Entrepreneurship Development Program at DAMITS Campus

Venue: DAMITS Campus, Rourkela

Entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of innovation and economic growth, and empowering individuals with entrepreneurial skills is vital for building a self-reliant nation. With this vision, Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Institute of Technology and Science (DAMITS) organized a comprehensive Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) on 17th October 2024 at its campus.

This program aimed to nurture entrepreneurial mindsets among students and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools, guidance, and motivation needed to turn their ideas into successful ventures.

Program Highlights

The event was marked by engaging sessions, expert talks, and hands-on activities, inspiring participants to embrace innovation and creativity.

1. Expert Talks by Industry Leaders:

   • Mr. Rajesh Sahu, a successful entrepreneur and founder of an IT startup, shared insights on the challenges and rewards of building a business.
   • Ms. Priya Mishra, a venture capitalist, discussed funding opportunities and strategies to attract investors.

2. Workshops and Skill Development Sessions:

   • Over 150 participants took part in interactive workshops on topics such as:
     • Business idea validation and market research.
     • Financial planning and risk management.
     • Pitching ideas to potential investors.

3. Panel Discussions:
   A vibrant panel discussion on the theme "The Role of Entrepreneurship in India's Growth Story" featured academics, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. Key takeaways included:

   • The importance of leveraging local resources for sustainable development.
   • The role of women entrepreneurs in driving social change.

4. Idea Pitching Competition:

   • 20 innovative ideas were presented by students, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving abilities.
   • The top 3 ideas were awarded cash prizes totaling ₹50,000 to support their implementation.

Key Outcomes of the Program

1. Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs:

   • The program equipped participants with practical knowledge to start and grow their own businesses.

2. Building a Supportive Ecosystem:

   • Partnerships were initiated with local businesses and angel investors to support budding entrepreneurs.

3. Igniting Innovation:

   • Students were encouraged to think outside the box and solve real-world problems using innovative solutions.

Participant Feedback

The program was highly appreciated by the attendees for its practical approach and motivational insights:

• Nidhi Pradhan, a final-year student, said, “I’ve always wanted to start my own business but didn’t know how to begin. This program gave me the confidence and clarity to take the first step.”
• Ajay Nayak, a budding entrepreneur, shared, “The networking opportunities and guidance I received today are invaluable. I’m excited to work on my startup idea now!”

Future Plans

At DAMITS, we believe in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Building on the success of this event, we plan to:

• Launch an Incubation Center to mentor and support student startups.
• Organize regular Entrepreneurship Boot Camps to provide continued learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with local industries and government agencies to create more opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.