EDII Student Startup – Meeting the Need for Busbars in the Country!
Startups are fast beginning to make a name for themselves across the country with all that they are achieving. It wasn’t long ago that a new startup, started by our student Rishabh Hundia which aims at meeting a production gap for busbars, took its first steps into the world.
The Inspiration behind the Idea
The idea that laid the foundation for the emergence of Bus bar Manufacturing arose when the Rishabh Hundia was attending a ‘Make in India’ conference. It was at that same moment that the student’s father advised him to look at the copper bus bar market and see if that line of business appealed to him.
Belonging to a family that has been in the metal industry for the last four decades, Rishabh Hundia has always been around metals and had grown up with the desire to work with them. This was what gave birth to a love and attraction towards metals, right from a young age. This was how the first seeds of a Bus bar manufacturing startup came to be planted in his young, innovative mind.
About Busbar Manufacturing
The way a bus bar works is that it conducts electricity within various heavy electrical appliances. It is also used for switchboards, substations or distribution boards. Copper busbars are very useful for power grids as they help bring down the power loss substantially. They are used to conduct a substantial current of electricity but the amount of current that can be carried in them depends on the composition of material used and the cross-sectional size of the busbar.
However, the current condition of the metal industry as a whole is not at a very good place, on both the national front as well as the international front. So given that the industry is in a difficult situation, right now this young entrepreneur is working on learning about the situation in the country so that he can come up with a good plan of revival. If all goes well, the future for copper busbars is likely to be bright.
The Future of This Startup
By trying to stick to the ‘Make in India’ policy, wherein the Government focuses on setting up manufacturing units in India, there is certainly a lot of potential for this company to grow. There will certainly be a lot of demand for the product by new manufacturing units that will require it for electrification purposes.
However, currently copper busbars are being imported in thousands of tons into the country and since 2010, the demand for them has been growing at 11 percent every year.
How Has EDII Aided the Growth of this Startup?
EDII has been a learning ground that provided mentors and the right faculty to bring Rishabh Hundia’s idea to fruition. Not only do they strive to turn students into entrepreneurs but they also provide entrepreneurial experiences in different sectors.
After EDII scrutinized the student’s DPR and once it had received the stamp of approval by various industry experts and learned faculty, it gave this young entrepreneur the confidence he needed to venture out and put his idea to the test.
Many students that have passed out of EDII has testified to say that the institution does provide the best faculty and mentors who help students turn their ideas into a reality and this was what was responsible for Busbar Manufacturing becoming a reality and one with a bright future awaiting it. What’s more, EDII also provide the much needed seed capital to its deserving students to help their start-up idea see the light of the day.
EDII Student Startup – Enzo Daily Car Wash!
Even though most of us live in a world where owning a car is a necessity, some basic maintenance needs to be followed. The most important one being- getting your car washed from time to time. A regular washing job helps protect the exterior of the car and ensure that the dirt and grime does not eat into the paint.
However, washing the car without the right tools can be a tiring and time-consuming job. This is why car washes are increasingly sought out by car owners who don’t have spare time on their hands. This is where Enzo Daily Car Wash – a recent startup by our student Rahul Gonsalves – comes into the picture.
The Inspiration behind the Idea
When cars are washed on a daily basis, a practice that is rampant today. there is always a lot of water wasted. After two to three months, the surface of cars starts to look dull. This is because servicemen mostly use unclean practices and follow an unhygienic process of cleaning wherein the same water and cloth is used for over 10 cars. This results in scratching the surface of the cars and causing them to look dull. It was this observation that led to the idea of providing customers with a ‘waterless, one cloth per car’ service.
What Does Enzo Daily Car Wash Have to Offer?
Enzo Daily Car Wash has been designed to provide a quick, waterless solution to professional car care. The product used is a high lubricating mixture that removes the dirt from the surface of the car and leaves it with a shiny finish. This product that they have created is an in-house product that has proven to be effective but which is not up for sale so you are not likely to find it elsewhere.
