Dr. Rajkumar Phatate

Dr. Rajkumar is Professor & Head- Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, at Mahindra University. He is a seasoned entrepreneurship trainer, educator and a lifelong learner, working in entrepreneurship development for over 30 years at the national and international level. Prior to joining Mahindra University, he was associated with Vietnam India Entrepreneurship Development Centre (VIEDC) at Hanoi, Vietnam, EDII Ahmedabad, MITCON and MCED in various capacities. In the last 30 years, he has conducted large number of training Programs in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, China and India for entrepreneurs enabling start-ups and growth.

 Prof. Phatate also practiced entrepreneurship, by starting and running a manufacturing enterprise named Rutuja Trimmings for 10 years, in Pune. He also serves as an Advisor to “Toe-Hold Artisans Collaborative (TAC)” which is a group enterprise of Kolhapuri footwear artisans, exporting footwear to USA, Japan, Italy, Korea and others. He is a founder member of ‘Entrepreneurs’ International’ which is an association of MSME entrepreneurs, in and around Pune region. He is a mentor to several start-ups and early-stage companies.

Prof Rajkumar holds a B.Com, MBA (Finance & Marketing) and PhD in Entrepreneurship. He is a Certified Entrepreneurship Teacher from NFTE New York, USA, Certified MarketPlace Business Simulation Instructor, and a Certified CAPSIM Business Simulation Instructor.