The learners of the Foundation Programme for Bachelor Degrees Intake 25.2 (Full-Time) of the School of Business at the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) successfully organised IQNITE ’26 on 2nd July 2026 at the School of Business Auditorium, Rajagiriya. The event was graced by Ms. Sasha Karunaratne, Sri Lankan social media influencer and vocal artist, and Mr. Janik Jayasuriya, Founder of Celeste Sri Lanka, as distinguished guests. Organised entirely by learners with an average age of just 16 years, IQNITE ’26 formed part of the Project Management module of the Foundation Programme.

The event was conceptualised to provide a platform for aspiring young entrepreneurs within NIBM to showcase their innovative business ideas while gaining valuable exposure to industry professionals. A key highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion featuring Ms. Karunaratne and Mr. Jayasuriya, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys, personal experiences in building successful brands, and insights into navigating today’s digital business landscape. Their discussion inspired the audience by demonstrating how passion, creativity, and resilience can be transformed into successful ventures.

Following a competitive selection process, four finalists were shortlisted to present their business ideas before the judging panel. The title of Student Entrepreneur Champion was awarded to Mr. Kabilash Ramakrishnan, a former Foundation Programme student who is currently pursuing the first year of the Business Management and Leadership degree pathway at the School of Business. Beyond selecting a winner, the competition served as a valuable learning experience for all participants. Each finalist received personalised feedback and mentorship from Ms. Sasha Karunaratne and Mr. Janik Jayasuriya on business development, branding, and market positioning.

In recognition of his outstanding performance, the champion was also offered an opportunity to work with Celeste Sri Lanka. The Foundation Programme for Bachelor Degrees at NIBM is specially designed for students who have completed the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination and wish to commence higher education without waiting for the Advanced Level examination cycle. The one-year programme combines academic knowledge with practical skills, including entrepreneurship, project management, communication, and leadership, preparing learners to become future-ready professionals capable of meeting both local and international industry demands.

Linkedin When Sixteen-Year-Old Students Build Opportunities for Entrepreneurs: The Story Behind IQNITE ’26 One of the greatest privileges of being an educator is witnessing young people exceed every expectation placed upon them. On 2 July 2026, the learners of the Foundation Programme for Bachelor Degrees (FPBD) Intake 25.2 (Full-Time) at the School of Business, National Institute of Business Management (NIBM), demonstrated exactly that by organising IQNITE ’26 an event that was entirely planned and executed as part of their Project Management module. What made this event truly remarkable was not simply its successful execution, but the vision behind it.

At just 16 years of age, these learners created a platform dedicated to promoting fellow student entrepreneurs within NIBM. Rather than organising a conventional academic event, they designed an experience that connected aspiring entrepreneurs with industry professionals, encouraged innovation, and celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit among young people. We were honoured to welcome Ms. Sasha Karunaratne, Sri Lankan social media influencer and vocal artist, together with Mr. Janik Jayasuriya, Founder of Celeste Sri Lanka, who generously shared their journeys in entrepreneurship, branding, and digital influence.

Their insights reminded everyone in the audience that success is built through persistence, creativity, and the courage to embrace opportunities. One of the highlights of the evening was the Student Entrepreneur Competition. After a rigorous selection process, four outstanding finalists presented their business ideas before the panel. Congratulations to Mr. Kabilash Ramakrishnan, a proud alumnus of the Foundation Programme who is currently reading for the first year of the Business Management and Leadership degree, on being crowned the Student Entrepreneur Champion. What made the competition especially meaningful was that every finalist received constructive feedback on strengthening their business concepts and personal brands.

The evening concluded on an inspiring note when the champion was offered an opportunity to work with Celeste Sri Lanka, demonstrating how educational experiences can create genuine industry opportunities. As educators, we often speak about preparing students for the future. At the Foundation Programme, we believe that preparation extends beyond classrooms and examinations. It involves creating opportunities for learners to lead projects, solve real-world problems, collaborate with professionals, communicate confidently, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. IQNITE ’26 was more than a student event. It was a reminder that when young people are trusted with responsibility, supported by dedicated educators, and connected with industry, they are capable of producing work that inspires everyone around them. Congratulations to every learner who contributed to making IQNITE ’26 a memorable success. Your professionalism, creativity, and commitment reflect exactly what it means to be future-ready.