Currently, the startup provides prompt home service to customers. All you have to do is give them a call and they will have their team at your doorstep to wash your cars every day. Daily customers will be provided the service at an average cost of Rs13/- per day while retail customers will have to pay Rs. 50/- for the job. These prices are the lowest in the industry as this startup aims to provide you professional car care at affordable rates.
The reason they are able to provide their services at such low rates is because they have created a unique value chain of self manufacturing where they manufacture all related products themselves and use it to provide the service, this refuces the swelling of costs due to supply chain intermediaries. Currently providing their car wash services in 11 residential complexes, they are still looking to expand and are expected to start their service in four more localities by June 1. The startup has already partnered with a leading oil company and has set up wash stations at 25 petrol pumps along with an exclusive full wash outlet.
How EDII helped Enzo Daily Car Wash?
EDII aided the young entrepreneur in perfecting a business model for the startup. The knowledge and input offered there helped create an exclusive system of manufacturing and customer acquisition where they can service 321 cars with an investment of just Rs 1,20,000. EDII has assured Rs 3,50,000 as startup capital against the money invested. With the rate at which the company is growing, it expects to save at least 3,00,000 liters of water by December 2016 due to the direction and assistance offered by EDII. Most of the funds will be utilized to help the startup reach out to new customers.
[Top]EQUIPO Grows Grander with Each Passing Year
Frosty December chill evaporated for three whole days when large number of athletes from different colleges of Gujarat gathered at EDII campus to take part in interollegiate sports extravaganza, Equipo. The sports event was organized by the Students Welfare Committee of EDII during 17th to 19th December in the year 2015. The event saw overwhelming participation from colleges from leading cities of Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, Vadodara and Bhuj.
The event included both indoor and outdoor games. Outdoor games like cricket, football, lawn tennis, basketball and volleyball received wholehearted participation from the athletes. Indoor games such as table tennis and chess too were received well by the contestants.
EDII students made their mark in all the sports but in badminton and table tennis (girls), they delivered extraordinary performances and won medals. Adani and SPM were runners up in these games. PDPU students delivered commendable performance and secured the first position in volleyball, basketball and lawn tennis (boys). NIRMA won the table tennis (boys) tournament whereas IRMA stood number one in Chess. LDRP was announced champion in Cricket. EDII students stood as runners up in most of these sports. EDII organizes such events to create sense of harmony among colleges and Equipo served the purpose well. The institute looks forward to organize many such events to connect youths across the state.
[Top]Giving Entrepreneurial Edge to African Countries – EDII Ahmedabad
Government of India and leading financial institutions like HDFC, LIC, UTI, SBI promote Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) to implement projects related to clusters and education in African countries. IL&FS Education and Technical Services (IETS), a wholly owned subsidiary of IL&FS approached EDII to organize in-country orientation programmes on Entrepreneurship Development.
IETS, the Programme Management Agency of GoI’s Department of Commerce assigned the task to EDII under the aegis of 2nd India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS II) to carry out orientation programmes in six African countries Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Nigeria, Uganda and Malawi to strengthen cotton sector. Associate Senior Trainer at EDII, Mr. S.B. Sareen conducted orientation programmes in two African Countries Benin, Cotonou (West Africa) and Abuja, Nigeria from 1st March to 5th March.
The programmes chiefly aimed at sharpening entrepreneurial skills and changing the mindset about entrepreneurship. The programme was well received by the participants. Officials of Government Institutions, Financial Organizations and potential as well as existing entrepreneurs participated in the programme.
Mr. S.B Sareen, the Course Director was contented with overwhelming response to the programme. He said, “The programme encouraged private sector, support system and Government to boost entrepreneurship in African countries.”
[Top]Women Scientists and Technologists Say Hello to Entrepreneurship with EDII
Technological brains garner skills to establish knowledge based enterprise
It is now widely accepted that women make promising managers. Slowly but steadily women are also emerging strong in the field of science and technology. Innovative business ideas need support from science and technology to survive and sustain in the global market. Thus the unprecedented need for entrepreneurs with sound technical knowledge has emerged in the recent times. EDII thought that women with sound technical knowledge can make the most of opportunity and that is why launched a five-day national programme on Entrepreneurship Development & Management for Women Scientists & Technologists working with the government sector.
