Chandigarh, 6 May: Startup Cell of Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, in collaboration with Postgraduate Department of Commerce and under the aegis of Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), organised an ‘Inter-Institutional Business Plan Competition and Mentor Linkages’ programme to foster entrepreneurial thinking and innovation among students. The event provided a dynamic platform for budding entrepreneurs to present and refine their business ideas under expert guidance.

The two-day event commenced with business plan presentations by participating teams, which were evaluated by an eminent panel of judges comprising Mr. Paramdeep Singh Anand, Co-founder of Paid Assist, and Dr. Disha Sharma, Assistant Professor, Postgraduate Department of Commerce. The participants showcased diverse and innovative ventures, highlighting key dimensions such as the unique selling proposition (USP), business concept, SWOT analysis, societal relevance, scalability, and future growth prospects.
The second day featured an interactive mentorship and feedback session conducted by Mr. Paramdeep Singh Anand, who provided valuable insights and personalised guidance to each participating team. He also delivered an enlightening session on the foundational steps involved in transforming innovative ideas into sustainable business ventures, motivating students to pursue entrepreneurial aspirations with confidence and clarity. The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from nearly 50 students representing various schools and institutions across the tricity. During the mentorship session, the most promising innovations presented in the competition were recognised and awarded cash prizes. The programme concluded with presentations by the core members of the Startup Cell, followed by a short video showcasing the Cell’s journey, achievements, and experiences, reflecting its commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among students.

Officiating Principal Ms. Neena Sharma lauded the initiative and stated that such platforms play a crucial role in cultivating creativity, leadership, and problem-solving skills among students. She emphasised that mentorship-driven programmes empower young minds to translate innovative ideas into impactful ventures and contribute meaningfully to society.