In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation, some individuals leave an indelible mark with their vision and unwavering dedication. Dr. Manisha Acharya is one such changemaker—a woman with substance, who has spent over two decades bridging the gap between science, business, and innovation. From mentoring startups to shaping policies, her contributions have propelled India’s startup ecosystem toward unprecedented growth, creating pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their dreams.
Dr. Acharya’s journey is a testament to her commitment to fostering innovation and empowering others. Her work has not only transformed individual startups but also influenced broader policies and strategies that support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. Through her leadership, she has created opportunities for countless entrepreneurs to thrive, making a lasting impact on the industry. An acclaimed author of several publications in International and National Journals, she has also authored a book on Start Up Innovation and Incubation titled “Seed to Sapling: The Incubator way”.
Early Beginnings and Academic Excellence
Born in early seventies, Dr. Acharya’s journey began in the academic corridors of Utkal University, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Botany. Her passion for scientific exploration led her to pursue a Ph.D. at Lucknow University. As a Birbal Sahni Research Fellow, she delved deep into life sciences, laying the foundation for a career that would bridge science, business, and innovation. Her academic pursuits extended beyond Indian borders. Dr. Acharya was awarded the prestigious Chevening Fellowship in Science, Research, and Innovation at the University of Oxford, an accolade that recognized her potential to influence the global innovation landscape. This international recognition further fuelled her drive to make a significant impact in the field of innovation.
A Trailblazer in Innovation and Incubation
Dr. Acharya’s career has been a testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering innovation. As the former CEO of Indigram Labs Foundation, she transformed the incubator into a hub for agri-tech and clean-tech startups, earning the title of Best Emerging Technology Business Incubator by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Her foray into the world of innovation and incubation started with an initial tenure at a senior role in one of India’s largest university-based TBIs, had showcased her ability to nurture innovation. Here, she provided startups with the resources, mentorship, and networks they needed to scale their ideas into impactful enterprises. Through her leadership roles, including Project Director at Ernst & Young for the Startup Odisha Project, Dr. Acharya has been pivotal in shaping state policies, building funding networks, and fostering international collaborations. Her expertise in technology commercialization and startup mentoring has positioned her as a thought leader in the ecosystem.
Championing Women Entrepreneurs
Dr. Acharya’s passion for empowering women entrepreneurs is evident in her role as the Founder Director of WEneurs Forum™, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women-led startups and microenterprises. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, she has created platforms for them to access mentorship, funding, and global networks. Her advocacy extends to global stages. She has represented India in Silicon Valley and participated in international programs in Taiwan and Seoul, sharing her insights on innovation and women entrepreneurship. Dr. Acharya’s efforts have not only provided women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed but also inspired many to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
A Visionary Leader
Dr. Acharya’s vision extends beyond individual startups. As a member of advisory boards, including the Expert Advisory Committee on Innovation for Science and Technology Entrepreneurship development, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, she has been shaping policies and strategies to build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. Her insights have been published in leading journals and media outlets, highlighting her expertise in topics such as agri-tech innovation, women entrepreneurship, and the role of incubation in economic growth. Through her writings and public speaking engagements, she continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers. Dr. Acharya’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Personal Philosophy and Legacy
For Dr. Manisha Acharya, the journey of innovation is not just about technological breakthroughs; it is about creating meaningful impact. She believes that true success lies in empowering others to realize their potential and contribute to society’s progress. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering belief in the power of entrepreneurship. As she continues to mentor startups, influence policies, and champion women in business, Dr. Acharya’s legacy as a changemaker remains firmly etched in the annals of India’s entrepreneurial history. Her personal philosophy and dedication to making a difference serve as an inspiration to all who aspire to create positive change in the world.
Journey into Innovation
Dr. Manisha Acharya’s journey into the innovation, incubation, and start-up management field has been long and interesting. Initially, her career involved moving to various parts of India due to her husband’s transferable job. During this period, she took a voluntary sabbatical of about seven years to raise her son and work from home. This period allowed her to acquire new skill sets in IT, intellectual property rights, and business management, which eventually directed her towards innovation and incubation management. She began her corporate career with a US-based company dealing with nutraceutical and botanical products. In 2011, she combined her life science academic interests with corporate skills, working in the space of innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in life science, biotechnology, agri-tech, and food-tech businesses. She took a management position with one of the largest Technology Business Incubator within university system, transforming it into a “Centre of Excellence” recognition from Government of India.
Dedicated to Start-Up Success
Dr. Acharya’s source of motivation is the success of the startups she mentors. She is driven by the desire to see all the start-ups succeed, which makes her work harder every day. Her passion for innovation and incubation management is evident in her dedication to helping start-ups develop and thrive. She takes pride in being part of an industry that has the potential to address crucial societal and developmental needs, particularly in rural India. Her commitment to supporting startups and contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem is a significant driving force in her professional journey.
Awards and Accolades
Dr. Acharya’s contributions have earned her numerous awards and recognitions. Very recently, she has been recognised as “100 Changemakers of Odisha” and felicitated by Hon’ble Governor. She was featured in the “She Is” book series, celebrating 75 outstanding women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Applied Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in the 75th year of India’s independence. In 2023, she was honored with the Women Face of the Year by Fox Story India and the Collaboration Extraordinaire award by Ernst & Young.
Her accolades also include being named the Best CEO under the incubator category by the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA), winning the Miss Innovation Award at the 5th World Innompics Games, and receiving the prestigious Kalinga Kanya Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to entrepreneurship and innovation. These awards reflect her dedication and impact in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dr. Acharya’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Believe in yourself, dream big, and have empathy toward your customers. Love yourself, for self-belief, is the foundation of every successful journey.” She emphasizes that startups addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change, green energy, healthcare, tourism (particularly eco-tourism), sustainability, and circular economy, are poised for success in the coming years. She also highlights the transformative potential of integrating emerging technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence into startup models, which can unlock new opportunities and accelerate growth. Her advice serves as a guiding light for entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact in the world.