The programme conducted during 2 to 6 February this year, received overwhelming response from the participants. 14 women scientists and technologists working in various departments and ministries of Central Government, Public Sector Units and Research institutes supported by Central or State Government participated in the programme. Some academicians engaged in R&D also registered for the programme. The programme was sponsored by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The chief aim of the programme was to sensitize women scientists and technologists towards embracing entrepreneurship as career.
Till now, there is little done in the area of knowledge based entrepreneurship. This programme helped the participants understand the importance of owning knowledge based innovative business ventures. The curriculum covered core aspects of entrepreneurship such as process of business idea generation, project formulation and screening for feasibility.
It has been observed that even if women have basic knowledge of entrepreneurship, they are unable to identify and develop market for this. Though there are national and international institutions that support these kinds of endeavours, women hardly have information about these institutions. The participants received all the necessary information about garnering support from such institutions.
The scientists and researchers also learned about how to use basic and applied research as a tool for business planning.
The participants were very happy to garner skills of identifying business opportunities. One of the participants shared her experience by saying, “I never knew that I can be an entrepreneur. Now that I have learned about new enterprise creation, business plan preparation and everything about establishing and managing a new enterprise, I am sure I am going to come up with my own knowledge based enterprise.” The curriculum also touched upon gender issues at the workplace.
The programme was conducted by Mr. P. Ganesh, Associate Senior Faculty at EDII. The programme included intensive group discussions, role plays, and simulation exercises hence demanded constant involvement from the participants. The Course Director Mr. P. Ganesh expressing his contentment said, “I used audio-visual medium to make participants understand key issues of entrepreneurship development and management. The participants also got an opportunity to interact with subject experts and successful entrepreneurs.” Towards the end of the programme, the participants were motivated to establish their own knowledge based enterprise. The programme supported institute’s belief that women empowerment is essential to bring much needed change in society.
[Top]EDII Ahmedabad Strengthens Entrepreneurial Bonds Across the Globe
With a view to strengthen entrepreneurial bonds across the globe, EDII has joined hands with University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Centre for the Creation of Economic Wealth (CCEW) and BRAC University to have collaborated in this Professional Fellows Programme (PFP) to provide professional experience and training to the participants. As a part of outbound exchange, five delegates from Oklahoma, United States visited EDII during 4th to 14th January in the year 2016.
The delegates were from the U.S and Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The prime purpose of the visit was to understand workings of small and mid-level industries of India. The delegates also visited large as well as multinational companies to catch hold of mechanisms of Indian industries. They paid a visit to Indian institutes of excellence like EDII, MICA and NIFT during their stay in India.
Senior faculty at EDII, Dr. Sanjay Pal orchestrated the activity. He said, “The delegates were happy to learn about micro, small, medium and large scale industries of India. This year in the month of May, Indian participants from diverse fields like media, industries, mass communication, NGOs and entrepreneurs will visit Oklahoma to understand the nature of industries in the U.S.” The programme was managed by EDII.
During their visit to EDII, the delegates had in-depth discussion with the Director of EDII. They acknowledged role of institutes like EDII in promoting entrepreneurship in India and abroad.
Global View on Indian Industries:
Joe Foote, University of Oklahoma: I have worked on communication projects in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East for more than two decades now. I am amazed to learn that in spite of great dissimilarities in cultures and languages, Indian industries are strongly connected to each other.
Leslie Christopher, BOLD Multimedia: Indian industries are good at manufacturing but on customer service front, India still has a scope for improvement. Industries should make sure that client needs are understood and should strive hard to fulfil their expectations.
Quinn Vandenberg, Co-Founder and Owner, Life Out of the Box: The industries established by artisans in India are facing the same difficulties in gaining market share as those in other developing countries. Incubators should play an active role in supporting such units and boost entrepreneurship at grassroots level.
Sarah Beth Cullison, Elemental Coffee: Coffee industry is my area of interest. I have studied agricultural, trade and financial aspects of coffee productions for over three years. India is one of the leading countries in coffee production globally. I believe that coffee industry in India has much scope for exposure on global front.
