Leading EIC international into a new era of global influence

In a world reshaped by artificial intelligence, digital disruption, sustainability imperatives, and evolving geopolitical realities, the need for organizations that can bridge innovation, investment, education, and economic diplomacy has never been more urgent. Global GDP growth is forecast at 2.5% in 2026, and the GEM 2025/2026 Global Report finds that startup rates are at record levels in many regions, yet structural weaknesses — particularly in entrepreneurial education and access to finance — threaten long-term sustainability.

It is within this context that Dr. Prof. Ish Anand has presented his candidacy for the Presidency of EIC International for the 2026–2028 term. His vision is not merely about leadership — it is about positioning EIC International as a globally respected platform that fosters responsible innovation, international cooperation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development.

With more than three decades of international experience spanning five continents, Dr. Prof. Ish Anand brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial success, corporate leadership, investment expertise, educational commitment, and global relationship-building that aligns powerfully with the future aspirations of EIC International.

Table of contents

• A Distinguished Global Career Built Across Five Continents
• A Builder of Innovation and Investment Ecosystems
• Championing Responsible Innovation and Ethical AI
• A Passionate Educator and Mentor
• A Presidential Vision Built on Five Strategic Priorities
• A Comprehensive Two-Year Roadmap
• Leadership Rooted in Service, Collaboration, and Impact
• Key Statistics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

A distinguished global career built across five continents

Dr. Prof. Ish Anand possesses over 34 years of professional experience as an entrepreneur, investor, strategist, educator, and business leader. Throughout his career, he has worked with national, transnational, and multinational organizations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America.

His entrepreneurial journey includes the successful creation and scaling of multiple businesses, including one venture that achieved a successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2018 — a milestone that reflects not only his business acumen but also his ability to build organizations capable of delivering long-term value and sustainable growth.

Over the decades, he has contributed to landmark projects across a diverse range of industries:

His professional engagements have included collaborations with globally recognized organizations such as Ascendas CapitaLand, Indiabulls Real Estate, Leela Hotels, Inno Group Private Equity, Simsy Ventures, Spotiz SA, Logistics Now, Edubuk, and many others.

This extensive cross-sector, cross-continental exposure has provided him with a rare understanding of both developed and emerging markets — making him exceptionally well-positioned to lead a truly global organization.

A builder of innovation and investment ecosystems

One of the defining characteristics of Ish Anand's career has been his commitment to building bridges between investors, entrepreneurs, institutions, governments, and innovators.

As Founder and CEO of Relia Smart Global Advisory (UAE), he advises organizations on growth, transformation, leadership, governance, innovation, and international expansion.

Today, he serves in several influential international leadership positions:

• Board Member and Global Vice President of EiC Corporation and iCapital Ventures
• Managing Director of iCapitalLior
• Chief Global Coordinator at EST Growmore Singapore
• Mentor at Stanford Seed South Asia
• Venture Partner and Strategic Advisor to multiple international investment and innovation platforms

Stanford Seed partners with entrepreneurs from across Africa, Indonesia, and South Asia to help them build thriving enterprises that transform lives. Ish Anand's mentorship role within this ecosystem underscores his commitment to nurturing high-impact entrepreneurship in emerging markets — a commitment that directly informs his vision for EIC International.

These responsibilities have given him direct exposure to the evolving global investment landscape and strengthened his conviction that EIC International can become a powerful catalyst for international collaboration, innovation, and sustainable economic development.

Championing responsible innovation and ethical AI

At a time when Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries, economies, and societies, the governance of technology has become a defining challenge for global institutions. As AI technologies evolve rapidly, ethical leadership in AI governance has become paramount in 2026, with Chief AI Officers and AI leaders facing growing pressure to align innovations with responsible AI principles and regulatory demands.

Dr. Prof. Ish Anand believes that technological advancement must be accompanied by ethical governance and human-centered principles. This philosophy forms a central pillar of his presidential vision.

Under his leadership, EIC International would strengthen its role as:

• A global platform for Responsible AI dialogue
• A forum for ethical technology governance
• A bridge between policymakers, innovators, investors, and academia
• A voice for developing economies in the global technology conversation

Establishing robust AI governance is now a critical imperative for any organization looking to harness AI's benefits while mitigating its inherent risks. Transparency in how AI systems work, clear accountability for their outcomes, and a commitment to ethical principles are key to building trust.

