Steminist Entrepreneur Session 2: "From Lab to Launch : Turning STEM Ideas into Sustainable Startups"

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Introduction

The second session of the STEMinist Entrepreneur series was successfully conducted on 29th April 2025 as part of an initiative to inspire and empower young women in STEM and entrepreneurship. The event was organised by the IEEE Women in Engineering Affinity Group of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the IEEE Women in Engineering Student Branch Affinity Group of University of Peradeniya. The session featured Ms. Nilusha Ariyasena as the guest speaker and was held at the University of Peradeniya.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the session were to:

  • Encourage students to explore entrepreneurship within STEM fields

  • Provide insights into transforming innovative ideas into successful startups

  • Highlight real-world experiences of a woman entrepreneur in STEM

  • Create a platform for knowledge sharing and mentorship

Event Overview

The session commenced at 11:30 AM with an engaging and insightful talk delivered by Ms. Nilusha Ariyasena. She shared her insights into transforming STEM-based ideas into impactful entrepreneurial ventures. Through real-life experiences, challenges, and achievements, she demonstrated how passion, purpose, and perseverance could turn innovative concepts into meaningful change.

Ms. Ariyasena spoke about the realities of entrepreneurship, and her story resonated strongly with the audience, encouraging students to believe in their own potential and to take bold steps toward bringing their ideas to life.

The event brought together students and aspiring entrepreneurs, providing them with an opportunity to learn from an accomplished professional and gain valuable perspectives on innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Outcomes

The session successfully achieved several key outcomes, including:

  • Motivating students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset

  • Enhancing awareness about opportunities in STEM entrepreneurship

  • Providing practical insights into the journey of building startups

  • Encouraging participants to think creatively and pursue their ideas

  • Strengthening engagement between industry professionals and students

Participants left the session feeling empowered and inspired, with a renewed sense of confidence in their ability to create impact through innovation.


  Date and Time

  Location

  Hosts

  Registration


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  • Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya
  • Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
  • Sri Lanka
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  • Contact Event Hosts

  Speakers

Nilusha of SLIIT Kandy Uni

Topic:

From Lab to Launch : Turning STEM Ideas into Sustainable Startups

Biography:

Ms. Nilusha Ariyasena is a Senior Lecturer at the SLIIT School of Business, SLIIT Kandy Uni, with nearly a decade of prior industry experience in finance, planning, and analytics across sectors like automotive, PPE, and garment manufacturing.

She holds a Business Finance degree from the University of Peradeniya, is a CIMA UK passed finalist, and earned a Master’s in Business Analytics with Distinction from the University of Colombo.

A passionate advocate for sustainability and youth empowerment, Nilusha has shared her expertise through teaching, consultancy, and speaking engagements at events like Trailblazers and the UN SDG Young Innovators Programme. In 2025, she also served as a judge at the Future Founders competition, supporting young entrepreneurs.

Address:Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka