The IRE Conference 2026 (Innovation, Research & Entrepreneurship) was held at GIBS Business School’s 10-acre MindValley Campus. This event brought students, businesspeople, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and academics together. The presence of former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad inspired attendees as he spoke about leadership, resilience, and working under pressure. The event inspired over 250 attendees and, along with flexible, innovative idea activities, collaborations, and knowledge exchanges, was one of the most rewarding aspects of the conference.
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Among the valuable features of the conference was the Student Innovation Showcase. 36 prototypes of student startups were presented. This exhibition is a testament to GIBS Business School Bengaluru’s dedication to experiential learning and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.
In a creative twist, students communicated their business ideas through a Fashion Walk featuring IRE products. The business concepts were presented in the form of a visually captivating story.
The conference also acknowledged promising student innovations with award recognition:
Winner: Team Nexus – Snavara Naturals, A wellness brand focused on sustainability and purity
1st Runner-Up: Team X1 – BreathEasy, an air purification system that is environmentally friendly
2nd Runner-Up: Team Y4 – Sanjeevani, A palliative solution for cancer care
These projects were awarded for their innovative design, use of practical solutions, and potential impact.
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The conference included a significant portion for the IRE Excellence Awards 2026 to recognise industry excellence and award winners with notable contributions across fields. Awardees this year included:
Rahul Kapoor – India’s Leading Mindset Coach, Inspirational Speaker, and Author
Geetansh Bamania – Promoter, CMD & CEO, Rentomojo
Sanjana Anand – Indian Actress and Kannada Cinema Star
Shiva A. Sankeshwar – Managing Director, Vijayanand Travels Pvt. Ltd.; Director, VRL Logistics Ltd.
Recognised excellence in various industries, including entrepreneurship, entertainment, and innovation, these pictures and videos encourage students to impact and meaningful careers.
The conference had many guests, including participants with special abilities:
Rahul Kapoor was the main attraction, speaking about ''How to Make a Successful Entrepreneur in a Great Spirit,'' inspiring students to take losses, act, and be disciplined.
Venkatesh Prasad taught important lessons about staying calm and focused, drawing lessons from the sport to the business world.
Students responded to these presentations by offering valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and business.
Dr Pallavi Vyas, Dean of GIBS Business School, encourages students to adopt a unique approach in their thinking to make the world a better place through concept-driven learning and innovation.
Mr Ritesh Goyal, Chairman of The GIBS Group, noted:
The value of learning through experience
Merging the learning process with business
Innovation as a significant engine of growth
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Their remarks reinforced GIBS’s commitment to developing leaders in the value of the future.
The conference ended with a networking and dinner event, allowing participants to meet, cooperate, and establish new business relationships. The event was a major celebration of creativity and simplified the relationships created across the board, from students to industry professionals.
The GIBS IRE Conference 2026 illustrated yet again how educational institutions can integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Recognised among the Top 10 MBA/PGDM Colleges in Bangalore, GIBS demonstrated how the combination of student creativity, industry validation, and experiential education helps form a strong value proposition in shaping future entrepreneurs and leaders.
GIBS Business School reaffirms itself as an institution of thought, with great focus on innovation, leadership and the all-round development of the student.
Disclaimer: This article has been published under a marketing collaboration between Careers360 and GIBS Bangalore.
On Question asked by student community
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An autonomous top b-school with a focus on management studies is GIBS Bangalore. There are three primary specialisations in BBA. Three of the most crucial facets of every organisation are administration of
GIBS Bangalore is a reputable institution for those who are thinking in studying management. The GIBS offers in postgraduate level PGDM programmes. The institute provides students with comprehensive placement assistance. Every year, respected companies recruit 90% of students. The programme provides students with the greatest jobs in finance, marketing, and
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