Innovation is essential for the evolution and relevance of management education in today’s dynamic global environment. This study investigates the role of academic intrapreneurship as a catalyst for innovation within management schools, emphasizing incubation models that connect academic theory with real-world application. Drawing upon global best practices—such as the N S Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL) at IIM Bangalore, alongside models from Australia and the United States—the research employs a mixed-method approach, including a literature review, in-depth interviews with 27 incubation managers, and case analyses of successful academic incubators. Findings reveal that institutional readiness, supportive policy frameworks, government initiatives, and innovation-oriented ecosystems are critical enablers of academic intrapreneurship. The study offers strategic insights for integrating entrepreneurial thinking into curricula, fostering research commercialization, and strengthening academia-industry collaboration. Practical recommendations are presented for university leaders and incubation managers to enhance entrepreneurial outcomes. Ultimately, the paper argues that academic intrapreneurship can drive the development of innovative ventures, contributing significantly to economic and societal advancement.
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