04-07-2025
Punjab govt to host expo to support school-based entrepreneurship at IIT Ropar
The Punjab government will host the first Business Blasters Expo at IIT Ropar, where the government school students from classes 11 and 12, will showcase their innovative ventures and participate in 'Shark Tank-style' pitch sessions before a distinguished panel of investors, entrepreneurs and incubators, Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, said.
Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh, Bains said that the expo would enable funding, incubation and industry partnerships for scalable student ventures, besides inspiring stakeholders to support school-based entrepreneurship.
He said 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 16,000 seed funding each to over 7,000 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 minister said that many ventures developed by the students are already generating revenue and expanding operations.
For instance, he said, a team from the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Roopnagar made a product Creative Girls — a resin-based coasters, keychains and candle molds. The team has already sold over 250 units.
Similarly, the 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.
The Government Senior Secondary School, Bathinda team made Herbal Shine, a chemical-free herbal shampoo using traditional ingredients. The team has already sold 80 units.
The Government Senior Secondary School, Ferozepur team created Defend-X Stick, a self-defence stick with LED, shock points and concealed blade. The product is devised targeting women, senior citizens, etc as their potential buyers. The Government Senior Secondary School, Moga teams developed BB Choco Dreams, handmade, preservative-free chocolates. The teams have already earned a profit of over Rs 4,000.
Bains emphasised that India can grow only if there is business and economic growth, and the Punjab government aims to cultivate entrepreneurship mindset right from the schools.