His vision recognizes that the future of prosperity depends not only on technological progress but also on ensuring that innovation remains responsible, inclusive, and sustainable — a message that resonates across boardrooms, policy circles, and academic institutions alike.

📊 Ethical AI governance is now a top-tier institutional imperative across enterprise and policy sectors in 2026 - Global AI Governance Priority

A passionate educator and mentor

Beyond business and investment, Dr. Ish Anand has consistently dedicated himself to education, mentorship, and leadership development.

As a professor, certified business coach, motivational speaker, and advisor, he has worked extensively with universities, entrepreneurship programs, innovation ecosystems, and leadership initiatives across multiple regions.

He strongly believes that young people should become creators of opportunities rather than simply seekers of employment. This commitment is reflected in his involvement with initiatives such as Stanford Seed South Asia, IIT Mumbai collaborations, SME development programs, and youth entrepreneurship platforms.

The Stanford Seed Transformation Program is designed in Silicon Valley and delivered in Africa, Indonesia, and South Asia, preparing established CEOs to grow and expand their businesses with confidence. The 10-month program extends into lifelong membership, unlocking continuous learning and business support.

His presidential agenda places significant emphasis on:

• Leadership development for the next generation of global professionals
• Future skills education aligned with the demands of the digital economy
• Entrepreneurship training for emerging market founders
• Youth engagement through international forums and fellowships
• International mentorship networks connecting experienced leaders with emerging talent

📊 The transition from startup to established business is constrained by structural conditions, particularly entrepreneurial education and access to finance - Entrepreneurship Education Gap

A presidential vision built on five strategic priorities

In his Motivation Letter to EIC International members, Dr. Prof. Ish Anand outlines five strategic priorities that would guide his presidency.

1. building a truly global EIC international

His vision seeks to expand engagement across emerging and developed economies alike, strengthening participation from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. He believes that the next phase of global growth will be driven by stronger collaboration between developed and developing nations.

2. advancing innovation and responsible AI governance

By creating forums, research councils, publications, and thought leadership initiatives, he aims to position EIC International as a globally respected voice in AI governance, emerging technologies, and innovation ecosystems.

3. expanding investment and entrepreneurship ecosystems

His presidency would focus on connecting investors, entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs, universities, governments, and industry leaders through practical initiatives that stimulate innovation, funding opportunities, and cross-border partnerships.

The GEM 2025/2026 Global Report draws on data from 53 participating economies, representing approximately 43% of the global population and 57% of global GDP — a reminder of just how vast and interconnected the global entrepreneurship landscape has become, and how much opportunity exists for a platform like EIC International to serve as a connector.

4. strengthening education and capacity building

Preparing future-ready leaders is a key objective. Educational partnerships, leadership programs, and skills development initiatives would help equip professionals and young innovators for the challenges of tomorrow.

5. promoting economic diplomacy and sustainable development

Leveraging EIC International's global network, Ish Anand seeks to foster meaningful cooperation among governments, businesses, academia, investors, and civil society organizations to address shared economic and societal challenges.

Sustainability in 2026 centers on credibility, comparability, and execution — and organizations that act early gain resilience and trust. This principle is deeply embedded in his diplomatic and development agenda.

A comprehensive two-year roadmap

The presidential action plans submitted alongside his candidacy present a structured and ambitious roadmap for EIC International's future.

Year one: foundation and global alignment (2026–2027)

The objective is to build a strong foundation for long-term institutional growth and influence.

Year two: from global engagement to global influence (2027–2028)

The goal is to establish EIC International as a globally respected institution shaping conversations around innovation, economic diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

Leadership rooted in service, collaboration, and impact

What distinguishes Dr. Prof. Ish Anand is not only the breadth of his professional achievements but also his philosophy of leadership.

Throughout his career, he has consistently emphasized that leadership is fundamentally about service, collaboration, integrity, and long-term impact. Rather than viewing the presidency as a personal milestone, he sees it as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a collective mission and help shape the future of EIC International.

