Visit of Aalto University, Finland Delegation to NMIMS Mumbai

A distinguished delegation from Aalto University, Finland visited NMIMS Mumbai on Monday, 28th April 2025 to explore potential academic collaborations and partnerships.

Delegation from Aalto University, Finland :

• Prof Apurva Ganoo, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, School of Business 
• Ville Hakulinen, Alumni Engagement Manager and,
• Kit Srinivasan, Senior Manager, Global Engagement

NMIMS Representatives:

• Bijayinee Patnaik- Chairperson Alumni & Industry Relations, School of Business Management
• Shweta Patil, Manager International linkages

Summary of Discussions:

• Prof. Bijayinee Patnaik presented a comprehensive overview of alumni engagement at SBM. She highlighted alumni participation in roundtable discussions, placements, accreditations, and the Board of Studies. She further elaborated on the structure and function of the Alumni Relations Committee, detailing its operational teams and the wide range of alumni events conducted in India and abroad.

Additionally, she shared insights into NMIMS’s entrepreneurship programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC), and the Research Seminar Series, showcasing SBM’s approach to industry-academic collaboration.

• Mr. Ville Hakulinen discussed Aalto University's Alumni Board, their alumni weekend event, and the thematic planning behind program tracks—emphasizing a structured and engaged alumni network.
• Prof. Apurva Ganoo provided an overview of the School of Business at Aalto and its academic offerings. He also spoke about the Aalto-IIM Bangalore collaboration and shared insights into Aalto’s Professor of Practice (PoP) model—a unique academic approach incorporating real-world experience into teaching.
• Ms. Shweta Patil emphasized opportunities for joint academic collaborations across NMIMS campuses, and discussed the scope for cultural immersion programs and institutional partnerships going forward.