Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, Sri Lanka
The University Business Linkage Cell at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Colombo Stock Exchange, successfully hosted the “RUSL IDEA 2023” competition on November 30, 2023. This event aimed to foster innovation, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial spirit within the university community, providing a platform for participants to showcase their creative and entrepreneurial ideas.
Following a rigorous selection process, eleven outstanding teams from different faculties emerged as finalists, representing the three categories: Student, Academic Staff, and Non-academic Staff. Out of the remarkable 11 business proposals, 3 winners from the student category, 2 winners from the academic staff category, and one from the non-academic staff category were identified after a live pitch at the event. The winners were honored with valuable cash prizes and certificates.
The “BeautyLinker App” business idea secured first place in the Student Category, with the winning team consisting of Ms. A. M. S. T. S. Dayarathna, Ms. R. M. W. N. Rathnayake, and Ms. B. A. S. Weerarathne from the Faculty of Management Studies. In the Academic Category, the victorious team from the Faculty of Agriculture included Mrs. T. D. C. Priyadarshani, Prof. P. A. Weerasinghe, Ms. M.Madushani, and Ms. W.M.S.N. Wijesekara for their business idea on “Tricho-Guard”. Mr. A.A.J.S. Ariyapperuma from the Landscape Department at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka emerged as the winner in the Non-academic Category with his outstanding business idea on “Wine production”.
The competition promotes innovation, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial spirit within the university community, contributing to the enhancement of the quality of education.
By fostering entrepreneurial ideas and providing a platform for showcasing them, the competition contributes to the promotion of economic growth and the creation of decent work opportunities.
The event encourages innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, which aligns with the goal of promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.
The competition involves participants from different faculties, including students, academic staff, and non-academic staff, providing an inclusive platform and potentially contributing to reducing inequalities within the university community.
The collaboration between the University Business Linkage Cell at Rajarata University and the Colombo Stock Exchange demonstrates a partnership between different sectors (academia and industry) to achieve common goals related to education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
