Concept Note

for the 1st Cohort of the

Entrepreneurship Development Program
with the Title of
‘Empowering the Entrepreneurial Spirit 2025’

Organized by

Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar

Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar &
Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Centre (ERDC)
Overview
To live an individual has to earn their livelihood. And the pattern that has been established in
Bharat in recent times is to get a good education, professional knowledge and then get a job
(either government or private). The Ministry of Education, Government of India released All
India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022 on 25th January 2024, according to
which the total enrolment in higher education has increased to nearly 4.33 crore in 2021-22.
There has been an increase of around 91 lakh in the enrolment from 3.42 crore (26.5%) in
2014-15. But the question that lies here is that are individuals enrolling and completing their
education getting the jobs so that they can earn their livelihood? Is the cycle of getting education
and earning livelihood getting completed?

Unemployment rate by age and education

Dimension Category Women Men

Age Group 15-24 13 13.60

Age Group 25-44 2.50 2.30

Age Group 45-64 0.10 0.20

Age Group 65+ 0 0.20

Education Level Higher Education 19.70 10.80

Education Level No Education 0 0.30

Education Level Primary Education 0.50 1.40

Education Level Secondary Education 3.10 3.30

Unemployment rate is the share of the unemployed in the labour force

Source: Periodic Labour Force Survey, 2022-2023, National Sample Survey Office

1. The Labour Force includes those people who are working and people who are willing to
work but do not work.
2. There are close to one billion people above the age of 15 in India who can legally work.
(Using 2011 Census data, the National Commission on Population produced population
estimates up to 2036 using assumptions about fertility, mortality and migration pathways.
Since the 2021 Census has not yet been conducted, DFI and other research organizations
use these government estimates for population)
3. A little less than 600 million Indians, or six in ten working-age people, are in the labor
force, while about 400 million working age Indians are out of the labor force. (All data in
 this piece is from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (2022-23) conducted by the National
Statistical Office)

The idea of getting education, higher education, a professional degree and then a good paying
job has become a vicious cycle for millions. No amount of new government jobs and private jobs
can bridge the gap of unemployment. We have to understand that education was never meant for
getting jobs, education was meant for empowering the individual. The real meaning of education
is when an empowered individual with the right motivation and direction gives back to society.
But today the so-called educated individuals full of energy are just looking for jobs. Due to lack
of jobs
1. There is rural urban migration
2. People are moving to Tier 1 cities from Tier 2 and 3 cities
3. Immigration and brain drain
4. The energetic and unemployed youth are going in the wrong direction and it may lead to
civil war.

Until now the only form of employment that the majority of the population understands and feel
comfortable with is a job. The aim here is to make the students aware and help them explore the
different opportunities available for them. We aim to reduce their dependence on jobs—whether
in the government or private sector—that necessitate leaving their hometowns. The overarching
goal is to foster rural development by creating innovative models and opportunities that enable
individuals to thrive in their local communities, thereby mitigating the need for migration in
search of better job prospects.

Unemployment in Bharat is a complex issue intertwined with various factors such as population
size, the structure of the education system, and economic fluctuations. Addressing this challenge
requires Bharat to implement significant reforms in its education system, place a greater
emphasis on skill enhancement and entrepreneurship, and ensure sustained economic growth that
fosters the creation of high-quality employment opportunities consistently throughout the year.

Entrepreneurship is one way of solving the unemployment problem in the country. Without any
doubt, unemployment has always been a factor that has hindered the development of society. The
most effective tool to address this issue and to give the young generation more power is creating
opportunities for entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship (उद्यमशीलता) is engraved in Bharat’s
culture. It is in the DNA of Bharat. Entrepreneurship in Bharat is intricately connected with its
sanskriti/culture in several profound ways. Bharat has a rich cultural heritage that values
innovation and creativity. Ancient texts like the Vedas and Upanishads contain ideas that
encourage exploration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are essential for
entrepreneurship.
From a mindset of innovation, creativity, resilience, adaptability, community living, collaboration
and ethical living it shifted to a job seeking mindset. A restricted mindset which made people
dependent on others and yet putting only the self before others. Before the education model by
Lord Macaulay, the Bhartiyas were self-reliant and the Bhartiya culture and traditions promoted
the same. Witnessing the present scenario of the grave problem of unemployment of Bharat, it is
imperative to trace back to the roots and stay connected with it. Entrepreneurship is the only
solution for the same. Government schemes such as 'Startup India,' 'Make in India,' and 'Digital
India' have fostered a conducive environment by streamlining regulations, providing tax
incentives, and offering financial backing. Bharat’s entrepreneurial landscape has experienced
remarkable expansion, marked by a rise in the number of startups, solidifying the nation as a
prominent global startup hub.

