From August 21 to August 27, 2024, Willdoo Education successfully conducted a 6-day Entrepreneurship Bootcamp at Manakula Vinayagar Institute of Technology, with the sessions being led by none other than Mr. Sankaranand Balaradjou, the COO of Willdoo Education. The bootcamp embodied Willdoo’s hands-on approach to education, offering participants an immersive experience that focused on design thinking, business model development, and other key entrepreneurial concepts.
Here is a day-by-day breakdown of the sessions and student activities that took place during the Bootcamp:
Day 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship
The bootcamp kicked off with an insightful introduction to the world of entrepreneurship. Each team presented an entrepreneur who inspired them and discussed a business that failed due to the emergence of more innovative competitors. This reflective exercise helped students realize the importance of innovation and adaptability in a constantly evolving business environment.
As Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” The day’s activities echoed this sentiment, showing students that learning from failure is part of the entrepreneurial journey.
Day 2: Idea Generation and Validation – The Power of Design Thinking
This day was all about idea generation and validation through the design thinking framework, a structured approach entrepreneurs use to solve complex problems. Students actively participated in each step of the design thinking process, from empathizing with users to ideating, prototyping, and testing their concepts. The hands-on activity sparked creativity and encouraged innovative solutions for real-world problems, showing how ideas are validated in the marketplace.
Steve Jobs once said, “Creativity is just connecting things.” This exercise was a testament to how connecting user insights with creative thinking can generate groundbreaking ideas.
Day 3: Refining Solutions with Business Model Canvas (BMC)
Building on their design thinking work, students spent Day 3 working on refining their ideas using the Business Model Canvas. This strategic tool allowed them to map out key components of their business ideas, from value propositions to customer segments and revenue streams. Students presented their solutions, demonstrating their ability to think both creatively and strategically.
Day 4: Business Model Presentations
On this day, participants applied their learning to prepare a complete Business Model Canvas for their innovative business ideas, detailing the core elements such as value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and key resources. The energy was palpable as each team showcased their innovative ideas, outlining how their solutions could be transformed into viable businesses. The feedback session allowed students to further improve their models while gaining confidence in public speaking—a crucial skill for any entrepreneur.
Day 5 & 6: Exploring Marketing, Funding, and Beyond
The final day broadened the scope of entrepreneurial knowledge, introducing students to key concepts such as Pitching and Presentation Skills, Market Opportunity, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy, and scaling a business. This holistic approach ensured that students not only had great ideas but also knew how to take those ideas to market and secure the resources necessary for growth.
Conclusion: An Interactive and Immersive Experience
The bootcamp at Manakula Vinayagar Institute of Technology was more than just a series of lectures—it was an immersive experience that equipped students with the skills and mindset necessary to succeed as entrepreneurs. By engaging in practical activities, the students gained firsthand experience in ideation, validation, and business modeling, preparing them to face the challenges of the entrepreneurial world with confidence and creativity.
As the students left the bootcamp, they were not only more knowledgeable but also more inspired, ready to take their first steps toward becoming the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
This bootcamp aligns perfectly with Willdoo Education’s mission to empower future innovators by providing experiential learning and real-world problem-solving skills. By nurturing critical thinking and creativity, Willdoo Education is preparing students to excel in the dynamic, tech-driven future.
Let’s continue shaping the future by fostering the entrepreneurial spirit!
