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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
250+ startups and counting, with Runway Incubator at UPES
India has emerged as one of the world's most dynamic startup ecosystems, currently home to over 119 unicorns (Tracxn, 2025) and thousands of ventures disrupting traditional industries. Ranked third globally in terms of the number of startups, the country continues to benefit from government-led initiatives focused on building job creators rather than just job seekers. A robust digital infrastructure and a new generation of entrepreneurial talent have further accelerated this momentum. Yet, many young innovators, particularly from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, still lack access to a nurturing ecosystem that provides structured mentorship, funding opportunities, and hands-on experience to transform ideas into meaningful impact. Recognising this need, UPES has taken a proactive approach to foster innovation and entrepreneurship from the ground up. At UPES, this nurturing ecosystem has a name: Runway. Launched in 2021, Runway is the university's dedicated startup incubator, built to empower student founders and early-stage entrepreneurs from ideation to investment. In just under four years, Runway has grown into a full-fledged innovation hub, supporting over 250 startups. This reflects UPES' broader vision to embed entrepreneurship into the fabric of education, not as an elective, but as a core skill for the future. What sets the Runway apart is the credibility it has built in a remarkably short span. The incubator has secured over ₹20 crore in competitive grants from key national and state-level agencies, including DST, MeitY, DBT–BIRAC SPARSH, Startup Uttarakhand, and ACIC–AIM, NITI Aayog. Startups nurtured at the incubator have collectively raised close to ₹25 crore in external funding. These recognitions have positioned Runway as a serious platform for entrepreneurship—not only for students, but also for startups across the region seeking capital, mentorship, and technical support. Runway is grounded in a philosophy that seeks to lower barriers to entrepreneurship—especially for students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, many of whom are first-generation entrepreneurs. The incubator welcomes students from all disciplines—engineering, law, design, liberal studies—encouraging interdisciplinary innovation. The focus is not just on launching startups, but on building ventures that solve real-world problems. Support spans a curated pre-incubation program, access to co-working spaces, labs for prototyping, legal and IP advisory, training in the art of pitching and GTM strategy, and mentorship from ecosystem experts and industry leaders. Regular demo days help connect founders with investors and funding opportunities. The most powerful driver, however, is the entrepreneurial culture on campus, where students are inspired to see themselves not just as job seekers, but as creators. This culture of action-oriented innovation will be further strengthened through 'The Pitch', an upcoming Shark Tank-style event at UPES. The high-stakes showcase will feature 12–15 early-stage startups pitching live for a chance to secure funding from a ₹3 crore pool, with a minimum ticket size of ₹25 lakhs (approximately $25,000) per startup. But this is more than just a funding event. The Pitch reflects UPES' broader vision of redefining higher education by backing entrepreneurial talent with real money, real mentorship, and real opportunities. With university leadership, investors, and industry experts on the panel, the event is set to mark a bold chapter in UPES' journey as a startup university. This culture has already given rise to several promising startups such as: UGreen Technology Founded by Gaurav Dwivedi ( Petroleum Engineering, UPES, 2019–2023), UGreen Technology is a CleanTech venture that began as a bold idea, and Runway was the first to believe in it. UGreen launched India's first carbon capture pilot for the E&P sector. Its flagship product, OCOFix, uses a patented molecular engineering method to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries. With ₹92.5 lakh raised through grants and a ₹4 crore funding round in the pipeline, UGreen is setting the pace in climate innovation. Gaurav thanks his alma mater for the exposure and access to cutting-edge labs for his success. 'The professors believed in my ideas even before they were fully formed. Their mentorship was instrumental in turning an idea on paper into a national-level CleanTech startup,' he says. Pension Box Founded by Kuldeep Parashar ( Applied Petroleum Engineering, UPES, 2010–2014), Pension Box is helping India rethink retirement. It offers a digital pension infrastructure that enables users, especially gig workers and the self-employed, to plan, automate, and manage their retirement savings effortlessly. With ₹7 crore in funding from marquee investors, including the founders of Zerodha, the platform has grown rapidly and become a thought leader in the retirement tech space. Kuldeep credits UPES for having instilled in him the confidence to think beyond the obvious. 'The faculty not only taught us what was in the books but also challenged us to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. That mindset helped shape my entrepreneurial journey,' he says. Indian Hempstore Founded by Siddharth Gupta (MBA, Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management, UPES, 2013–2015), Indian Hempstore is building India's first hybrid marketplace for hemp-based products. The venture promotes sustainable alternatives across fashion, food, wellness, and lifestyle, while also supporting rural producers and artisans. The idea took root during Siddharth's time at UPES, where early exposure to sustainable practices inspired him to explore hemp as a future-ready material. With support from Runway, Indian Hempstore has fulfilled over 2,000 orders, onboarded 40+ brands, and generated over ₹15 lakh in revenue, helping position hemp as a planet-positive solution for the future. Siddharth credits UPES and Runway for enabling him to channel his purpose into a scalable business. 'Runway gave us the space to dream bigger and the support to build what truly matters- a startup that is good for people and the planet,' he says. These ventures stand out not only for innovation but for their purpose, with a focus on accessibility and social impact. They reflect what's possible when young entrepreneurs are equipped with the right environment and intent. With Runway, UPES is doing more than launching startups, it's cultivating changemakers who may well define India's next innovation wave.