His leadership principles are reflected in the presidential theme that defines his campaign:

"Leadership through Collaboration. Innovation with Responsibility. Growth with Purpose." — Dr. Prof. Ish Anand

This ethos aligns with a broader global shift. The 2nd Annual Responsible AI Summit North America marks a pivotal shift in how organizations approach Responsible AI: not as a supplementary safeguard, but as a foundational requirement for implementing and scaling AI systems. Ish Anand's vision embraces this same foundational thinking — responsibility and innovation are not in conflict; they are complementary forces.

📊 Record startup activity across 53 economies, but structural weaknesses in education and finance threaten long-term sustainability - Global Startup Activity

📊 Global GDP growth forecast at 2.5% in 2026, underscoring the need for stronger international economic cooperation - Global GDP Forecast

FAQ

Who is dr. prof. ish anand and why is he running for the EIC international presidency?

Dr. Prof. Ish Anand is a globally recognized entrepreneur, investor, educator, and strategist with over 34 years of experience across five continents. He is running for the Presidency of EIC International for the 2026–2028 term with a vision to transform the organization into a globally respected platform for responsible innovation, investment, education, and economic diplomacy.

What are the five strategic priorities of his presidential vision?

His five strategic priorities are: (1) Building a truly global EIC International with expanded regional participation; (2) Advancing innovation and responsible AI governance; (3) Expanding investment and entrepreneurship ecosystems; (4) Strengthening education and capacity building for future leaders; and (5) Promoting economic diplomacy and sustainable development.

How does dr. prof. ish anand plan to address AI governance through EIC international?

He plans to establish EIC International as a global forum for Responsible AI dialogue, ethical technology governance, and a bridge between policymakers, innovators, investors, and academia. His agenda includes launching AI Governance Forums and International Policy & Research Councils during the second year of his presidency.

What is dr. prof. ish anand's approach to youth entrepreneurship and education?

He believes young people should be creators of opportunities, not merely job seekers. His agenda includes leadership development programs, future skills education, international mentorship networks, innovation fellowships, and youth diplomacy programs — building on his existing mentorship work with Stanford Seed South Asia and IIT Mumbai.

What is the two-year roadmap for EIC international under his presidency?

Year One (2026–2027) focuses on foundation-building: expanding EIC's international footprint, launching task forces, building university partnerships, and strengthening policy dialogue. Year Two (2027–2028) transitions from visibility to influence through AI governance forums, global ambassador networks, innovation congresses, and long-term institutional frameworks.

Key figures

📊 34+ Years of international experience across five continents — making Dr. Prof. Ish Anand one of the most globally experienced candidates to seek the EIC International Presidency

🌍 53 Economies covered in the GEM 2025/2026 Global Report, representing 43% of global population and 57% of global GDP — highlighting the vast opportunity space for EIC International's mission (Source: GEM 2025/2026 Global Report)

🤖 AI Governance is now a top-tier institutional priority across enterprise and policy sectors in 2026, making EIC International's potential role as a responsible AI forum more critical than ever (Source: Responsible AI Summit North America 2026)

💡 2.5% — Global GDP growth forecast for 2026, underscoring the urgency of stronger international economic cooperation and the role organizations like EIC International can play (Source: UN DESA, World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026)

The candidacy of Dr. Prof. Ish Anand represents more than the election of a president — it represents a vision for the future of EIC International.

With over three decades of global experience, a proven record of entrepreneurship and investment leadership, a deep commitment to education and youth development, and a strong belief in responsible innovation, Dr. Prof. Ish Anand embodies the qualities required to guide EIC International into its next phase of growth.

His proposed presidency seeks to transform EIC International into a globally recognized platform that connects innovation, investment, education, governance, and sustainable development across regions and sectors. In a world where global military spending is rising, debt service absorbs up to 70% of government revenues in some low-income countries, and structural inequalities persist, the need for visionary leadership in international institutions has never been greater.

As EIC International prepares for its Extraordinary General Assembly and the election of its next President, Ish Anand offers a compelling vision centered on global collaboration, responsible innovation, inclusive growth, and lasting impact.

Together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable future. Invest. Connect. Impact.