EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURS: A THREE-DAY WORKSHOP ON LAUNCHING AND NURTURING TECH START-UPS                                                               19-21 Feb 2024

Welcome to “Empowering Entrepreneurship” – A Three-Day Workshop                                   

INTRODUCTION:

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation has become paramount. The fusion of technology and entrepreneurship, commonly known as “technopreneurship,” has opened countless opportunities for aspiring individuals to turn their ideas into thriving tech companies. To equip faculty and students with the knowledge and skills necessary for this journey, we propose a three-day workshop titled “Empowering Entrepreneurship.” This workshop, consisting of three hours of lectures and two hours of hands-on activities each day, aims to provide practical insights into the process of setting up a technical firm, transforming prototypes into market-ready products, understanding legal aspects, crafting business ideas, developing marketing plans, and comprehending the various stages in the life cycle of a company.

DAY 1: SETTING THE FOUNDATION

Objective: To provide participants with a fundamental understanding of the entrepreneurial journey and the steps involved in setting up a technical firm.

On the first day, the workshop will kick off with an exploration of the entrepreneurial mindset and the essentials of business ideation. The morning session will focus on how to take a concept or prototype and turn it into a viable product. The afternoon session will delve into the legal aspects of starting a new company, the importance of registration, and the benefits of having a registered entity. Hands-on Activity (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Participants will engage in a hands-on session that combines business idea development and mock registration.

This practical exercise will involve:

• Brainstorming and developing a business idea, identifying unique opportunities and challenges in the tech sector.
• Completing a mock registration form for a tech company, covering the necessary information and steps involved in the registration process.

This combined hands-on session will provide participants with a comprehensive experience, as they not only generate business ideas but also gain practical knowledge of the registration process, helping them understand the early stages of setting up a tech company.

DAY 2: PLANNING FOR SUCCESS AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Objective: To empower participants with the knowledge and tools to create comprehensive business and marketing plans, as well as an understanding of the legal aspects and registration process for setting up a company.

The second day of the workshop will dive deeper into the entrepreneurial journey. In the morning, participants will learn the art of crafting a compelling business plan that outlines the vision, mission, target market, revenue model, and financial projections. The last session will be dedicated to understanding the intricacies of developing an effective marketing plan, including market research, branding, and promotional strategies.

Hands-on Activity (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): On the second day, participants will put their knowledge into practice by writing a business plan based on the business idea they developed on Day 1. This practical exercise will enable them to apply the concepts learned and receive real-time feedback from instructors. Additionally, participants will continue to explore the legal aspects and registration process, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of this vital step in the start-up journey.

DAY 3: NAVIGATING THE TECH START-UP LIFE CYCLE

Objective: To provide insights into the various stages of a tech company’s development, along with lessons from both successful and failed tech start-ups.

On the final day, the workshop will explore the life cycle of a tech start-up, including ideation, development, launch, growth, and potential exit strategies. Participants will gain valuable insights from case studies of both successful and failed tech companies, learning from their experiences and mistakes.

Hands-on Activity (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): The workshop will conclude with a hands-on session where participants will refine and present their marketing plans. This activity will help them fine-tune their strategies and receive constructive feedback. Participants will also have an opportunity to address any remaining questions about the legal aspects and registration process.

OUTCOMES:

Upon completing the three-day workshop, participants can expect the following outcomes:

• Comprehensive Knowledge: Participants will have a holistic understanding of the critical aspects of launching and managing their own tech companies, including legal and registration procedures.
• Business and Marketing Plans: They will be equipped to create effective business and marketing plans, providing a strong foundation for their entrepreneurial journey.
• Tech Start-up Insight: Participants will be aware of the various stages in the life cycle of a tech company and the challenges and opportunities they may encounter.
• For Faculty Empowerment: Faculty members attending the workshop will be empowered to mentor students during their final year projects, guiding them in converting their project ideas into viable business plans. This collaboration will bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the academic institution.

CONCLUSION:

The “Empowering Entrepreneurship” workshop aims to equip faculty students and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to embark on the journey of creating and managing successful tech start-ups. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial process, legal aspects, business and marketing planning, and insights into the life cycle of tech companies, this workshop will not only inspire participants but also empower them to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Including legal aspects and a mock registration process on the first day will enhance their practical knowledge, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of Entrepreneurship. Ultimately, the workshop will play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of Entrepreneurship and innovation within the academic community, driving progress and prosperity in the tech industry.