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Providence Student Wins NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Students win $3,000 in Shark Tank-style pitch competition and advance to national finals NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Boston, MA, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named four local student businesses as the winners of its annual New England Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The young entrepreneurs distinguished themselves through innovative business ideas, which they will present at the national finals in New York on Oct. 8 to compete for the National Champion title and cash prizes. Competitors pitched their original business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges, including Aurora Castillo Magner, Executive Director, Digital Product Management & Transformation Readiness at Santander Bank; Elise Hanaoka, Assurance Partner at Ernst & Young LLP (EY US); Tameem Hourani, Founder & Principal of and Katie Quigley Mellor, Program Director, Social Entrepreneurship at Innovate@BU. The judges selected a first-place winner to receive $1,500, a second-place winner to receive $1,000, and two runners up to receive $250 each. 1st Place: Evan Perez from The MET School in Providence, Rhode Island, with his business idea Color Your Life, which produces hyper-personalized coloring books designed to get kids away from their digital devices. 2nd Place: Dayneris Rodriguez and Rachel Soto from Discovery High School in Springfield, Massachusetts, with their business idea Eternal Fantasies, which produces eco-friendly, long-lasting, beautiful flower bouquets made from ribbons. Runner Up: Rieden Harlow-Rivas and Yianni Nikolaou from Ipswich High School in Ipswich, Massachusetts, with their business idea Birdies N' Bass, a fishing rod that is the ultimate fusion of two beloved outdoor activities, golf and fishing, into one versatile, eye-catching tool. Runner Up: Jessica Zanchi from Keefe Regional Technical High School in Framingham, Massachusetts, with her business idea Groundlevel, a service business that partners with the video game industry to produce alternative accessible versions of popular titles in order to cater to common physical disabilities. 'This year our young entrepreneurial finalists truly represent NFTE's regional footprint and the growing entrepreneurial spirit from various corners across Massachusetts and Rhode Island,' said Jennifer Green, NFTE New England Sr. Program Manager. 'Our NFTE entrepreneurs from Providence, Springfield, Framingham and Ipswich had ideas that ranged from creating innovative new products by leveraging AI and handmade craftsmanship to creating lifelong memories, to providing a service that brings accessibility and inclusivity to the gaming world. I'm incredibly proud of our students this year, and so grateful to our NFTE teachers and volunteers for supporting them along their journey to become the next generation of entrepreneurial doers and thinkers.' The event also honored Rookie Teacher of the Year Tate Shippen from Ipswich High School and Veteran Teacher of the Year Matt Warren from Keefe Regional Technical High School, as well as individual Volunteer of the Year Blake Underhill and corporate Volunteer of the Year Brookline Bank for their deep commitment to coaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by EY US and Santander Bank, with signature support from Brookline Bank and associate support from the Eastern Bank, PayPal, and Zuora. For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@ ### About NFTE: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit to learn more. Attachments NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE New England Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners CONTACT: Denise Berkhalter, APR Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 917-281-4362 deniseb@
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Los Angeles Student Wins NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Students win $3,500 in Shark Tank-style pitch competition and advance to national finals NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Los Angeles, CA, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named five local student businesses as the winners of its annual West Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The young entrepreneurs distinguished themselves through innovative business ideas, which they will present at the national finals in New York on Oct. 8 to compete for the National Champion title and cash prizes. Competitors pitched their original business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges, including Dulari Amin, Co-Founder of Antonia Castro, NFTE alumna and Program Manager of SoLA Impact; Devang Gaur, Product Manager at Adobe; Amir Mossanen, Managing Director, Wealth Advisor at Truist Wealth; and Brittany Trick, VP Small Business Sales Manager of U.S. Bank. The judges selected a first-place winner to receive $1,500, a second-place winner to receive $1,000, a third-place winner to receive $500, and two runners up to receive $250 each. 1st Place: Andre Cheng from Florence Nightingale Middle School in Los Angeles with his business idea Mindi, a mental health app that is low pressure, accessible, and anonymous. 2nd Place: Jamie Jimenez, also from Florence Nightingale Middle School in Los Angeles, with her business idea Soberband, a wristband that uses light technology to accurately measure a driver's blood alcohol content. 3rd Place: Lychee Li from the Los Angeles Urban League with her business idea Mischee Film, a production company that will produce 12 short films per year, each one focusing on a specific perspective or type of crime. Runner Up: Noelle Kanon from Joseph A Gregori High School in Modesto, California, with her business idea Smart Swing, an AI gadget that attaches to a tennis player's racket to accurately pinpoint whether the ball is in or out. Runner Up: Cicily Yu & Raymond Cheung Wu from Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco with their business idea NatureHue, a sustainable marker brand that reduces plastic waste while providing users with a non-toxic marker made of all natural ingredients. 'The NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is a powerful reminder of what our young people can accomplish when given the tools and support to pursue their ideas,' said Emma Hunt, Program Director of NFTE West. 