IIMB’s Global Connections are redefining the way entrepreneurship is approached in Indian business schools. At the core of this transformation lies Eximius, the flagship entrepreneurship summit hosted by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. This event is not just about ideas and innovation; it’s a living example of how global integration can enhance educational and startup ecosystems. With each passing year, Eximius attracts more international attention, bringing in perspectives, mentorship, and opportunities from across the world.
In this article, we take a close look at how IIMB’s Global Connections were highlighted during Eximius. From impactful partnerships with foreign universities and incubators to international startup showcases and funding opportunities, the summit served as a gateway for global collaboration. Read on to discover how this global focus is empowering students, entrepreneurs, and the larger ecosystem at IIM Bangalore.
IIMB’s global connections
The theme of IIMB’s Global Connections was evident in every part of Eximius this year. International academic institutions, venture capital firms, startup accelerators, and global mentors joined forces with Indian startups and students to create a truly collaborative space. These global partnerships not only elevated the quality of the summit but also demonstrated how essential international exposure is for modern entrepreneurship. With strategic participation from countries like Germany, Singapore, the UK, and the US, Eximius 2025 established itself as a major hub for cross-border innovation, knowledge-sharing, and business opportunities.
Overview of IIMB’s global collaborations at Eximius
| Aspect | Details |
| International University Partners | Collaborations with top schools in Germany, Singapore, UK, and USA |
| Global Startup Participation | Startups from 7+ countries showcased ideas and solutions |
| Cross-border Investment Panels | VCs from Europe, North America, and Asia joined expert discussions |
| Global Mentorship Access | 1-on-1 sessions with global industry leaders and entrepreneurs |
| International Workshops | Hands-on sessions led by international faculty and startup incubators |
| Virtual Global Audience | Thousands joined online from over 25 countries |
| Alumni from Abroad | Successful global alumni returned as speakers and mentors |
| Partnership Outcomes | Multiple startups received global incubation and mentoring opportunities |
IIMB’s vision for global outreach
IIM Bangalore is not just preparing students for the Indian market, it is shaping global business leaders. The institution’s academic vision includes forming ties with leading global business schools, research centers, and startup accelerators. These connections are not symbolic; they translate into real-world experiences for students and entrepreneurs.
During Eximius, this vision was clearly in motion. Joint initiatives with institutions like National University of Singapore and Berlin Startup Hub allowed participants to interact with international experts, pitch business ideas globally, and engage in discussions about the global startup ecosystem. These experiences contribute to making IIMB students and incubated startups more globally aware and competitive.
International collaborations at Eximius 2025
Eximius 2025 saw a record number of international collaborations. Delegates from over 15 countries attended the summit, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise. The event featured foreign startup founders discussing real-world challenges, global investors sharing funding trends, and cross-country startup showcases that led to potential business deals.
Key collaborations included:
- A joint pitching event hosted in partnership with a German accelerator.
- A masterclass on international scaling by a Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur.
- A panel on sustainability innovations featuring participants from four continents.
These collaborations helped Indian startups access feedback and visibility that extended beyond local boundaries. The event also made way for international businesses to explore the Indian startup ecosystem, creating a two-way value exchange.
Impact on Indian startups
Startups from India gained a massive boost through exposure to international markets. Eximius allowed them to connect directly with decision-makers from foreign VC firms, learn how to pitch to global investors, and explore funding models that work in international settings.
A number of startups that participated in the event reported follow-up discussions with international investors post-event. Some were even invited to join global accelerator programs. This global exposure is invaluable, especially for startups working on scalable, tech-driven, or sustainability-focused solutions.
The event helped local founders gain clarity on market-entry strategies, IP protection in foreign jurisdictions, and compliance challenges when operating abroad.
Benefits for students
For the students of IIM Bangalore, Eximius is not just an annual event but a live case study in international business dynamics. The interactions with entrepreneurs and faculty from across the world exposed them to new ways of thinking, market nuances, and leadership approaches.
They got to participate in workshops run by international experts on topics like global market entry, cross-cultural communication, and innovation frameworks. This kind of exposure is usually only available through international exchange programs, but IIMB’s Global Connections made it accessible on campus.
Two key international highlights at Eximius
Global Startup Exchange:
One of the standout moments was the Global Startup Exchange. It involved startup teams from countries such as Germany, Singapore, and the UK connecting with Indian students for idea discussions and collaborations. This led to exciting partnerships and knowledge-sharing on startup challenges across borders.
Cross-Border Investment Panel:
A high-powered panel discussion with international investors covered topics like funding emerging markets, ethical investing, and tech transfer models. It gave startups a deeper understanding of what international VCs look for and how to prepare themselves for global rounds.
How IIMB facilitates these collaborations
Behind the scenes, IIMB’s Office of International Affairs plays a vital role in bringing global partners on board. The institute has formal relationships with top global B-schools, which allow for faculty exchange, student projects, and co-hosted events like those seen in Eximius.
Additionally, IIMB’s alumni network is truly global. Many of them hold influential positions abroad and actively engage with the institute. Their involvement in Eximius as mentors, panelists, and investors added tremendous value, further reinforcing the strength of IIMB’s Global Connections.
Global mentorship and networking opportunities
The mentorship opportunities at Eximius were curated to match startups with global domain experts. Startups applied for sessions with mentors based on their industry, target market, or growth challenges. These sessions were high-impact and tailored to the needs of each business.
Students, too, benefited from informal networking sessions, fireside chats, and global Q&A panels where they could directly interact with successful entrepreneurs from Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.
Strong digital presence boosts global reach
Eximius adopted a hybrid format that allowed thousands of participants to attend virtually from all corners of the globe. This not only widened its reach but also gave startups and students a platform to be seen by a global audience. Live Q&A, virtual pitching, and interactive chat rooms made the digital experience immersive.
The strong tech infrastructure and digital marketing helped bring visibility to IIMB’s Global Connections, showcasing IIMB as a globally relevant institution committed to building international bridges through entrepreneurship.
Final thoughts
IIMB’s Global Connections on display at Eximius prove that entrepreneurship today cannot thrive in silos. By bringing the world to its campus and connecting its students and startups to global platforms, IIMB is cultivating a new generation of global leaders and innovators.
This year’s Eximius was not just an event but a strategic movement toward internationalization. It showed how academic institutions can lead the way in global collaboration by blending education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The exposure to international networks, mentorship, and capital opportunities will have a lasting impact on everyone who participated.
If you’re passionate about startups or aspire to go global, keep an eye on IIMB’s future summits. Want more insights like this? Explore our articles or dive into related content to stay informed.
FAQs
IIMB’s connections focus on meaningful collaborations that create real opportunities for startups and students, rather than just academic exchanges.
Yes, Eximius invites startups from all over the world, promoting global idea-sharing and partnership building.
Absolutely. Students gain exposure to international mentors, startup ecosystems, and global entrepreneurship trends.
Yes, both Indian and international startups pitch to a panel of global investors and VCs during the summit.
Through structured partnerships, alumni engagement, and strategic event planning, IIMB ensures maximum value from global collaborations.