Hence, Entrepreneurship is the only enduring answer to this problem.

Need
Entrepreneurship plays an influential role in the economic growth and standard of living of an
economy. The entrepreneurial landscape in the country is vibrant and growing, with substantial
opportunities across various sectors. However, challenges related to regulatory compliance,
infrastructure, and access to talent still need to be addressed. The government's supportive
policies and the dynamic market conditions are likely to continue driving growth and innovation
in the Indian startup ecosystem.

If there is an entrepreneurial ecosystem with the youth pursuing and exploring the field of
entrepreneurship it will automatically help in resolving the further challenges and utilization of
existing resources. It is empirical that there is a need for a change in mindset of the youth right
from the school, colleges and universities. The entrepreneurial ecosystem will only produce the
desired results for the transformation and development of the country if entrepreneurship is opted
at mass level. For that the entrepreneurial system should be available and accessible to all. It
should penetrate every village of the country ensuring rural entrepreneurship.

1. Entrepreneurship generates new employment. People who launch their own enterprises
must appoint personnel to assist in managing the enterprise. For those looking for work,
this results in the creation of new positions.
2. Entrepreneurship promotes economic expansion. When entrepreneurs launch new
enterprises, they frequently develop brand-new goods or services that consumers desire to
purchase. This boosts commerce and promotes economic expansion.
3. Entrepreneurship aids in the eradication of poverty. People who launch their own
enterprises frequently produce more revenue that they can use to raise their standard of
living. This may contribute to the eradication of poverty and an upsurge in standard of
living.
The world has seen critical development in entrepreneurial ventures crossing financial, political,
and social divisions. With the evolving situation, the significance of entrepreneurship is
increased. The most recent decade has seen critical improvements in start-ups in the country.
Institutions have begun to recognize business and academic enthusiasm for start-ups. Going as
per the trend there is a dire need for entrepreneurship development.

There are plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurship available, still there are no significant
results due to many reasons like lack of awareness, lack of implementing agencies, and most
importantly less orientation towards an entrepreneurial mindset in the young generation. There is
a need to instill this acumen of entrepreneurship into the young minds of the country.

About Us
To solve the biggest problem of the country i.e unemployment and urban migration, NITTTR,
Chandigarh joined hands with Panjab University, Punjab Engineering College, & I.I.T Ropar to
work specifically on the Entrepreneurship & Rural Development and established
Entrepreneurship & Rural Development Centre (ERDC). The aim of ERDC is to encourage
entrepreneurship in social, technical & rural areas so as to enhance employment generation and
development of urban, rural & semi urban areas.

ERDC is dedicated to build a vibrant start-up ecosystem, by establishing a network between

academia, financial institutions, industries and other institutions of the region by supporting
start-ups & entrepreneurs by providing them possible support from the existing systems.

ERDC till now has successfully trained selected school students under a 6 months
entrepreneurship development program and concluded 5 days Residential Boot Camps at
NITTTR, Chandigarh; Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar); National Institute of
Technology Uttarakhand (NIT-UK); Indian Institute of Technology Jammu (IIT Jammu) along
with Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Conclaves at Indian Institute of Technology
Guwahati (IIT Guwahati); Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras); NITTTR
Chandigarh; AKTU Lucknow; Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai); Indian
Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore); and Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar
(IIT Bhubaneswar).