'This year's competitors demonstrated exceptional innovation, resilience, and a real passion for entrepreneurship. We're incredibly proud of each student who participated and deeply grateful to the educators, coaches, and judges who helped make this experience so impactful. Their commitment to our students' success continues to drive this program forward.' The event also honored Teachers of the Year Crystal Mitchell and Rhonda Holbert from the Los Angeles Urban League, as well as individual Volunteer of the Year Chris Boyd from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and corporate Volunteer of the Year BMO for their deep commitment to coaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and U.S. Bank with signature support from Santander Bank and associate support from First Citizens Bank, PayPal, and Zuora. For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@ ### About NFTE: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit to learn more. Attachments NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE West Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners CONTACT: Denise Berkhalter, APR Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 917-281-4362 deniseb@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From COBOL to Code Assistants: Thryve Digital's GenAI Leap
In this episode of The GCC Show, Marcus Johnson, EVP – Enterprise Effectiveness & Growth, Thryve Digital Health, to explore how Global Capability Centers can harness Generative AI to shape enterprise transformation. From translating COBOL code to building robust LLM capabilities from their Chennai center, Marcus and his team are proving that innovation at scale is not only possible—but critical. We dig into high-value use cases that are helping Thryve pivot its AI agenda—from GenAI-assisted code writing and review to replatforming mainframe systems using modern languages. Johnson also shares Thryve's unique approach to building a culture of innovation—through internal Shark Tank-style programs and aligning KPIs directly with innovation goals. The conversation pulls back the curtain on why the real differentiator may lie in how much autonomy leaders are allowed to exercise. Advertisement And before we wrap, Johnson offers a hot take on one trend he believes GCCs are underestimating today—and why that might just define the next decade of global operations.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicago Student Wins NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge
Students win $3,550 in Shark Tank-style pitch competition and advance to national finals NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners Chicago, IL, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global entrepreneurship education nonprofit Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has named six local student businesses as the winners of its annual Midwest Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. The young entrepreneurs distinguished themselves through innovative business ideas, which they will present at the national finals in New York on Oct. 8 to compete for the National Champion title and cash prizes. Competitors pitched their original business concepts to a panel of esteemed judges, including Jennifer L. Husbands, PhD, Founder of Steward Education Advisors; Fatima Iqbal, Discovery Specialist at Traub & Associates and CEO of Naz Exotic Auto; Sholape Kolawole, EY–Parthenon Chicago Office Leader; Marcus A. Payne, Vice President, Operations at Ingredion; and Aaron Trinidad, NFTE alumnus and Account Management at Ogilvy. The judges selected a first-place winner to receive $1,500, a second-place winner to receive $1,000, and a third-place winner to receive $500. The audience also selected a fast pitch people's choice winner receiving $250 and two runners up each receiving $150. 1st Place: Joshua Mallory from Chicago Hope Academy with his business idea Easy Fit, which provides accessible dress shirts with magnetic closures for people with upper body mobility challenges. 2nd Place: Prince Amankwaa from Horizon Science Academy in Columbus, Ohio, with his business idea Goal Home, which brings affordable, high-quality soccer camps directly to underserved neighborhoods. 3rd Place: Aminah Taylor from the Saint Louis Science Center with her business idea Fye Haven, which provides a bridge between therapy and everyday life for people with autism, fostering independence and growth through accessible, tailored support. 'We are immensely proud of the outstanding youth who have participated in competitions across the Midwest,' said Dr. Scott Nasatir, NFTE Midwest Executive Director. "These remarkable young entrepreneurs are not only generating innovative solutions to complex societal challenges, but they are also deeply committed to enhancing their local communities. Their dedication, along with the steadfast support of their educators and families, is truly commendable.' The event also honored Rookie Teacher of the Year Harvey Love and Veteran Teacher of the Year Luke Petro, as well as individual Volunteer of the Year Kristoffer Kizer and corporate Volunteer of the Year ShipBob for their deep commitment to coaching and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. The NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and Ingredion, with signature support from Santander Bank, associate support from PayPal and Zuora, and additional support from Slalom. For media inquiries, please contact Denise Berkhalter, APR, 917-281-4362, at mediainquiries@ ### About NFTE: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) ignites the entrepreneurial mindset with unique learning experiences that empower students to own their futures. A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE provides high-quality entrepreneurship education to middle school, high school and postsecondary students. NFTE brings the power of entrepreneurship to students, regardless of family income, community resources, special needs, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. NFTE has educated more than a million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models. Visit to learn more. Attachments NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Champion 2025 NFTE Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Winners CONTACT: Denise Berkhalter, APR Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) 917-281-4362 deniseb@ in to access your portfolio
