Launch Sprint : Build, Test, Fund & Grow Your Idea – IDE Boot Camp @ GNITC

Session 1: Recap of Day 2 & Objective Setting for Day 3 by Resource Team.

Day 3 opened with a quick recap of the journey from problem identification to customer understanding and value proposition. Participants shared progress made on their group ideas, and the facilitators outlined the final day’s objectives: prototyping basics, financial literacy, business modeling, understanding funding channels, and preparing concise pitches. This orientation framed Day 3 as a “launch sprint” where ideas would be concretized into actionable plans.

Session 2: “Bring Ideas to Life – Introduction to Prototyping” by Dr. Rajesh Kandula, Expert Member, Wadhwani Foundation.

Dr. Rajesh explained the concept of prototyping as a low-cost, early representation of ideas to test assumptions and receive feedback. He illustrated different prototype types—paper sketches, storyboards, role plays, digital mock-ups and simple physical models—suitable for school-level projects. Emphasis was placed on rapid prototyping using available materials rather than waiting for perfect resources. Participants engaged in a quick exercise where they created rough prototypes of their solutions (for example, flowcharts for new processes, sample app screens on paper, or classroom layout changes). The session demystified prototyping and empowered teachers to encourage students to “build to think” rather than only discuss ideas theoretically.

Session 3: “Basics of Financial Literacy” by Ms. Lavanya G, Expert Member, Wadhwani Foundation G.

This session introduced participants to fundamental financial concepts relevant for small student ventures and school projects. Ms. Lavanya G, Expert Member, Wadhwani Foundation covered basics such as cost components, revenue streams, profit and loss, break-even point, and simple budgeting. She explained these concepts through easy-to-understand examples like running a student-led event, school canteen improvement, or a small educational product sale. The objective was not to make participants financial experts, but to enable them to guide students in understanding the economic viability of their ideas. Simple worksheets were used where groups estimated costs and potential revenue for their project concepts. The session also touched upon personal financial literacy for students, linking entrepreneurship with responsible money management.

Session 4: “Launch Sprint: Build, Test, Fund & Grow Your Idea” Session with Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman, AICTE & Chief Innovation Officer.

In this flagship session, Dr. Abhay Jere addressed the participants on the holistic journey of an idea from conception to scaling. He spoke about the national innovation and startup ecosystem, the role of AICTE and MoE’s Innovation Cell, and how school-level initiatives feed into the larger Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Dr. Jere elaborated on the iterative nature of building and testing prototypes, the importance of customer feedback, and the necessity of pivoting when assumptions fail. He also discussed various funding avenues—grants, pre-incubation support, seed funding, and mentorship programs—available for student innovators. The talk was rich with examples of successful student startups that began as small campus projects. Participants gained clarity on how to guide students through the full cycle of innovation, including exposure to competitions, incubation centers, and industry partnerships.

Session 5: “Group Activity on Business Model Canvas” by Dr. Rajesh Kandula, Expert Member, Wadhwani Foundation / Ms. Lavanya G, Expert Member, Wadhwani Foundation G.

In this intensive hands-on session, participants were introduced to the Business Model Canvas (BMC) as a one-page tool to capture the key components of a venture. The facilitators explained each block—customer segments, value propositions, channels, customer relationships, key activities, resources, partners, cost structure and revenue streams—using examples of simple educational enterprises. Groups then worked on completing a BMC for their chosen innovation ideas. The resource persons guided them to ensure logical alignment between blocks and realistic assumptions. This activity concretized the learning from previous sessions (customer personas, UVP, financial literacy) into an integrated business model, and demonstrated how even social or educational projects benefit from structured planning.

Session 6: “Overview on Grants and Funding Opportunities for Student Startups” by Mr. Ravi Tilekar, Director & Founder, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council, Hyderabad.

Mr. Ravi Tilekar provided a comprehensive overview of the funding landscape available to student innovators at school and higher education levels. He explained various grant schemes, innovation challenges, state and central government programs, CSR initiatives, and private foundations that support early-stage ideas. The session included practical guidance on how to read eligibility criteria, prepare compelling proposals, and meet reporting requirements. He encouraged principals and teachers to act as facilitators in identifying relevant calls, forming student teams, and handholding them through application processes. Real examples of projects that had received funding were discussed, which gave participants confidence that their students could realistically access such support.

Session 7: Session with Mr. Vishwaraj Saude, Chief Strategy Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Startups India.