Korey McMahon, McMahon Marketing: Despite quality products, Small and medium industries in India struggle to make mark at global level. This is because they lack skills in marketing. I strongly believe that investment in marketing and advertisement should be looked at as business investment by small and medium industries.
Institute Helps Comoros Get Vocational Training Centre
The institute has been entrusted with the work related to feasibility for establishing a Comoros-India Vocational Training Centre at Comoros. The task has been assigned by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. EDII worked in close association with the MEA and Embassy of India, Antananarivo, Madagascar to accomplish the goals of the assignment.
Two faculty members from the institute visited Comoros and helped prominent stakeholders understand the skill gap in the country and scope for vocational training centre. Post-visit, the institute submitted a detailed report to MEA which included rationale for setting up the centre, portfolio of activities, training and capacity building needs of Comorian faculty members, physical infrastructure needs, cost of training aids and machines, financial requirements and sustainability strategy for the centre. Capital and running costs for the Centre too were discussed.
Mr. Raman Gujral, Associate Senior Faculty at EDII and one of the members who was a part of this assignment said, “There is a need to impart an entrepreneurial routeing to countries, the world over. Comoros abounds in resources that need to be channelized, and this is possible only with entrepreneurial efforts. Interventions in this direction will give a strong entrepreneurial purpose to the country.”
[Top]Thumbs Up to Start-up India – EDII Ahmedabad
EDII in association with DIPP and CII conducted panel discussion on Start-up India
Start-up India campaign, launched by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has created nationwide buzz. The youngsters are stimulated to come up with innovative business ideas and establish their own enterprises. With a view to analyse the scheme and spread awareness about it, the institute in association with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Govt. of India and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organized a Panel Discussion and Live Streaming of the launch of Start-up India on 16th January.
The Members on the panel were Dr. Chandan Chatterjee, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Gujarat; Mr. S. B. Dangayach, Chairman and Managing Director, Sintex Industries Ltd.; Mr. Manasvi Thapar, Founder, Candour Legal and Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director, EDII. The panelists gave insights into issues such as; understanding start-ups, taxation, FDI in key sectors, incubation centres for start-ups, single –window clearance system, benefits for rural India from the Policy and other critical aspects related to setting up and sustaining businesses.
Director of the Institute, Dr. Sunil Shukla expressed his views on Startup India by saying, “This new policy could act as a game changer. I am sure it will promote innovative ideas and add value to society. It is high time that the effort be made collective – the institutions, corporate and government must join hands to create an eco-system which is conducive for start-up germination.”
Eminent Panelist Mr. S.B Dangayach stressed on importance of incubators in cultivating start-up culture in India. He said, “Startup Incubators are important to create an environ where pre-ideas are incubated, technological solutions are applied, prototypes are created, markets and networks are established and products are successfully produced. Incubators will ensure support of domain experts, academic institutions, known entrepreneurs and professionals, thus making it simple for the entrepreneur.”
Government has launched similar initiatives in the past to facilitate first generation entrepreneurs but somehow they did not meet glorious success. Dr. Chandan Chatterjee, Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Government of Gujarat said, “I would urge all would-be entrepreneurs not to get discouraged by hassles by viewing things from the outside, but to take the plunge after a preliminary scanning and after chalking about a level wise target. Only when they face the first level, will they get ready for the second. I can see an amiable environment setting in, where one step will automatically lead to the other.”
Founder of Candour Legal Mr. Manasvi Thapar put emphasis on single window system with reduced complexities in licenses and taxes to trigger start-up culture. He further said that corporate must also adopt a start-up to increase its chances of success. The panelists were hopeful that Start-up India will bring a change in the mindset about entrepreneurship in India. With several changes in Government policies, it will also fasten growth of start-ups in the country.
The participants learned about techniques to crack job interviews. The one-month training prepared participants for employment. It focused on developing skills in English speaking and computer using capacity of the participants. The programme also aimed to develop self-confidence among participants. Contented with the outcome of the programme, the Programme Director Mr. V.S Sukumaran said, “All the participants were placed for internship in different government institutions after completion of classroom training. The results are indeed heartening.”
