The Office of Global Affairs’ Global Training and Development Institute (GTDI) at the University of Connecticut, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, recently marked a significant milestone with the graduation of the 20th cohort of the Nexus Startup Hub.
Administered by UConn and funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Nexus Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program (NEEP) operates under the broader Nexus 3.0 initiative. Its mission is to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem while deepening economic and cultural ties between India and the United States. By offering intensive training, expert mentorship, and access to critical business resources, NEEP empowers Indian entrepreneurs to build scalable, high-impact ventures that contribute to both local communities and global markets.
Tolga Turker, Director of Global Entrepreneurial Programs, highlighted the international scope of the program’s vision, stating, “Nexus training helps drive American economy and growth by fostering innovation, attracting investments, and expanding global market opportunities.”
Participants in the program receive comprehensive support to refine their business models, explore funding opportunities, and tackle the challenges of entrepreneurship. This holistic approach not only cultivates successful startups but also contributes to broader goals of community resilience and economic empowerment.
Several graduating entrepreneurs shared the personal and professional impact of the program. One participant remarked, “Nexus has made a larva into a butterfly. That’s exactly my experience.” Another added, “Post coming to Nexus, we have grown our revenue by 7x, which is a significant number.” These reflections speak to the program’s ability to transform early-stage ideas into thriving, mission-driven enterprises.
The program also nurtures a global mindset, encouraging entrepreneurs to think beyond local markets. “With the understanding that we have received at Nexus, we are now looking to scale our operations in different parts of the world,” said a graduating entrepreneur, highlighting the program’s focus on international growth and long-term sustainability.
The graduation ceremony further emphasized the value of international collaboration. Gloria Berbena, Minister-Counselor of Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in India, addressed the cohort with words of encouragement: “The prosperity of the United States has long been fueled by visionary entrepreneurs who push boundaries of innovation. Your startups have the potential to join that global landscape.”
This spirit of partnership and cross-cultural learning is woven into the fabric of Nexus. As the program continues to evolve, it remains a powerful example of how institutions like UConn can drive meaningful impact on a global scale by investing in people, ideas, and innovation.
With the 20th cohort now moving forward to scale their businesses and deepen their impact, the Nexus Startup Hub continues to serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurs committed to solving pressing challenges, building community resilience, and fostering economic opportunity across India and beyond. As Nexus advances its mission, the University of Connecticut remains a proud partner in shaping a more connected, innovative, and inclusive global future.
To learn more, visit Startup Nexus.
