U T Rao - Associate Professor & Entrepreneurship Initiatives, MICA

U T Rao

Associate Professor & Entrepreneurship Initiatives, MICA

More about U T Rao

Pracdemic ! Associate Professor , Entrepreneurship Initiatives at MICA , Angel Investor, Start Up Mentor and Movie Producer

Dr. U T Rao is truly a Pracdemic, a rare combination of practice and academics . He is an Associate Professor at MICA , was Chair of MICA Incubator and now leads Entrepreneurial Initiatives at MICA , Entrepreneur , Angel Investor and Board Member of several start up enablers and has been on several Govt committees for promotion of entrepreneurship in India, 

As an Entrepreneur , he has co- founded Shrey Multispecialty Hospital , Shubham General Hospital , Solitaire Remedies , Sunset Boulevard Cinemagic and Openfuel Foundation Currently focusing on Innovation through collaboration at 100xstories.com . He also produced the award winning gujarati film “Mara Papa Superhero” directed by Dr Darshan Ashwin Trivedi ,elected in several prestigious international film festivals like San Diego International Kids Film Festival , Kids First Film Festival, USA , 34th International Film Festival for Children and Youth, Iran ,London Indian Film Festival , DYTIATKO International Children’s Media Festival, Ukraine, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne , Bollywood Film Festival of Norway and more ..

He has been board members of several organizations and start up enablers like ISBA (Indian STEP and Business Incubator Association) , Spinta Global Accelerator (US) , Innovify (UK) , TiE Ahmedabad etc 

Loves to interact with today’s youth and imparts training in Entrepreneurship related courses across some of India’sbest educational institutions as well as internationally as visiting and guest faculty. In the last few years he has taught at the Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley, University Sains Malayasia ,Univers,ity of Waikato , Several IIT’s and IIM’s , NID ,DAIICT , TISS apart from MICA . 

Awards and honours include Start Up Gujarat – Start Up Gujarat Award , Visionary Incubation Leader , eChai Pioneer Award ,Entrepreneurship Education Excellence award etc .

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Featured speaker at previous eChai events:
eChai Fundraising Social
eChai Startup Demo Day @ MICA
Founders and startup folks who joined past eChai startup events

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

"If there’s one phrase that sums up my journey, it’s truly ‘The eChai Effect.’ Six years ago, I simply walked into my first eChai event, not knowing what to expect. The honest conversations, energy, and inspiration from founders and entrepreneurs struck a chord within me. That eChai spark became the catalyst for everything to follow. I proudly say: my entrepreneurship journey started—and keeps evolving—because of eChai. Redicine Medsol’s story is integrally linked to this community. I’ve gained so much, not just as a founder but as a forever volunteer and grateful member of the eChai family. With all my heart, thank you Jatin Bhai and everyone at eChai for shaping, guiding, and supporting my dreams. The eChai Effect will always be a part of my story."
Kush Prajapati - Founder, Redicine Medsol
Kush Prajapati
Founder, Redicine Medsol
“eChai has been that turning point in my journey. It gave me a platform when I wasn’t looking for visibility but needed direction. Over the years, it became more than just a network. It became my tribe; a place where conversations sparked collaborations, and strangers became trusted sounding boards. What I value most is how effortlessly eChai brings people together - no airs, no filters, just genuine people with shared dreams. I owe a lot to this community and to Jatin, whose consistency and belief in people have shaped journeys like mine. Forever grateful to be part of something so real.”
Rushabh Shah - Managing Partner - STIR Advisors
Rushabh Shah
Managing Partner - STIR Advisors
"eChai isn’t just a startup community … it’s a mindset . eChai has been one of the most impactful communities in my entrepreneurial journey. It’s been a turning point . In a world where building something can often feel isolating, eChai gave me a sense of belonging. I’ve found mentors, collaborators, and friends here — people who genuinely want to see you succeed. It’s a space where ideas are challenged, actions are celebrated, and founders grow not just in scale, but in clarity and confidence. From late-night ideas to early-morning pitches, this community has quietly but powerfully shaped the way I build, think, and dream. I’ll always be grateful for the way eChai creates spaces where founders don’t just grow businesses — they grow together."
Koumal Kalantry - Founder, Bignano Ventures
Koumal Kalantry
Founder, Bignano Ventures

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