On 22 April 2011, JSS DVH-IMSR held its National Level Business Plan Competition: Youngpreneurs Galore 2011. The event was held in the D.C.S.E. auditorium and the Deshpande Foundation sponsored the Rs. 50,000 in prize money. The day began with an Inauguration Ceremony that featured Chief Guest Sri. Madhusudan Kocha, Managing Director of Capital Control Pvt. Ltd., Dr. N. Vajrakumar, Honourable Secretary of JSS Dharwad, and Dr. M.S. Subhas, Dean and Director of the Kousali Institute of Management Studies.
The organizers at JSS developed a unique concept that made this competition stand out: business plans were judged in stages that mimicked the “real-world” (no Powerpoint allowed!). The judges for the competition were: Dr. Basavraj Girennavar, Managing Director of RICO Winery and Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sri. Kamalakar Deshpande, Assistant General Manager of KSFC, Belgaum, and EA’s Genny King.
Participants had no idea what to expect from the competition. They were given the details about each round only 30 minutes before they began! Just like an aspiring entrepreneur might have only the attention of an investor for a minute or two, the first stage of the competition was an elevator pitch. Two members from each team had ninety seconds to pitch their business to the judges.
Having gotten the attention of the “investors”, teams then had five minutes in the second round to make a longer pitch and answer questions. For this round, teams were given a sheet of paper, sketch pens, and thirty minutes to draw anything they wanted to use in their presentation. Finally, teams had exactly two minutes in the third round to perform a skit that would advertise their business venture. Remember that they had no idea that this challenge awaited them!
After a long day, the judges decided on the three winning teams. In third place and winning Rs. 10,000 was the team from SDM CET Dharwad with their plan for a series of food street stalls that distinguishes itself with its impeccable hygiene. JSS DVH-IMSR came in second place and won Rs. 15,000 for presenting their plan for a device that could be used at public places to detect mobile activity and alert people to turn off their phones. The JSS team included E-Cell members Shashank D.J., Akshata Brahmavar , and Sunita Nikkam! The first place winner received Rs. 25,000 and came from KLE Engineering Belgaum. They presented a plan for a children’s swing-set that would pump water up from a well when in use!
At the end of the day, attendees and participants were loosened up by being treated to an amazing and energetic dance performance by students from JSS. The Valedictory Ceremony followed and featured judges Dr. Girennavar, Sri. Kamalakar Deshpande, and Naveen Jha, Director of DCSE.
EA thanks the hardworking faculty and students of JSS for putting on such an innovative event! We especially appreciate the efforts of E-Cell members, Event Coordinator Dr. Purushottam Bung, and JSS DVH-IMSR President Dr. C.S. Rajagopal.
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| JSS Youngpreneurs 2011 |
