When people who are passionate about solving real problems come together, there’s an energy of excitement and creativity that’s hard to miss. That’s exactly what I experienced at the Startup Day, hosted by ISB at the Mohali campus. A gathering where entrepreneurs shared their journeys, struggles, and the driving forces behind their businesses. These were not just stories of success, but of resilience, vision, and making a real difference.
Each speaker brought their own unique approach to entrepreneurship, reflecting themes of innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment:
• Jyoti Bharadwaj, the founder of TeaFit, shared her journey of building a business focused on healthy living and empowering women.
• Prachi Mathur, the founder of Blue Sky Capital Advisors, discussed how sustainability and inclusivity should be the pillars of any impactful business.
• Somveer Anand, CEO and Mission Director of Innovation Mission Punjab, is working to make Punjab a go-to destination for entrepreneurs.
• Sukhmeet Singh, CEO of A2P Energy, is finding innovative ways to turn crop waste into biofuels, solving multiple challenges with one solution.
• Anushca Bindra, an ISB PGP student, spoke about what it means to be part of the next wave of entrepreneurs.
Each speaker brought something different to the table. However, the common thread was their belief in the power of startups to change lives—not just their own, but also those of the people around them. What stuck with me was this simple truth: Real impact starts with small, local solutions.
Whether it was Jyoti hiring women from her neighborhood or Sukhmeet’s work with farmers in North India, the message was clear: Start where you are, and you can make a difference that spreads far beyond your community.
Somveer’s belief in empowering small-town entrepreneurs made me realise that all it takes is the right idea and the right support to make something incredible happen.
Prachi’s definition of sustainability as ‘consideration for others’ really hit home. It’s not just about protecting the environment; it’s about considering the well-being of others in everything you do. Whether it’s addressing gender inequality or creating jobs for underserved communities, these are the kinds of businesses that will move India forward.
One of my favourite takeaways was Jyoti’s advice: “If your startup isn’t doing well, it’s not your failure. Learn from it, grow from it, and keep going.” This perspective resonates deeply with the broader entrepreneurial lessons shared at the event—resilience, adaptability, and the importance of viewing challenges as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. I think we could all use that reminder, not just in business, but in life in general.
As I walked out of the event, I couldn’t help but feel inspired and hopeful, reminded that meaningful change often starts with small actions and unwavering determination.
The future is being shaped by people like Jyoti, Prachi, Somveer, Sukhmeet, and so many others who are dreaming big and working tirelessly to bring those dreams to life. If you’ve been thinking about starting something, maybe this is the nudge you need to take that first step.