

  • Acceptance notification
  • Program fee payment to secure seat
  • Welcome packet and pre-program orientation

Is This Program Right for You?

Audience 1

For Ambitious Founders:

Are you bursting with a startup idea and ready to validate, build, and raise capital? This program is your launchpad.

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs with business ideas
  • First-time founders seeking structured guidance
  • Entrepreneurs looking to raise funding
  • Startups in early ideation or MVP stage
Audience 2

For Family Business Next-Gen:

Are you a family business successor wanting to lead, modernize, and scale the legacy? Learn professional governance and succession.

  • Family business owners and successors
  • Next-gen leaders transitioning into leadership
  • Professionals modernizing family enterprises
  • Business families planning generational transitions
Audience 3

For Career Changers & Growth Seekers:

Are you an accomplished professional ready to build something of your own? This program accelerates your entrepreneurial shift.

  • Corporate professionals exploring entrepreneurship
  • Intrapreneurs within organizations
  • Career changers with business ambitions
  • Professionals seeking business leadership skills

What You'll Create

1

Investor Pitch Deck or Family Business Constitution

Professional, presentation-ready deliverable tailored to your track (startup or family business).

2

12-Month Financial & Operational Plan

Comprehensive planning document with realistic projections, milestones, and execution roadmap.

3

Real Pilot or Professionalization Roadmap

Either a live pilot launch (startup track) or a family enterprise modernization roadmap (family business track).

4

Compliance, Governance, and Succession Checklist

Operational framework ensuring legal compliance, governance standards, and smooth leadership transitions.

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Toppers' Speak

"

As a dual specialisation student in Marketing and HR at IILM Lodhi Road, I have gained valuable academic and industry exposure. From interning with ITC Limited in Marketing to securing my final placement with BlackRock in HR, IILM has supported me at every step. The institute provided me with both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure, which have been instrumental in shaping my professional journey.

Mahima Sharma

PGDM 2024-26

"

My placement journey at IILM Lodhi Road has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Getting placed at Aye Finance as a Management Trainee feels like a milestone that wouldn’t have been possible without the constant guidance and encouragement from the Placement Cell and faculty. The mock interviews, resume-building sessions, and one-on-one mentoring truly helped me gain clarity and confidence throughout the process.

Kamakshi

PGDM 2024-26

"

My journey at IILM has been truly enriched by the vibrant clubs and committees on campus. From the Marketing Club to the Cultural Club, each platform helped me explore my interests beyond academics. These communities offered hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and a chance to collaborate with diverse peers. The events, workshops, and competitions constantly pushed me to grow and express myself. Being part of multiple clubs not only boosted my confidence but also shaped my overall personality. IILM’s club culture truly makes every student feel involved,

Naman Saraswat

PGDM 2024-26

"

The experiential learning at IILM Lodhi Road has been really valuable for me. The practical sessions and real-life cases made concepts easier to understand, and I was able to apply many of these learnings directly in my family business. This hands-on approach added real importance to my classroom learning and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Ananya Mukhi

PGDM 2024-26

"

I have gained valuable experience as an intern at Deloitte and EY in the HR field, building confidence and a large network through professional and ethical teams. I also received well-rounded training and a hands-on experience in a real-world environment, and faced challenges with support from mentors. These internships provided indispensable skills for their future career.

Ssiya Ratra

BBA 2021-24

"

Choosing IILM has proven to be an excellent choice for me, as it has honed my managerial and entrepreneurial abilities over the course of three years. This program offers a well- rounded education, combining practical, industry-specific, and theoretical knowledge, and sets a high standard for education. With the constant mentorship and guidance of faculty members, my transition was smooth and learning was made both interactive and enjoyable. Overall, IILM has provided me with a comprehensive growth experience, balancing skill development and knowledge acquisition.

Khushi Singh

BBA 2020-23

"

The SBS program at IILM has given me a wonderful experience. As a final year student, I can say that I’ve learnt a lot about core business administration and management skills. The learning journey has been enhanced via unique methods of teaching inclusive of case studies, company visits and internships. A perfect blend of theory and application.

Hritish Pahwa

BBA 2020-23

"

IILM provided a rewarding campus placement experience in the HR domain, where I went through multiple interview rounds that tested my understanding of HR concepts, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. The process helped me gain confidence and reinforced my passion for talent management and organisational development. I will always be grateful to my professors for being the guiding light and making this journey smooth.

Vanya Madaan

PGDM 2022-24

"

The comprehensive curriculum and extracurricular opportunities at IILM Lodhi Road played a crucial role in securing my placement at BlackRock, a leading global asset management firm. I am now part of the APAC Talent Acquisition team and am deeply grateful to my faculty and mentors for their guidance throughout this journey.

Manjri Bansal

PGDM 2022-24

"

My overall learning experience at IILM has been truly enriching. The curriculum is well-structured, industry-aligned, and encourages real-world application of concepts. Faculty members are highly supportive, bringing both expertise and a practical approach to every classroom session. The campus environment fosters collaboration, creativity, and continuous growth. From academic learning to personality development, IILM has played a major role in shaping my confidence and career readiness. I’m genuinely proud to be a part of IILM.

Manav Bhure

PGDM 2024-26

"

The professors in our college teach in a truly innovative way, combining AI-based learning tools with real case studies that make concepts crystal clear. Their teaching style keeps us engaged and helps us understand subjects deeply instead of rote learning. In Organisational Behaviour, the approach was totally different- focusing on real human emotions and practical scenarios, not just theory. Every class felt meaningful, and the concepts stayed with us because of the relatable examples. Overall, the faculty covered everything beautifully, making learning genuinel

Sanya Singla

PGDM 2025-27

"

I had a really insightful industry visit that helped me understand how real business operations work. It was great to see different teams in action and how they coordinate every day. The staff was welcoming and explained everything in a simple, clear way. This visit helped me connect what we study in class with actual industry practices. I also got a better feel of workplace culture and professional expectations. Overall, it was a very enriching and meaningful learning experience.

Deepti

PGDM 2023-25

"

The environment at IILM Lodhi Road encouraged me to explore the intersection of data analytics and business strategy, shaping me into a confident and analytical thinker. One of the most impactful experiences during my PGDM was the live project with Havish M Consulting, where I worked on HR Analytics – Attrition Analysis using IBM Attrition Data. Through this project, I developed an interactive Power BI dashboard and applied machine learning models to identify key factors influencing employee attrition. This hands-on experience enhanced my analytical and problem-

Ansh Rastogi

PGDM 2024-26

"

Pursuing my PGDM at 1/LM Lodhi Road has been one of the best decisions of my life. The blend of academic learning, live case studies, and industry interactions has prepared me to take on real business challenges with confidence. The faculty here don’t just teach -they mentor. Their constant encouragement has helped me develop a growth mindset and a strong sense of purpose. 1/LM has not only shaped my professional journey but also helped me evolve as an individual who leads with empathy and conviction.

Dhir Luthra

PGDM 2024-26