Stanford Graduate School of Business Invites Founders For Seed Transformation Program

Stanford Graduate School of Business has opened applications for the Seed Transformation Program in South Asia, its flagship 10-month leadership program for CEOs and founders of established enterprises.  Designed for founders and leaders of growth-stage companies with annual revenue between USD 300K–15M (equivalent to approximately: INR 2.7 – 135 Crore), the program focuses on scaling businesses, strengthening leadership teams, and driving long-term impact in emerging markets.

Stanford Seed partners with entrepreneurs in emerging markets to build thriving enterprises that transform lives. Since its launch, Seed has worked with more than 1,500 entrepreneurs worldwide, with participants collectively securing over USD 2 billion in capital and adding $1.7 billion in revenue to local economies after completing the program.

Stanford Seed will host in-person information sessions across South Asia in March and April, giving prospective participants the opportunity to learn about the program, hear from graduates, and meet the Seed team.  Sessions are scheduled for Hyderabad (Tuesday, 12 March), Coimbatore (Friday, 13 March), Kochi (Monday, 16 March), Pune (Friday, 27 March), Colombo (Wednesday, 1 April), Kolkata (Tuesday, 7 April), Kathmandu (Thursday, 9 April) and Indore (Thursday, 16 April). The Seed Transformation Program blends in-person learning with online modules and practical assignments, delivered by Stanford GSB faculty, experienced facilitators, and local experts. Participants work closely with a carefully selected peer group, applying Stanford frameworks directly to their businesses while maintaining day-to-day operations. Two intensive in-person weeks are held in Chennai, India, in January and June. The program emphasizes strategic clarity, financial discipline, leadership development, and execution excellence.

The Seed Transformation Program is designed for founders ready to scale with purpose and confidence,” said Harish Arnezath, Regional Director of Stanford Seed South Asia. “We equip business leaders to create ownership-driven cultures that sustain systemic growth, moving beyond founder-driven models to enterprises built for scale, anchored by a powerful peer tribe that accelerates the journey.

Program graduates receive a certificate from Stanford Graduate School of Business and become members of the global Seed Transformation Network, gaining access to Stanford Seed Network benefits and ongoing learning opportunities. Applications are now open and will close 1 May 2026.