ATLAS Welcomes Bright Minds from The University of Westminster, facilitating Dynamic Academic Exchange

In an unprecedented collaboration, ATLAS SkillTech University recently hosted 20 dynamic students from the University of Westminster as part of the Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) initiative. This strategically designed initiative aimed to expose students to the innovation and transformative learning experiences at ATLAS, fostering global engagement. Guided by Prof Dibyesh Anand and Stephen Wallis, the students embarked on a journey exploring not only the vibrant campus life but also delving into the realms of street entrepreneurship and iterative design development. This collaboration underscored ATLAS’s commitment to global engagement, further amplifying the university’s international appeal.

ATLAS SkillTech University: A Hub of Innovation

The visit kicked off with a warm welcome, setting the stage for an immersive experience within ATLAS SkillTech University’s cutting-edge facilities. From state-of-the-art maker labs to high-energy workspaces and advanced studios, students were introduced to an environment crafted to spark creativity and innovation. This meticulously curated experience aimed to highlight ATLAS SkillTech University’s commitment to providing a dynamic and future-ready education.

Street Entrepreneurship Session with Dr. Jaimine Vaishnav

A highlight of the visit was an engaging session on street entrepreneurship conducted by the esteemed faculty member, Dr. Jaimine Vaishnav. Titled ‘What can business schools learn from street entrepreneurship?’ the session aimed to bridge the gap between formal education and the practicalities of running a small business in a developing country.

Through this session, the Westminster students gained valuable insights and skills, including a new perspective on business, enhanced adaptability, community connection and the acquisition of practical entrepreneurial skills. Dr. Jaimine’s interactive discussion on the economics and research related to the informal economy left a lasting impression, urging students to think beyond traditional business models.

Iterative Design Development Workshop with Prof. Jai Ranjit

Following the enlightening session on street entrepreneurship, the students were immersed in an intriguing design workshop on Iterative Design Development led by Prof. Jai Ranjit. The workshop encouraged students to identify real-world problems and iterate through a process of prototyping, testing and feedback to refine their solutions.

Prof. Jai Ranjit emphasised the importance of making meaningful iterations early in the design process. By fostering a cycle of prototyping, students were able to explore various ideas, approaches and options, unlocking unexpected possibilities. The workshop instilled a sense of creativity and innovation, empowering students to approach problem-solving with a fresh perspective.

Key Takeaways

The visit to ATLAS SkillTech University proved to be more than just a cultural exchange; it was a transformative experience that left the Westminster students with valuable takeaways:

• Global Perspective: Street entrepreneurship provided a unique view of business in a developing country, broadening the students’ horizons.
• Adaptability and Innovation: Entrepreneurial skills learned from street vendors fostered adaptability and creative thinking to overcome challenges.
• Community Connection: Immersion in local communities allowed students to build connections and gain insights into diverse cultures.
• Practical Skills: Hands-on skills acquired, including customer interaction, marketing, budgeting and inventory management, are applicable in various professional settings.
• Identifying Opportunities: Studying street entrepreneurship unveiled unmet needs in emerging markets, sparking ideas for new products or services.
• Empathy and Perspective: Understanding the challenges faced by small businesses in developing countries built empathy and a broader perspective on global economic dynamics.
• Applicability Back Home: The skills and mindsets gained are not confined to developing countries; they can be applied to foster fresh thinking even in developed nations.

The ATLAS SkillTech University experience through Westminster Working Cultures has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the participating students. As they return to the University of Westminster, they bring with them not just memories of our vibrant campus, diverse culture, dynamic and forward thinking academic environment but also a newfound understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation and the limitless possibilities that arise from iterative design development. This transformative journey has equipped them with the tools to navigate the dynamic landscape of the professional world with creativity, adaptability and a global perspective.

The collaboration with the University of Westminster highlighted ATLAS SkillTech University’s trajectory toward becoming a global education destination that seamlessly blends innovation, practical insights and thought leadership. The alliance reinforces ATLAS’s commitment to shaping future innovators and global leaders through transformative education.