Chandigarh, July 4:
Promoting entrepreneurship culture among the youth in the state, the Punjab Government is all set to host a first Business Blasters Expo at IIT Ropar, where students from government schools in classes 11th and 12th will showcase their innovative ventures and participate in thrilling Shark Tank-style pitch sessions before a distinguished panel of renowned investors, entrepreneurs and incubators, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.
Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, on Friday evening, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the expo would enable funding, incubation and industry partnerships for scalable student ventures, besides inspiring stakeholders to support school-based entrepreneurship.
The Education Minister stated that around 40 teams will showcase their products at the expo tomorrow (Saturday). Teams of 11th and 12th grade students of government schools developed 18,492 business ideas.
The state government has provided Rs 16000 seed funding each to over 7000 teams to develop and launch their business ideas under the guidance of teachers and expert mentors. The main objective of the expo is to identify market opportunities for the students and engage them with real customers to earn revenue and profit.
The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s Business Blaster initiative empowered students with practical, team-based learning, fostering essential skills in communication, problem-solving and financial management through real-world business experiences, he added.
S. Harjot Singh Bains said that many ventures developed by the students are already generating revenue and expanding operations.
Meanwhile, he also introduced four teams to the media while showing their innovative products during the press conference. A team of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Roopnagar made product “Creative Girls”- a resin-based coasters, keychains and candle moulds. The team has already sold over 250 units sold.
Similarly, Government Senior Secondary School, Pathankot team made an “e-Motion Bike”— a Rechargeable electric bicycle. The energy efficient bike designed for urban last-mile mobility.
Government Senior Secondary School, Bathinda team made “Herbal Shine”: Chemical-free herbal shampoo using traditional ingredients. The team has already sold 80 units and received a positive customer feedback.
While, Government Senior Secondary School, Ferozepur team created “Defend-X Stick”
Self-defence stick with LED, shock points and concealed blade. The product is devised targeting women, senior citizens, etc as their potential buyers. Government Sr. Sec. School, Moga teams developed BB Choco Dreams: Handmade, preservative-free chocolates. The teams has already earned profit of over Rs 4,000.
S. Bains emphasised that India can grow only if there is business and economic growth, and Punjab Govt is cultivating entrepreneurship mindset right from the schools.