In this brief address, Mr. Vishwaraj Saude shared strategic insights into the startup ecosystem and the importance of early exposure for school students. He highlighted how platforms like Startups India connect innovators with mentors, investors, and other stakeholders. Emphasis was laid on inculcating problem-solving and leadership skills at the school stage so that students are better prepared to leverage these platforms later. Though short, the session added a high-level strategic dimension and encouraged schools to maintain long-term engagement with startup ecosystems.

Session 8: Session with Mr. Santosh Pabba, Angel Investor and Serial Entrepreneur.

Mr. Santosh Pabba addressed participants on what investors look for in early-stage ventures—clarity of problem, strength of team, scalability, and commitment of founders. Drawing from his experience of running multiple businesses in India, UK, USA and Canada, he underscored the value of integrity, resilience and customer focus. He also urged teachers to nurture confidence and communication skills in students so that they can present their ideas effectively. The talk demystified the role of angel investors and conveyed that even small student ventures, if well-structured, can attract support in the long run.

Session 9: “Let’s Do It – Back of the Envelope” by Ms. Lavanya G, Expert Member, Wadhwani Foundation G / Dr. Rajesh Kandula, Expert Member, Wadhwani Foundation.

This session translated the previous discussions on financials and business modeling into quick, practical calculations often referred to as “back-of-the-envelope” estimations. The facilitators demonstrated how simple arithmetic can help estimate viability—approximate costs, pricing, number of users required to break even, and basic revenue projections. Participants worked in groups to perform such calculations for their ideas, using assumptions derived from the Business Model Canvas. The session emphasized that complex spreadsheets are not mandatory at the early stage; instead, quick estimates can guide decision-making and help identify whether a concept should proceed, pivot, or be dropped. This gave teachers a simple tool they can easily replicate with their students.

Session 10: “Spot Light On – Two-Minute Pitch” by Ms. Lavanya G, Expert Member, Wadhwani Foundation G / Dr. Rajesh Kandula, Expert Member, Wadhwani Foundation.

In this dynamic session, each group was asked to deliver a concise two-minute pitch of their innovation idea, integrating problem statement, solution, unique value proposition, key beneficiaries and basic viability. The facilitators briefly oriented participants on the structure of an effective pitch and the importance of clarity, storytelling and time management. Groups then presented in front of peers and resource persons, who provided constructive feedback on content and delivery. This exercise helped principals and teachers experience the same pitching process that students undergo in innovation challenges, thereby equipping them to coach students effectively. It also showcased the diversity of ideas developed during the bootcamp, ranging from pedagogical innovations to community-centric solutions.

Session 11: Closing Ceremony – Feedback & Takeaways.

The bootcamp concluded with a formal closing ceremony in which participants shared their reflections, learnings, and plans for implementing innovation and entrepreneurship activities in their respective schools. Feedback was collected through forms and open discussion, and participants appreciated the intensive, activity-based nature of the program. Certificates were distributed to participants, and the resource persons, organizing committee, and supporting agencies were formally acknowledged. In their closing remarks, the institutional leaders reiterated GNITC’s commitment to continued collaboration with PM SHRI Schools through mentoring, exposure visits, and joint innovation events. The ceremony marked the successful completion of the three-day IDE Bootcamp, with participants leaving motivated and equipped to champion innovation and entrepreneurship among school students. In the valedictory session, Dr. M. Arjun, State Pedagogy Coordinator, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Government of Telangana graced the occasion as a special guest and presented certificates to the participating school principals, faculty members, and student coordinators, along with Dr. Sreenatha Reddy, Director, GNITC, and Dr. S. V. Ranganayakulu, Dean (R&D). His presence added great value to the closing ceremony, and he appreciated GNITC’s efforts in driving innovation-based learning through this national initiative.

Outcome

Across three days, the bootcamp systematically took participants from understanding innovation and design thinking to identifying real-world problems, empathizing with stakeholders, designing value propositions, prototyping, planning business models, and exploring funding and pitching. Principals and teachers gained practical tools such as the D.I.S.R.U.P.T model, customer persona templates, JTBD approach, Business Model Canvas, and back‑of‑the‑envelope calculations, which they can directly adapt for student projects. Exposure to practicing entrepreneurs, investors and national-level leaders from AICTE and MoE created strong inspiration and networks. Overall, the program significantly strengthened the capacity of PM SHRI School leaders to embed innovation and entrepreneurship within school ecosystems, thereby contributing to the broader objectives of NEP 2020 and building an innovation-driven India.