Kochi: Emphasising that failure is often the foundation of success, Minister for Skill Development Shibu Baby John said that the true success of an entrepreneur lies in the ability to learn from setbacks and transform those lessons into stronger ventures. He was inaugurating the School of Future and welcoming its 2028 batch at Lulu IT Tower, SmartCity, Kakkanad.
Addressing students, educators and industry leaders, the Minister urged aspiring entrepreneurs to identify potential challenges before launching a business and develop practical strategies to overcome them. Reflecting on his own entrepreneurial journey, he shared how a business failure became one of his greatest learning experiences, teaching him the importance of risk management, resilience and not investing all resources into a single venture.
The Minister said entrepreneurship demands perseverance, adaptability and informed decision-making, encouraging students to view failures as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
The School of Future has been established with the vision of nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and young leaders equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy. Designed around emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, global markets and future-focused industries, the institution aims to prepare students with industry-relevant knowledge, leadership skills and practical entrepreneurial experience.
Adding a global media dimension to the event, Gold 101.3FM UAE’s No.1 radio station partnered with the inauguration, highlighting the institution’s vision of connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with international opportunities and audiences.
The institution’s flagship PGP Plus MBA programme is offered through two specialised pathways—the Founders Track and the Management Track. The Founders Track is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, incubation support and opportunities to raise investment for innovative ventures. The Management Track focuses on students pursuing corporate careers, offering placement opportunities with annual salary packages of up to ₹15 lakh.
Speaking at the event, Dr Tom M Joseph, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of the School of Future, said the institution is committed to empowering talented students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, including Kochi, to become globally competitive entrepreneurs. He noted that the future will belong to innovators who redefine technology and create meaningful impact, adding that the School of Future aims to nurture such leaders.
Prof Venu Rajamony, former Ambassador and Chairman of Future Kerala Mission, Jain University, expressed confidence that the institution would strengthen Kerala’s human capital by equipping young professionals with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly dynamic global economy.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Abdul Rehman, Director and COO of Lulu IT Park and Infrastructure Group; Akshay Muralidharan and Coomar Prantik Barua, Co-founders of the School of Future; and Prof J Letha, Pro Vice Chancellor of Jain University.
The inauguration marked the beginning of a new educational initiative focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and future-ready leadership, with industry collaboration and global exposure at its core.
