MICA Organises Startup Garage to Test Students’ Entrepreneurial Skills

The student-run Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) at MICA hosted ‘Startup Garage 2.0’, a multiple round competition that tested participants’ entrepreneurial skills. The event saw student teams from various colleges like XLRI, MDI, FMS, SIMC, SCMHRD, SIBM and MICA battle it out for a cash prize of Rs. 75, 000. The judges also provided feedback to the participants to enable enhanced learning.

The participants had to test their skills in several rounds, which included restructuring business models, forming complete integrated marketing plans, and pitching to the investors, all of which tested the entrepreneurial acumen of the participants. Yash Shah - CEO & Co-founder, Gridle.io, and Abhay Pruthi - Founder, Reach (acquired by Ixigo), presided over the competition as judges. “I think this was one of the most unique events I have ever attended. Generally, we see clichéd case study and B-plan competitions as the only way to judge students' entrepreneurial skills. This event totally innovated the way one can see and enlighten the entrepreneurial skills among students. Brilliant team. Unique concept designed with real live scenarios.”, appreciated Pruthi. Shah also shared his experience thus, “It was great interacting with the high quality and talented pool of participants. I had an exciting time at this event and look forward to future collaborations with MICA and MICA EDC.”

Vatsal Sethi, Mithila Bhakta, and Sumedh Prabhu from MICA emerged victorious after a tough fight. Sumedh Prabh elaborated on his experience, “A one of a kind startup competition that tested our skills across domains. The talented competition was overwhelming with such creative and profound ideas to turnaround startups. The words of advice from the judges were priceless for anyone planning to work in the startup domain. Moreover, as they say it’s not just your idea but the skills and execution that make a unicorn. Thanks EDC.”

MICA’s student run Entrepreneurship Development Cell at MICA aims to foster & nurture talented young minds with a vision. Under the aegis of the MICA Incubator, the E Cell provides a platform for budding entrepreneurs to hone their skills and build sustainable relationships with their mentors in order to facilitate successful transitions towards launching their own ventures through innovative events and competitions such as the Startup Garage. Mr. U.T. Rao, Chairperson, MICA Incubator, said, "This is genuinely a one of a kind event where for the first time we saw entrepreneurial skills being tested without even a startup idea. Hats off to the EDC team for the uniqueness and format as well as organizing the way it has been done."

About MICA

Established in 1991, MICA is the first residential institute in the country and perhaps in the Asia-Pacific region, dedicated to creating Leadership in Strategic Marketing and Communication.

Its spirit lies in its grasping of contemporariness, addressing the needs of an ever-changing environment. The MICA brand assures effective delivery of Strategic Marketing and Communication solutions to the industry, government and community.

Today, it is the alma mater of professionals serving in leadership positions in some of the best-known companies in India and the world, in marketing, brand management, research & analytics, advertising, media, digital and other strategic marketing and communication-driven businesses.