The SCCI and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), in partnership with Sichuan SAMA Group and REAL Life, co-organized the Startup Bootcamp for Sri Lanka Youth under the title, “Igniting Innovation & Driving Sustainable Growth”. This youthful event was held on 17-18 January in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

The Inauguration and Certificate Awarding Ceremony were graced by Mr. Gong Winner, Chairman, Sichuan SAMA Group, CCSN Power Generation, SAMA Lanka, Ms. H.D.D.C.P.K. Thilakaratne, Senior Assistant Secretary (Development), Prime Minister’s Office, Sri Lanka; Mr. Keerthi Gunawardane, President, FCCISL & EC Member, SCCI, Prof. Niranjanie Ratnayake, Senior Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa; and Mr. Dharmesh Gohil, Alumni - Exchange Programs, US Department of State; Mr. Abbas Kamrudeen, Vice Chair, SYEF, & GA Member, SCCI (Sri Lanka) and Mr. Tilan M. Wijesooriya, Associate Director, SCCI.

Thirty-five promising young entrepreneurs from various districts of Sri Lanka actively took part in the two-day Startup Bootcamp. These young entrepreneurs have recently started their business ventures focusing on eco-friendly products, information technology, digital marketing, handicrafts, agriculture, herbal products, cosmetics, real estate, etc. They acquired necessary skills and knowledge to develop their startups to the next level through activity-based sessions at the Startup Bootcamp covering all important aspects of a startup journey growth, innovation and development.

Internationally renowned startup experts and startup role models conducted startup activities, discussions and presentations during their sessions throughout two days focusing on the areas of Motivation & Mindset Mastery, Leadership Skills; Effective Communication, Elevator Pitch; Innovation in Product Development; Applied Models for Startups & Growth Hacking for Startups; AI for Business & Digital Marketing, Branding; Angel Investors & Financial Means for Startups; How to Manage in VUCA Times; Mindfulness, RECAP, Relaxation; Consulting, Mentoring, & Coaching for Startups; Networking Mastery; Creative Climate, Innovation, & Sustainability; Business Model Canvas; Building a Creative Climate for Teams; Digital Branding for Startups;

Navigating Challenges in the Startup Journey; Scaling Strategies and Growth Models; International Opportunities for Startups & Startup Role Models.

Mr. Tilan M. Wijesooriya, Associate Director, SCCI, & Secretary General (Actg.), FCCISL and Eng. Jasmine Nanayakkara, Founder, REAL Life, facilitated the sessions at the Startup Bootcamp.

On completion of the two-day Startup Bootcamp, the young entrepreneurs were awarded with certificates. This dynamic and youthful event was concluded with a networking dinner and karaoke music.