Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship (FNEM) Connect

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The 1st cohort of the Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship (FNEM) will be hosted at IIIT Bangalore on 18th July 2026. FNEM Connect is a meet-up that brings together 100 mentees (technological innovators), mentors, advisors, entrepreneurs and like-minded experts from industry, investors, academia and other institutions.

The FNEM is a global initiative of the IEEE and the Lemelson Foundation. The event introduces the FNEM initiative and its mission of supporting 100 mentees' technological innovators, particularly those developing hardware-based solutions with potential social and economic impact.

Prospective mentees, including innovators, early-stage entrepreneurs, students, and researchers-turned-entrepreneurs, will learn how they can benefit from the structured mentorship, technical guidance, and ecosystem access offered through the FNEM program.

FNEM Connect is envisioned as a catalyst for building a vibrant community of innovators and mentors committed to advancing technology for societal impact and strengthening India’s technological entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Objectives

  • Introduce the IEEE FNEM program to mentees, mentors, academia, industry leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders — highlighting its vision, offerings, and opportunities for technological innovators in India.
  • Connect mentors and prospective mentees through a platform for interaction, networking, and knowledge exchange that forms the foundation for future mentor–mentee engagements.
  • Launch the FNEM mentorship journey by orienting selected participants on the program structure, expectations, learning pathways, and support mechanisms.
  • Showcase innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities for hardware and technology innovators, including technical expertise, business guidance, ecosystem partnerships, and growth opportunities.
  • Strengthen collaboration across the innovation ecosystem — academia, industry, startups, investors, incubators, and development organizations.
  • Create awareness about resources available to innovators: mentorship, incubation, funding, standards development, technology validation, and market access.
  • Build a community of practice for technological entrepreneurship that encourages continuous learning, peer-to-peer collaboration, and long-term engagement.
  • Identify and onboard potential mentees and mentors for upcoming FNEM cohorts, supporting the next generation of technology-driven entrepreneurs and hardware innovators in India.

  Date and Time

  Location

  Hosts

  Registration


  • Add_To_Calendar_icon Add Event to Calendar
  • 26/C, Hosur Rd, Electronic City Phase I,
  • Electronic City, Konappana Agrahara
  • Bangalore, Karnataka
  • India 560100
  • Building: IIIT Bangalore
  • Contact Event Host

  • IEEE Future Network Technical Community

    futurenetworks@ieee.org

  • Starts 22 June 2026 11:20 AM UTC
  • Ends 17 July 2026 06:25 PM UTC
  • No Admission Charge




Agenda

Tentative Schedule:

09:00 – 18:10 · 15 sessions

  • 09:00 – 09:10: Welcome remarks - Local organizers & hosts

  • 09:10 – 09:25: Introduction & setting the stage - CTU–FNEM Co-Chairs

  • 09:25 – 09:50: Keynote / invited talk - The Lemelson Foundation

  • 09:50 – 10:15: Keynote / invited talk - Hardware track — e.g. Mariela or Grayson

  • 10:15 – 11:15: Module 1: Fundamentals of Technological Entrepreneurship

  • 11:15 – 11:45: Tea / Coffee break

  • 11:45 – 12:45: Module 2: Technology Skills Development

  • 12:45 – 13:15: IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA)

  • 13:15 – 14:00: Lunch break

  • 14:00 – 15:00: Module 3: Business Skills Development

  • 15:00 – 16:00: Module 4: Community & User Engagement

  • 16:00 – 16:30: Tea / Coffee break

  • 16:30 – 17:30: Module 5: Local Context & Regulatory Navigation

  • 17:30 – 18:00: IEEE 5G Testbed

  • 18:00 – 18:10: Concluding remarks & next steps


The IEEE Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship (FNEM) is a 1000-day LAMP (Learning, Action, Mentorship & Practice) journey for technological innovators, concept builders, novice entrepreneurs, and early- to growth-stage startups — offering guidance in the skills that grow a business (finance, market segments, user approach, risk and mitigation planning, long-term vision, and more).