[Top]Valedictory Function- Around 500 Trainees Sharpen their Entrepreneurial Skills at EDII
Growth of tourism will lead to growth of art and craft industry Tourism has a great role to play in the expansion of art and craft business of the state. Gujarat, known for Patolas from Patan and Kutchi craftwork across the globe is one the finest manufacturer of art and craft products in India. Sensing the opportunity for the growth of art and craft industry through tourism, the institute in association with Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) conducted Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Program for artisans in which total 161 artisans across the state took part.
During the ten-day program, participants learned how to promote traditional Gujarati art work in modern times. They were also taught not to limit themselves to traditional artwork and develop innovative products to attract tourists. The participants received practical training on how to develop innovative products. Crucial components of business development such as developing communication skills for selling art and craft products and keeping books of accounts were also covered.
Following areas were covered:
• Tour Operators / Travel Agents (100 trainees)
• Art & Craft (161 trainees)
• Eating Outlet Service (119 trainees)
• Defensive Driving & Grooming of Taxi / Auto Drivers (120 trainees)
Director, Dr. Sunil Shukla said, “Gujarat is rapidly growing in the tourism sector. Just like Madhubani art from Bihar and Terracotta from Uttar Pradesh, arts and crafts products from Gujarat too have potential to attract tourists. Value addition to the products and effective use of technology are two areas where artisans should focus to expand their business.”
[Top]EDII Joins Hands with Gujarat Tourism to Spread ‘Khushbu Gujarat Ki’
With a view to fill the gap of skilled manpower in rapidly growing tourism sector in Gujarat, EDII joined hands with Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) to spread ‘Khushbu Gujarat Ki’ across the nation. An MOU was signed between TCGL and EDII on 19th February 2016 to conduct Skill Development Programmes for stake holders associated with the tourism sector in Gujarat. The institute aims to inculcate culture of entrepreneurship in the booming tourism sector.
Programme for Tour Operators/Travel Agents:
The institute conducted skill development programme for tour operators and travel agents. Total 100 existing and potential entrepreneurs received training from the institute. The 10-day program helped participants understand the nature of tour and travel business in Gujarat, market assessment and marketing strategies in tourism sector. It also emphasized on using online resources and managing tourism business digitally. The participants were given comprehensive details about schemes and assistance available from District Industries Center (DIC) and Banks for setting up tourism related business.
Mr. Prakash Solanki, Faculty-EDII said that, “Gujarat has immense potential to grow as a tourist destination. The program will help bring holistic change by fulfilling the need for professionally trained entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.”
The First Impression Makers:
First impression is the last impression and in most of the cases tourists have their first encounter with taxi or auto drivers as soon as they enter the city. Thus a ten-day training programme was held by the institute to train auto & taxi drivers to attend to tourists. Total 120 drivers participated in the programme. It focused on safe and defense driving. In addition to that, the participants were trained on how to receive the passengers, how to communicate with them, how to inform them about the tourist attractions of the city so that the tourists leave with positive impression of the city and state.
Participants Speak:
“I did not know that to establish tours and travels business, one needs permission from RTO. The workshop helped clear my doubts about tourism policy of Gujarat. Post workshop, I have good exposure to tours and travels industry in Gujarat.” – Hiren Gohil
“Study visit to Dakor was an enriching experience. I actually had practical experience of managing a tour. Apart from that, I also learned about loans, subsidies and financial assistance provided by the government. It will help me start my own business.” – Darshan Parmar
[Top]Start-ups should always Confine to the Core Idea for Success
Empresario 2016 asserted that there is no looking back for start-ups now
Indian start-ups received funding of Rs. 50,000 crore last year and the number is growing with each passing day. After US and U.K, maximum numbers of start-ups are emerging from India. Even Chinese investors have invested 3 million to 7 million dollars in Indian startups during last few months. Govt. of India and the state government are introducing start-up friendly policies. The start-up wave is taking our nation by storm and Empresario, an inter-collegiate entrepreneurship fest held on 26th and 27th February at EDII campus asserted that there is no looking back now.
