SLIIT becomes first Lankan member of Global Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities

SLIIT has become the first Sri Lankan member of the Global Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities, an international network convened by UK-based National Centre for Entrepreneurship Education (NCEE) to promote entrepreneurship, enterprise and innovation within higher education.

The milestone places SLIIT alongside globally recognised institutions, including the University of Edinburgh and the University of Warwick. The Alliance brings together universities from multiple continents to exchange knowledge, share best practices and explore new approaches to addressing the rapidly evolving needs of students, industries and society.

Established in 2004, NCEE is an international organisation focused on promoting and developing entrepreneurial universities. It brings together academic leaders, higher education professionals and policymakers to exchange expertise, strengthen institutional leadership and support innovation capable of generating economic growth and societal impact.

Professor Lalith Gamage, Vice Chancellor and CEO of SLIIT, said, “Becoming the first Sri Lankan member of the Global Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities marks an important step in SLIIT’s continued international engagement. Universities must play an increasingly active role in developing innovative thinkers, supporting enterprise and transforming knowledge into solutions that benefit societ.”

Through the Alliance, SLIIT will be able to engage with an international community of universities working on shared priorities such as graduate employability, innovation, sustainability and the future of work.

The membership builds on SLIIT’s existing focus on research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry engagement. Whereas SLIIT’s graduates report a 98% employment rate, this membership will support the university’s ongoing efforts to embed entrepreneurial thinking across its academic community. Home to three Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Electronics and Telematics, and Sustainability and Green Innovation, SLIIT’s involvement in the Global Alliance is expected to create stronger pathways through which students and researchers can develop ideas into practical solutions and impactful ventures.

Dr. Dilan Fernando, Director of SLIIT Innovate added, “Innovation becomes more meaningful when it is connected to international knowledge, diverse perspectives and practical collaboration. Joining the Global Alliance gives our academics, researchers and students new opportunities to engage with entrepreneurial universities around the world, exchange proven practices and explore collaborative initiatives.”

The Alliance’s international interest groups provide participating institutions with platforms to share ideas and research, initiate collaborations, and contribute to discussions on strengthening university-led business support.