Program Details
The first cohort of Entrepreneurship Development Program with the title ‘Empowering the
Entrepreneurial Spirit’ is designed as an intensive program aimed at nurturing the next
generation of entrepreneurs. This cohort aims to create a structured environment where
entrepreneurs can develop their ideas into viable businesses. By combining education,
mentorship, and practical experience, the program will help participants navigate the challenges
of starting and growing a business. The cohort will be from 2nd - 11th January 2025.
A. Phase I: Online Training
a. It will be a 10 day 20 hour program excluding activities & tasks.
b. There will be 2 hour online sessions for 10 days followed by the tasks & activities
to be done by the participant before the next session.
c. Focused on clearing the basics
d. Focused on theoretical part
e. Focused on assignments and tasks
f. Focussed on online discussions

B. Phase II: Residential Bootcamp & Mentorship (Only for selected 50 students)
a. Residential Bootcamp of 3 days and 2 nights
b. Focused on the advanced level of understanding of the course
c. Focused on mocks of the course
d. Listening and understanding the case studies
e. Solving the case studies
f. Focussed on practical activities and tasks
g. Top 50 participants will receive mentorship from industry & institutional experts
to refine their business ideas developed during the program.

C. Topics to be covered:
1. Entrepreneurial Personality and Mindset
2. Basics of Entrepreneurship
3. Idea Generation
4. Business Plan
5. Funding and Revenue Model
6. Legalities involved in Entrepreneurship
7. Pitching
8. Importance of Technology in Entrepreneurship
9. Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
10. Government Policies and Schemes
11. Incubation
12. Social Entrepreneurship
13. Marketing
14. Human Resource Management
15. Publicity, Public Relations and Brand Building
16. Expansion
17. E – Commerce
18. Intellectual Property Rights
19. Rural Entrepreneurship
 20. Case Study

Objectives
1. To equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to launch
and scale their startups successfully.
2. Spreading awareness about the entrepreneurial opportunities that are provided through
government initiatives in the country.
3. To become a catalyst in facilitating emergence of competent first generation
entrepreneurs by identifying the young enthusiastic entrepreneurial minds that will
eventually set a goal for future developments.

Expected Outcomes
1. Participants will hear from and meet with local entrepreneurs and innovators, experience
the concentrated active learning experience so as to gain entrepreneurial skills and
techniques
2. Students from different states will get to network amongst students, wantrepreneurs,
entrepreneurs, industry representatives and officials.
3. With the residential training workshop, the aspiring students/entrepreneurs will get to
experience an entrepreneurial environment.
4. Promote entrepreneurship through education, training, and applied research.

Key Takeaways
1. Participation certificate for the entrepreneurship program from the esteemed institutions.
2. Chance to interact and network with industry experts.
3. Chance to get incubated at different incubation centers of the esteemed institutes.
4. Chance to discuss ideas and plans developed over the bootcamp with industry experts.
5. Mentorship and consultancy from the network on the ideas.
6. Chance to get funding for projects or ideas.
7. The selected students for phase 2 will be receiving separate certificates for the residential
bootcamp

Participation
This program is designed for school students of classes 8th and above. Registration is open for
all the school students of 8th onwards, based on applications amongst them students will be
shortlisted for the first phase of the program and after the first phase on the basis of performance
50 students will be selected for the residential bootcamp.

Why to attend?
1. Chance to meet with seasoned entrepreneurs and innovators.
 2. Chance to network among mentors, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, officials, and
participants from different states.
3. Chance to be a part of the future entrepreneurial leaders.
4. Promotion of entrepreneurship through education, training and applied research.
5. Chance to experience the entrepreneurial environment where the participants during the
residential bootcamp will be undergoing training, gain entrepreneurial skills and
techniques, and discuss their potential business ventures.
6. Top 50 participants will receive mentorship from industry & institutional experts to refine
their business ideas developed during the program along with a residential bootcamp at
esteemed institutions.

Fee Details:
1. The cohort will begin from 2nd January 2025.
2. There are no charges for the registration of the cohort.
3. The shortlisted students for the cohort need to pay Rs. 10,000 course fee inclusive of the
first phase for all and second phase subject to selection.
4. The 1st phase includes 20 hours of coursework, tasks and assignments, discussions,
surveys and assessments.
5. The second phase i.e. Residential Boot Camp (of 3 days and 2 nights) will be free of cost
for the selected students which will include accommodation, food and training. (The
transportation is not included)

Registration Link
https://forms.gle/aYyf4YzwKcQpH1EA8