At Tetr College of Business, students immerse themselves in the world of entrepreneurship. Established by Pratham Mittal, the institution’s practical approach has attracted motivated young entrepreneurs from 50 different nations, enabling them to learn how to establish, expand, and maintain actual businesses while pursuing their education. Mittal shares insights on how students acquire the skills needed for setting up and managing enterprises.
What distinguishes Tetr’s approach to entrepreneurship education from traditional systems
Tetr was conceived as a revolutionary model — a campus where the main focus is on business creation, emphasizing that the most effective way to learn about business is through direct involvement. This hands-on experience allows students from diverse backgrounds to engage in launching enterprises in seven different countries throughout their four years of study.
We prioritize experiential learning at Tetr. Rather than relying on exams, we evaluate students based on tangible business results like revenue, customer growth, and scalability. Participants develop ventures across seven nations, gaining international exposure, while benefiting from mentorship from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Cornell. Our carefully selected and diverse cohorts foster a high-caliber learning atmosphere that reflects real-world dynamics beyond mere classroom instruction.
The Tetr approach is grounded in practical applications of entrepreneurship, equipping students to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving global economy. We offer students real-life experiences and opportunities to formulate solutions to significant issues, enabling access to varied markets.
What adjustments or enhancements have you made for the second cohort based on learnings from the first
We recently initiated our second cohort in Dubai, the class of 2029, consisting of a dynamic group of innovators showcasing creativity, resilience, leadership, and flexibility. This cohort includes 206 students from 50 countries, doubling the size of our inaugural class.
In terms of diversity, 34% of the cohort is from South Asia, 26% hails from Central and Latin America, 21% comes from the US and Europe, 11% is from the MENA region, and the remainder is from Southeast Asia. Female representation stands at 35%, and the group includes students with backgrounds in science, economics, commerce, and liberal arts.
Insights gained from our first cohort of nearly 100 students indicate that our “learning by doing” methodology is resonating worldwide. Some students opted for Tetr over prestigious universities such as UT Austin and Duke, which further affirms our approach. The experience of building a multi-national institution from scratch has been invaluable in enhancing our programs for the new group.
In what ways does Tetr prepare students to launch as well as sustain and grow businesses in today’s competitive environment
From the very start, students take charge of real ventures, overseeing operations, revenue generation, and customer relations. Tetr’s curriculum encompasses strategies for scaling, sustainability, fundraising, AI integration, and compliance with regional regulations. The exposure to the UAE business landscape provides students with practical knowledge of commerce, policy, and culture, while industry mentors assist in addressing real-world scaling challenges, ultimately preparing them to create sustainable and competitive firms.
For instance, during the first semester, students are tasked with launching a real e-commerce business in Dubai, aiming for a revenue target of $10,000 instead of simply pursuing grades. Additionally, they participate in global technology events such as GITEX and receive mentorship from senior leaders at prominent startups, along with opportunities for internships at DIFC.
What specific challenges do entrepreneurs in the region currently face, and how does Tetr’s curriculum or mentorship help to overcome these issues
Entrepreneurs in the Gulf region encounter challenges such as funding shortages, complex regulations, scarcity of talent, and hurdles related to digital transformation. Tetr tackles these issues by providing students with exposure to both local and global markets, offering mentorship from authorities at Harvard, MIT, NASA, and leading companies.
Our ventures align with pressing regional concerns in AI, sustainability, and innovation, offering students hands-on experience in addressing both local and global challenges.
What are Tetr’s future aspirations regarding influence through partnerships, new initiatives, or fostering startups in the region
We aim to enhance collaborations with UAE government bodies and educational institutions, broaden scholarship offerings, and establish Tetr centers across the GCC to promote entrepreneurship and practical education. Our alumni network aspires to act as a springboard, offering mentorship, financial access, and direction for developing startups.
Ultimately, we envision Tetr as a premier global platform for entrepreneurs in the Gulf, marrying local significance with international outreach. Our commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and global cooperation complements the UAE’s goal of being a hub for talent and economic diversity.
In a swiftly transforming global economy influenced by AI and digital advancements, how is Tetr incorporating these trends into its educational framework
We are currently experiencing one of the most exhilarating — and unpredictable — eras in business. AI and digital technologies are reshaping every sector, and at Tetr, we’re not merely preparing students for these changes; we are placing them directly in the center of it.
Students engage with AI not just theoretically — they apply it practically from day one. Whether launching an AI-based startup, streamlining business processes, or exploring prompt engineering, they continuously implement what they learn. They also gain insights from global business centers like Dubai, Berlin, and Singapore to understand how different industries adapt to technological evolution.
We also stress ethical considerations, bias, and the long-term consequences of automation, highlighting the importance of thoughtful development alongside rapid innovation. We want our graduates to not only be prepared for the future — but to be equipped to influence it.
While many business schools emphasize theory, entrepreneurs require practical problem-solving skills. Can you share success stories from alumni or current students to illustrate the impact of Tetr
A standout example is ServeClub, a student-founded brand launched in 2024 by a diverse team from the US, Cuba, Mexico, Germany, and India. They aim to make premium sports equipment more accessible in India, offering USAPA-certified pickleball paddles at approximately half the price of leading competitors. ServeClub has also secured initial funding from notable industry leaders, including myself.
Another noteworthy venture is the 8 Billion Project (8BP), which originated from students across India, Pakistan, Germany, and Myanmar. They developed Peacewear, a clothing line that celebrates shared cultural heritage while directing a portion of the profits towards educational initiatives for underserved communities. These projects exemplify Tetr’s philosophy: students applying their theoretical knowledge to create impactful, socially responsible businesses.
Looking five years ahead, what legacy do you envision for Tetr in the Gulf, both as an educational institution and as a driver of entrepreneurship
In five years, we aspire for Tetr to be recognized as a premier global business school and a center for socially conscious entrepreneurship in the Gulf. Over the next decade, we aim to be ranked among the Global Top 10 Business Schools. Our graduates will lead high-growth startups, contribute to the UAE’s Vision 2031, and cultivate a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and policymakers, firmly establishing entrepreneurship as a foundational aspect of the region’s business education.