Prof Jha introduced a new perspective to the curriculum of entrepreneurship at MBA, PhD and online BBA programs based on his rich experience at Microsoft, Sun Microsystems and Infosys and learning at Stanford University and IIM Bangalore. Looking back at her decision she said that she thought she would be able to make a larger difference through research and teaching by connecting with young brilliant minds and shaping them for a great future.

When Prof Jha first proposed taking entrepreneurship as a course at IIM B she was confronted with criticism as many questioned whether entrepreneurial skills could be taught and insisted that entrepreneurship comes naturally.

Instead of dismissing the issue, she framed the subject differently by saying that entrepreneurship is a state of mind and that becoming an entrepreneur or being employed by a corporation puts one in a condition to address a rapidly changing world. She continued to state that the change in perspective was spectacular and that overcoming cynicism was challenging but has proven to be a valuable job creator. During her tenure, the incubator moved towards key areas like climate change, fintech and social innovation. She has also encouraged entrepreneurship among women with more than 3,000 potential female founders finishing the Foundations of Entrepreneurship course. Recently, she established iCube which leverages NSRCEL's 25-year history with incubators in tier II and tier III cities. They are attempting to be a multiplier, creating capacity within local incubators so that they can better assist entrepreneurs in their areas, she explains. Efforts by Prof. Jha go much beyond the IIM-B campus.  

As a member of the Startup20 core team during India's G20 presidency, she was instrumental in establishing a worldwide voice for startups.  She also contributed to the development of the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy 2020, and Karnataka's Research, Development and Innovation Policy. Her scholarly work includes articles published in periodicals such as MIS Quarterly and the MIT Sloan Management Review. She co edited Shifting Orbits: Decoding the Indian startup ecosystem as well. Further explaining the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, she adds Ever since the introduction of NEP, the focus on entrepreneurship has changed it is not just about business generation but also about addressing societal issues, being sustainable and inculcating a robust moral foundation. Simultaneously, diversity has been a high priority.

Through NSRCEL, they introduced a short online course to support anyone with even a fleeting interest in delving into this discipline. In 2024 they introduced a completely online BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship attracting 900 students in its inaugural year. As a whole these initiatives are democratising entrepreneurship education by enabling potential founders to gain the skills and mindset needed to embark on their journey.

When Prof Jha receives the National Teachers' Award 2025 she finds it more of a milestone than a culmination a call to action that entrepreneurship education is capable of changing lives, communities and the fate of the nation. It encourages me to break boundaries. 'It is a call to action and a recognition of my contribution,' she adds.