NRI entrepreneur Karan Bilimoria has been appointed by the Cambridge University as one of its two visiting entrepreneurs, an appointment made for the first time in recognition of extraordinary contribution to the teaching and training of entrepreneurs.
"Cambridge University's Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning is delighted to announce the appointment of eminent entrepreneurs Karan Bilimoria and Dr Hermann Hauser, Founder of Acorn Computers, as the first honorary Visiting Entrepreneurs in the 800-year history of the university," an announcement by the University said on Tuesday.
These distinguished positions recognise their extraordinary contribution to the teaching and training of entrepreneurs in the University of Cambridge, it said.
Bilimoria, founder and chief executive of Cobra Beer and UK co-chairman of the Indo-British Partnership said: "I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed Visiting Entrepreneur at Cambridge. I came up with the idea for Cobra Beer while I was a student at Cambridge. Today, it is wonderful to see entrepreneurship flourishing at Cambridge.
"The Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning has a key role in spreading the spirit of enterprise at Cambridge and in the UK, and is vital for budding entrepreneurs and UK's future leaders."
Dr Hauser said: "Cambridge is a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship and the University is the ideal place to nurture our entrepreneurial talent of the future".
The founder of Acorn computers said, "The demand for Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning is evident, with the Centre's Enterprise today having the highest attendance rate and most subscribed course of any non-assessed programme in the University. I am delighted to be part of this important project."
Shai Vyakarnam, Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning 's director said, "One of our core values is to involve seasoned entrepreneurs such as Karan and Hermann... as they have the credibility to teach entrepreneurship through sharing their own experiences and inspiring future entrepreneurs.
"The track records of both our visiting entrepreneurs have been exemplary. Hermann for his depth of contribution to technology venturing, venture capital and policy-making, and Karan for his expertise in marketing, brand-building, individual enterprise, and more recently to Indo-British relations," Shai added.
Sandra Dawson, director of the Judge Institute, said: "Karan and Hermann have been tremendous inspirers and supporters of entrepreneurial ambitions and achievements amongst students, faculty members and in the wider scientific and business community. We are thrilled to enjoy their close cooperation and leadership."
Karan is also founder of General Bilimoria Wines, Tandoori Magazine and chairman of Cobrabyte Technologies. He is also a member of the government's National Employment Panel, deputy lieutenant of Greater London, and recipient of London Entrepreneur of the year 2003 and the Asian of the Year 2002 Award.
Cobra Beer was recently awarded two Grand Gold Medals and a Gold Medal for the fourth year in succession by Monde Selection and awarded Asian Business of the Year 2003.
