BTalk #45 Explores How AI is Transforming Modern Entrepreneurship

The Faculty of Management and Commerce, Institute of BBA and BBA (Business Analytics), PES University, hosted BTalk #45 on September 9, 2026 at the 2A Auditorium, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and innovators for an insightful session on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in business.

Titled “AI for Every Entrepreneur: From First Steps to Scaling Business,” the session was delivered by Mr. Prithvijit Roy, Partner at i2iFoundry, who shared his professional journey and extensive experience in the startup ecosystem. The interactive talk provided students with practical insights into how AI is reshaping entrepreneurship, from idea validation and product development to business growth and scalability.

During the session, Mr. Roy highlighted a critical reality of the startup world: while many venture-scale startups fail, cash shortages are often only symptoms of deeper challenges such as inadequate market research, weak operational processes, and difficulties in managing growth. He emphasized that sustainable success requires entrepreneurs to address underlying business fundamentals rather than focusing solely on financial concerns.

A key takeaway from the session was the “Solve, Simplify, and Scale” framework, which demonstrates how entrepreneurs can leverage AI at different stages of their business journey. In the Solve phase, AI can assist with market research, customer discovery, product validation, and outreach. In the Simplify phase, AI helps streamline operations, improve data management, and enhance team coordination. In the Scale phase, AI becomes a strategic enabler, supporting growth management, operational efficiency, and decision-making across expanding organizations.

Mr. Roy also introduced participants to the concept of AI's core capabilities through the framework of Sense, Learn, and Act, explaining how modern AI systems can analyze information, derive insights, and support intelligent actions. He further described AI as a "support system" for founders, empowering them to make faster decisions, improve productivity, and create greater value for customers and stakeholders.

The session explored how investors increasingly look for founders who combine domain expertise with a strong understanding of artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making. Students learned that successful AI-enabled businesses are built not merely on technology, but on the ability to solve meaningful problems through innovative and scalable solutions.

Several powerful insights shared during the talk resonated with the audience, including the statement, “Cash is the symptom, not the cause,” which underscored the importance of addressing fundamental business challenges. Mr. Roy also stressed that AI does not replace entrepreneurs but enhances their capabilities, enabling them to solve problems more effectively, simplify operations, and scale ventures with confidence.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, with approximately 357 attendees engaging actively throughout the session. The interactive discussions, real-world examples, and practical entrepreneurial lessons encouraged students to think critically about the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies.

Organized by the B-Talk Team, the event was supported by a dedicated student organizing committee that managed venue arrangements, guest coordination, event promotion, anchoring, photography, technical support, crowd management, and overall event execution. Their efforts ensured the smooth conduct of the programme and contributed significantly to its success.

BTalk #45 served as an enriching platform for students to gain firsthand knowledge from an industry expert and understand the growing importance of AI in entrepreneurship. The session reinforced the idea that while technology continues to evolve rapidly, successful entrepreneurship ultimately depends on combining innovation, strategic thinking, domain expertise, and the intelligent use of AI to create sustainable impact and business growth.

The event concluded with valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, inspiring students to embrace AI as a powerful tool for innovation, problem-solving, and building the businesses of the future.