Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 01 October 2024
The Pondicherry University-Andaman Campus hosted a dynamic Startup Boot Camp on September 30, 2024, drawing around 100 eager participants, primarily from the MBA and Marine Biology departments. The event aimed to cultivate entrepreneurial skills and ignite the entrepreneurial spirit among students, providing them with crucial insights into the startup ecosystem. Spearheaded by Mr. Abhishek Bhukal, Director of Industries, the initiative sought to empower students to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Dr. T. Ganesh, Associate Professor and MBA Coordinator, kicked off the event by welcoming the participants, while Ms. S. Sunitha Kumari, Assistant Director (Tech), briefed the audience on the technical session lineup.
During the inaugural session, Prof. P.M. Mohan, Center Head of Pondicherry University-Andaman Campus, emphasized the university’s commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. Mr. Ebrahim Nasir Jadwet, a member of the Andaman Chamber of Commerce Youth Wing and Director of ANEMCO Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the vast opportunities for startups in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He was followed by Mr. Ravi Shankar K., Lead District Manager at the State Bank of India, who outlined the financial support available for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups, providing students with a clearer understanding of funding pathways.
The technical sessions that followed provided participants with practical knowledge on various aspects of starting a business. Mr. Ravi Shankar K. led a session on government support and funding mechanisms for startups, while Dr. Shrabani Mallick, Senior Lecturer and Startup Head at DBRAIT, conducted an ideation session that encouraged students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Ms. Rishika Chatterjee, from Invest India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), delivered an online session on the relevance of BHASKAR, an initiative crucial for startups. Additionally, Mr. Ebrahim offered key insights into business model development.
Another highlight of the day was a session by Mr. Sindupathi Raja, who shed light on the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, presenting students with opportunities in the food processing sector. The event concluded with Mr. Shahid Khan, Industries Promotion Officer, delivering the vote of thanks.
The Boot Camp wrapped up with a showcase of inspiring startup success stories, offering a glimpse into the potential of entrepreneurship. A live demonstration of AR/VR technology by Unicorniz Innovations Pvt. Ltd. captivated the audience, showing how emerging technologies can be leveraged for business ventures.