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Pallavi Tak
Business Strategist for Creative, Women & Social Entrepreneurs I Program Designer for Business Accelerators
Professional Background
Pallavi Tak is a dynamic leader and expert in the field of sectoral and social incubation program design for early-stage entrepreneurs. With a passion for empowering individuals, particularly women, creative, skill-based tech (skill-ed-tech), and social entrepreneurs, she has significantly contributed to developing sustainable business practices across diverse sectors. Her journey in entrepreneurship mentoring began to gain momentum at CIIE.CO in 2017, where she provided her expertise to over 375 enterprises through various well-structured program interventions. Her roles have included designing and leading outcome-oriented programs that not only promote business acumen but also focus on fostering inclusivity within the entrepreneurial landscape.
Over the years, Pallavi’s career has been defined by her commitment to creating and implementing unique incubator and accelerator programs. Notably, she spearheaded the DFID's INVENT program, supporting more than forty-five social enterprises nationwide from 2017 to 2019. Pallavi is also recognized for pioneering the development of accelerators for craft entrepreneurs in India, including the 'Craft Catapult,' launched in 2019 – the country's first of its kind targeting artisans and craftsmen. Her direction in the Women Entrepreneurship vertical has been instrumental in programs like Invest India’s WING and GIZ's Project Her&Now, which aim to uplift women-led enterprises and initiatives.
In addition to her work with emerging businesses, Pallavi plays a pivotal role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape in academic institutions. She collaborates with university incubators and entrepreneurship cells (E-Cells) to enhance their entrepreneurship interventions and train faculty members to lead these initiatives effectively. Through her influence, she not only helps universities design academic courses focused on entrepreneurship but also promotes a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly in Tier II and III cities in India, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach.
Education and Achievements
Pallavi Tak pursued her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban Sustainability at Symbiosis International University, where she deepened her understanding of sustainable practices within urban contexts. Her educational background laid the groundwork for her career, allowing her to meld academic knowledge with practical entrepreneurial strategies.
Throughout her professional journey, Pallavi has held esteemed positions that reflect her expertise and dedication to social entrepreneurship and education. As the Assistant Vice President of Social Impact Incubation at Startup Oasis, which operates under CIIE at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), she leads initiatives that bridge the gap between startups and social impact effectively. Before her current role, Pallavi served as a Senior Consultant specializing in Creative and Women Entrepreneurship and has an impressive academic career as an Assistant Professor at several prominent institutions, such as Manipal University and Symbiosis School of Economics, among others. Her teaching experiences have allowed her to cultivate young minds, encouraging them to think innovatively and entrepreneurially.
Achievements
Pallavi Tak is widely recognized for her thoughtful and impactful approach to entrepreneurship development. Major milestones in her career include:
- Successfully supported over 375 enterprises at CIIE.CO since 2017.
- Led the DFID's INVENT program from 2017 to 2019, facilitating growth for over 45 social enterprises across India.
- Pioneered the ‘Craft Catapult’ accelerator for craft entrepreneurs, reinforcing her commitment to empowering traditional artisans.
- Championed several initiatives focused on women entrepreneurship through programs like Invest India’s WING and GIZ's Project Her&Now.
- Developed and implemented the MUFG SkillEd program, aimed at SkillTech and EdTech startups catering to the Indian youth.
- Actively engaged with universities to enhance entrepreneurial education, thereby influencing a whole generation of future entrepreneurs.
Pallavi’s endeavors reflect her passion for nurturing and empowering the next wave of entrepreneurs, particularly in underrepresented sectors and regions. Her work has not only transformed the entrepreneurial landscape for many but has also helped foster a culture of innovation and collaboration in aspiring entrepreneurs, making her a prominent figure in the field of incubation and acceleration program design.
