Mentors

Mentors are representatives from IEEE programs, volunteers, their network partners and individual members and outside from IEEE possess a combination of technical expertise, business acumen, entrepreneurial experience, innovators and inventors, investors, academic leaders, social and human impact specialists, business consultants, startup incubator, accelerator managers, technical experts and engineers and mentors from other IEEE programs and outside IEEE. These mentors will bring their astronomic experience in technology, business, fundraising, standards, legal and intellectual property experts, human centric designs, community outreach, communication skills, etc. having willingness to invest time and their ability to effectively communicate and guide early-stage entrepreneurs, technological innovators and start-ups. A diverse mix of mentors with complementary expertise can provide a well-rounded mentorship experience for program participants

The IEEE FNEM has two kinds of mentors – 1) Lead Mentor and 2) Secondary Mentor

1. Lead Mentor will be appointed to each Mentee and support Mentee at each step of the mentorship program, and provide support in coordinating with other ‘Secondary Mentors’ and Advisors (Global and Regional) during the course of ‘Mentorship’. alongside mentoring them whereas
2. Secondary Mentor will be guiding Mentees on variety of subjects in technical insights and expertise, validation of technological ideas, finance, compliance, ethics, go-to-market strategy, communication and pitching skills, negotiation skills, go-to-market strategy and others

Mentors’ role

• Provide One-to-One mentorship to ‘mentees.’
• Provide strategic direction to mentees in the growth of their LAMP journey
• Assist mentees in defining clear goals and milestones through regular check-ins
• Help ‘mentees’ in their pitch presentations, refining negotiation and business skills and connecting them with relevant stakeholders
• Assess ‘mentees’ growth and learning journey during the discourse of the IEEE FNEM program

Mentor engagement framework with mentees

• Mission Alignment: Mentors will guide mentees in navigating ethical complexities associated with technology and social impact.
• Strategic Guidance: Mentors will guide mentees to formulate and refine their business strategies, setting up goals, identifying target markets, crafting business models, and creating actionable plans for growth.
• Technology Guidance: For programs focused on technological innovations, mentors provide technical insights and expertise, helping innovators navigate technical challenges and make informed decisions.
• Validation of Ideas: Mentors will help Mentees in validating their technological ideas by offering constructive feedback and critical analysis. They help innovators refine their
• concepts and ensure they have a solid foundation
• Long-Term Vision: Mentors will encourage innovators to think beyond immediate goals and envision the lasting societal transformation their innovations could bring about.
• Network Building: Mentors will help Mentees to access resources, connect them with potential partners, investors, collaborations, industry experts and customers that can support their journey toward in growing their business
• Crisis Preparedness: Mentors will assist Mentees in developing contingency plans to address potential challenges that may arise during the implementation of their solutions. They help innovators navigate unexpected situations.

• Business Strategy: Assist Mentees in developing robust business strategies, including market analysis, customer segmentation, revenue models, and growth plans.
• Pitch and Communication Skills: Helping Mentees in crafting compelling pitches and presentations tailored to investors, highlighting the value proposition and potential return on investment and effectively communicate the value of their technological innovations to potential investors, customers, and stakeholders.
• Sustainability Strategies: Mentors will work with Mentees to develop sustainability plans that ensure the longevity of the financial and social impact.
• Impact Assessment: Mentors will help Mentees to define metrics and methodologies for assessing the growth, business segment, customers, and social and human impact of their product/innovations.
• Exit Strategy Expertise: Provide guidance to formulate exit strategies, whether through acquisitions or initial public offerings (IPOs), aligning them with investors’ expectations
• Learning and Reflection: Mentors encourage a culture of learning and reflection within the innovator’s journey.
• Standards & tech ethics: Mentors will help to explore the concept of standards alongside with tech ethics requirement for the technological product/solution
• Inclusivity: Mentors will promote inclusivity in the design and implementation of innovations.

Mentors

Borislav Tadić, 1&1 Versatel

Dr. Snehal Shetty, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Navin Kumar, Amrita Vishwa          Vidyapeetham

Rowan Yeoman, UNDP

Blair Kirchner, Kirchner Impact Foundation

Dr. Madanmohan Rao, MXR World

Dr Krishnashree Achuthan, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Dhaval Malaviya, Apple Inc

Hattie Brown, Kirchner Impact Foundation

Benjz Gerard Sevilla, Unconnected.org

Konstantin Aal, University of Siegen

Mary Munyoki, Unconnected.org

Prasanth Sugathan, Sugathan & Associates

Staff Members

Ritu Srivastava, Program Officer, IEEE FNEM