The institute in association with Gujarat CSR Authority and Gujarat Seeds Corporation Ltd. held Empresario-2016, a state wide start-up hunt in the month of February. In order to shortlist ideas for the final round, boot camps were held at 10 different locations of Gujarat including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Surat, Baroda, Mehsana and Anand. The final round of Empresario-2016 was held at the institute on 26th and 27th February. From every nook and corner of the state, 135 start-up ideas were submitted out of which 30 ideas were selected for the final round. Out of these, 17 ideas were shortlisted for fund of Rs. 40,000 under the sponsorship of GCSRA for developing a prototype. Most of them belonged to Agribusiness, renewable energy, art, craft and digital initiative. The finale of Empresario was accompanied by a start-up fair at EDII campus in which 50 start-up ideas were displayed.
While inaugurating the start-up fair, the Chief Guest Shri Sanjay Prasad, IAS, Principal Secretary of Labour and Employment Department, Govt. of Gujarat said, “There is a start-up surge in the country. Entrepreneurs are becoming more ambitious and investors are getting bolder. Most importantly the consumers are more receptive than ever to these new local offerings. We are now seeing more acceptances from India’s market.”
As a nodal institute, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) will invite and motivate innovators for innovation and will allow innovators to utilize facilities available in the institute. The institute will also provide mentorship to potential start-ups.
The Director, Dr. Sunil Shukla also said that, “The culture of entrepreneurship was never this inspiring and motivating before inside and outside of EDII. I am glad that EDII is contributing to the state and country’s ‘Start-up Movement’ and has taken an initiative to organize such Start-up fair.”
Shri Sunil Shah, the Chairman of All Gujarat Innovation Society and Shri Sunil Parekh, Corporate Advisor of Zydus Group marked their eminent presence at the inauguration of the start-up fair.
According to a survey, the failure rate in start-ups is as high as 70 percent and 66 percent entrepreneurs go back to their salaried jobs. Shri Parekh said, “Start-ups fail because they develop products for which there is no market and thus cannot connect to the customers. Another reason for failure is they run out of fund and they are not good at money planning. Third one is they do not develop right team.” He asserted that innovative ways of delivering solutions are much needed.
Remarking one of the chief reasons of failure, Shri Sunil Shah, the Chairman of All Gujarat Innovation Society said that, “Start-ups begin with great idea but couple of months later they are confused and thus lose their way. Start-ups should always confine to their core ideas and it will work.” He suggested entrepreneurs to rethink every time, “What are we into?”
A survey conducted on 4000 startups suggests that the biggest concern start-ups are facing is existing tax laws and complicated system of regulatory compliance. Apart from that, access to fund for developing idea is difficult for start-ups in India. But the experts suggested that Government at both Central and State level is promoting start-ups and is coming up with entrepreneur friendly start-up policies which will increase ease of doing business.
EDII Ranked 45 across India and 3rd in Gujarat by NIRF
As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) evolved by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Gandhinagar, ranked 45th (overall rank) among India’s top 50 National Management Institutions. In all 3500 plus ranking applications were received by NIRF, of which 609 were from the Management domain. EDII stood at 3rd position among Management Institutes in Gujarat. Moreover, EDII was ranked 30th for its Research and Professional Practices (RPC) and scored 73.95 for the same. All participating Institutes were ranked on basis of five broad parameters ‘Teaching, Learning and Resources’ (TLR), ‘Research and Professional Practices’ (RPC), ‘Graduation Outcomes’ (GO), ‘Outreach and Inclusivity’ (OI), and ‘Perception’ (P).
Expert Committee Constituted by AICTE for Preparing Start-up Policy
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director, EDII has been appointed as a member on the special committee constituted by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) for preparing start-up policy for students of technical institutions. National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015 has emphasized upon the need for entrepreneurship education in 3000 colleges. In line with it, AICTE has constituted a five-member committee of experts to prepare start-up policy for students of technical institutions in the country.
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