Jalandhar-based Institute, Startup Punjab unite to boost entrepreneurship 

Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus (AIMETC), Jalandhar collaboration with StartupPunjab recently hosted a national-level event titled “Handholding Startups through Funding & Showcase”. This event aimed to unite discerning investors with visionary startups, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship while offering opportunities for collaboration and investment.

The event drew inspiration from popular shows like Shark Tank, India, and Dragon’s Den, Canada, with startups pitching their innovative ideas to secure funding and mentorship. Startups from across the country participated, making the event a significant platform for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Rajesh Bagga, Director of #AIMETC. Dr. Bagga welcomed investors, officials from Startup Punjab, including Mr. Amarpal Singh Walia and Mr. Shyam Sunder, Joint Managers, and all participating startups. He highlighted the commitment of Madam Chairperson, Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, to fostering innovation. Dr. Bagga stated, “Our mission is to create a nurturing ecosystem where startups can thrive, innovate, and contribute significantly to the economy. We are dedicated to offering platforms that facilitate growth, learning, and investment opportunities for our young entrepreneurs.”

Prominent investors in attendance included:

• Mr. Sandeep Behl, Director, Behl Coal Fuel Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Pranay Sehgal, Owner, SKIDO Industries Private Limited
• Mr. Prashant Sehgal, Director, Kapsons Industries Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Naresh Kumar & Mr. Kapil Saini, Chief Managers, HDFC Asset Management Co. Limited
• Col Jagdish Singh, Investment Consultant, Bajaj Allianz

Mr. Amarpal Singh Walia, Joint Manager of Startup Punjab, spoke about various government schemes, funds, and incentives available for startups, explaining the process to access these resources. Ms. Chitsimran Kaur, CMA, also delivered a session on types of funding available for startups, emphasising the importance of continuous innovation for long-term success, citing examples like Zomato and OYO Rooms.

The pitch deck session was the heart of the event, featuring presentations from:

• Mr. Saurav Gupta, SMG Electric Scooters Ltd.
• Mr. Sunil Aggarwal, Grand India Engineers Impex LLP
• Mr. Ram Kishore Choudhary, Sampurnakart Innovations Private Ltd.
• Mr. Amitoj Singh, Urban Sabzi Private Ltd.
• Mr. Ajay Singh & Mr. Tushar Jain, Tejas Agro Industries
• Mr. Vishal Gautam, SUN Malleable Private Ltd.
• Mr. Sarabjit Singh, Agricultural Revolution (AGREV)
• Ms. Shriya Maini, Immuno Eats
• Ms. Manya Wadehra, O2 Designers

Noteworthy pitches included:

• Mr. Ajay Singh and Mr. Tushar Jain from Tejas Agro Industries, who presented an innovative spraying solution for modern farmers.
• Mr. Vishal Gautam, showcasing cast iron utensils as a healthy alternative to non-stick cookware.
• Sarabjit Singh, a first-year BTech student, presented an AI-driven project to revolutionize agriculture.
• Manya Wadhera, an alumna, showcased designer outfits for pets, combining style with comfort.
• Shriya Maini, another alumna, impressed with millet-made snacks and cookies, addressing the demand for healthy and nutritious options.

Dr. Rajesh Bagga presented mementos to all guests, investors, and officials from Startup Punjab. The event concluded with a networking lunch. Dr. Bagga remarked, “We are proud to witness the innovative spirit of our participants. This event marks a significant step towards fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and providing the necessary support for startups to transform their visions into reality. We look forward to seeing these startups grow and make a meaningful impact in their respective industries.”

Dr. Bagga also praised and congratulated the event’s convenor, Ms. Rajinder Kaur, coordinator Ms. Hardeep Kaur, Dr. Sheenu Nayyar, Mr. Vikas Kumar, and all faculty members who contributed to the success of “Handholding Startups through Funding & Showcase.”