Chandigarh: The Entrepreneurship Summit (E-Summit) held at Punjab Engineering College (PEC) was a dynamic two-day event that aimed to foster entrepreneurship and support start-ups. With the theme ‘An innovative dreamscape’, the summit was organized by the campus entrepreneurship and incubation cell, bringing together enthusiastic student-led and private start-ups. These aspiring entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas to field experts and companies in hopes of securing funding to turn their dreams into reality.
What set this E-Summit apart was its focus on not just funding, but also leadership development. In addition to pitching sessions, the summit featured engaging leadership seminars where participants learned from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders. The seminars covered various aspects of entrepreneurship, including market research, business strategy, and team building, providing invaluable insights and guidance to the budding entrepreneurs.
The E-Summit created a vibrant ecosystem for collaboration and networking, as participants from diverse backgrounds and industries came together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build meaningful connections. The event was abuzz with energy and enthusiasm as participants showcased their prototypes, discussed business models, and explored potential partnerships with industry experts.
The summit also highlighted the efforts of the campus entrepreneurship and incubation cell in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among students. The cell played a pivotal role in organizing the event and providing support to start-ups throughout their entrepreneurial journey, from ideation to execution.
Overall, the E-Summit at Punjab Engineering College was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the participants and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It provided a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas, learn from experienced mentors, and connect with potential investors and partners. With its unique blend of funding opportunities, leadership seminars, and networking opportunities, the E-Summit was a catalyst for fostering entrepreneurship and promoting start-ups.
A DIY rocket prototype
Akriti, a talented fourth-year aerospace engineering student at PEC, has captured the attention of visitors at the Entrepreneurship Summit with her innovative homemade rocket prototype. Her rocket team, named ‘Aarambh’, is making waves with their cost-effective approach to rocketry.
Akriti’s rocket motors are powered by a unique propellant made from sorbitol and potassium nitrate, which she caramelizes to bind the mixture. She then wraps the propellant in paper and seals it in a small PVC pipe with a sealant, creating a homemade rocket motor that is both efficient and inexpensive. The rocket motors used by Akriti’s team are typically sourced from the US and can be quite costly. However, Akriti’s homemade approach has proven to be a cost-effective alternative, sparking interest among investors at the summit who are intrigued by her innovative rocket technology.
Akriti’s experiment involves using a load cell to measure the thrust produced by the burning propellant. The load cell converts the thrust into electromagnetic signals, which are then read by a computer. This allows Akriti to measure the fuel requirements of the rocket based on its weight and intended distance of travel, showcasing her technical prowess and attention to detail.
Despite facing technical errors during one of her rocket launches at the summit, Akriti remains hopeful and resilient. She believes in her rocket and draws inspiration from her past successful launches. Her determination and positive attitude are a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for rocketry.
Akriti’s rocket team, ‘Aarambh’, consists of talented members, including second-year aerospace students Aditya Ingle, Kartik, Dipak, Astha, Vidhi, Suryaveer, Sathvika, and Kesia. Together, they are pushing the boundaries of rocketry with their innovative approach, showcasing the power of teamwork and collaboration in entrepreneurship.
No litter nail cutter and graphene design
Among the many impressive student-led start-ups showcased at the Entrepreneurship Summit, one that stood out was a unique nail cutter model designed to trap cut nails and prevent littering. The founders were inspired by their mothers scolding them for leaving nail clippings around the house, which led them to come up with an innovative solution.
Currently in the ideation phase, the founders of this nail cutter model are eagerly awaiting approval to 3-D print their prototype. Their design incorporates special features that ensure the cut nails are captured within the device, preventing any mess and promoting cleanliness. Their environmentally-conscious approach has garnered attention and interest from potential investors at the summit.
Another student, Gursimar Singh, presented an intriguing proposal for customised graphene printing and coating on everyday objects to increase their tensile strength. This innovative idea involves incorporating graphene, a highly durable and lightweight material, onto common objects to enhance their durability and performance.
Gursimar Singh’s proposal showcases his deep understanding of advanced materials and their potential applications. His customised graphene printing and coating concept has the potential to revolutionize various industries, ranging from automotive to aerospace, by significantly improving the strength and resilience of everyday objects.
Gursimar Singh’s forward-thinking approach and cutting-edge idea have caught the attention of industry experts and investors at the summit. His proposal represents a prime example of the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that the Entrepreneurship Summit aims to foster, inspiring other students to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to real-world problems.
Both the nail cutter model and Gursimar Singh’s graphene printing proposal highlight the diverse and creative ideas that emerge from student-led start-ups at the Entrepreneurship Summit. These innovative concepts demonstrate the power of entrepreneurship in driving positive change and promoting solutions to societal challenges, showcasing the potential of young minds to make a meaningful impact in the business world.
“Graphene is very light weight and makes the metal very tensile. Right now, I want to tap into the defence industry as graphene coating can help with making strong body armours, etc,” shares Gursimar.
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