Rahul Nainwal (UPES)
Overview
Rahul Nainwal is a prominent figure known for his multifaceted role as an entrepreneur and educator. He is the Director of the School of Business at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) in Dehradun, India. Nainwal has carved a niche for himself in the realms of social entrepreneurship and business incubation. He is renowned for co-founding the India's leading social enterprise initiatives, including iVolunteer and UnLtd Delhi, and for his significant contributions to educational methodologies with a focus on nurturing leadership and innovation.
Recent Developments
Over the past few years, Rahul Nainwal has been actively involved in several key developments, reflecting his ongoing commitment to innovation and education:
- 2025: Participated in a pioneering initiative at UPES featuring immersive XR simulations in the MBA program, which aims to enhance experiential learning (source).
- 2024: Led a discussion at the "Young Founder Summit" where he articulated strategies for upcoming entrepreneurs, focusing on practical approaches to starting and scaling businesses (source).
- March 2023: Under his direction, UPES launched India's first MBA in Metaverse and Web 3.0, integrating cutting-edge technology and business education (source).
- 2022-2023: Played a pivotal role in establishing the Runway Incubator, fostering over 250 startups and securing significant funding to support early-stage ventures (source).
- 2024: Facilitated a MoU between UPES and ACCA to advance educational frameworks for finance and accounting students (source).
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rahul Nainwal |
| Born | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Director, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Social entrepreneurship, Business incubation |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
| Education | B.Tech from NIT Rourkela, MBA from IRMA, Programs at Harvard Business School and Oxford University |
Early Life and Education
Rahul Nainwal's journey began with a solid academic foundation in technology and management. He graduated with a Bachelor of Technology degree from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela. His interest in social enterprises developed early, prompting him to pursue an MBA at the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA). Furthering his expertise, he attended leadership and strategic management programs at the Harvard Business School and the University of Oxford, where he honed his skills in design thinking and international relations.
Career and Notable Achievements
Rahul Nainwal's career is marked by his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to social change:
- Co-founded iVolunteer: This platform encourages volunteerism across various industries within India and globally.
- India Fellow Social Leadership Program: Launched this initiative to cultivate young leaders who are equipped to drive social change.
- UnLtd Delhi: Established an incubator focused on nurturing social enterprises.
- CashRelief.org: Implemented India's first unconditional cash transfer project aimed at financial inclusion.
- Awards and Honors: Recognized as a TED Fellow, Ashoka Associate Fellow, and Aspire Fellow for his contributions to social entrepreneurship.
Current Work and Impact
Rahul Nainwal currently serves as the Director of the School of Business at UPES, where he integrates innovative educational frameworks to prepare students for modern business challenges. His work at the Runway Incubator has significantly impacted startup ecosystems, providing a robust platform for innovation and entrepreneurship. His vision emphasizes equipping future leaders with the necessary skills to tackle both business and social challenges, thus fostering a culture of responsible entrepreneurship.
UPES Dehradun
The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) in Dehradun is a multifaceted institution offering education in disciplines like engineering, management, law, and design. As Director of the School of Business, Nainwal has been instrumental in enhancing UPES's reputation as a pioneering business school that aligns academic excellence with real-world application, consistently earning rankings among India's top educational institutions.
UPES Faculty
UPES boasts a diverse and experienced faculty dedicated to providing students with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience. Nainwal's leadership has emphasized collaborative efforts with industry and academia to create an enriching learning environment that extends beyond traditional classrooms to prepare students for dynamic global scenarios.
Conclusion
Rahul Nainwal's contributions to education and social entrepreneurship exemplify the impact one visionary can have in shaping future-ready leaders. His integrated approach to business education and social enterprise development continues to influence both academic and entrepreneurial landscapes in India. Looking forward, his initiatives at UPES and beyond are poised to make significant contributions to the global discourse on sustainable development and business innovation.