The Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) at Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Noida hosted Symudhyam '24, the annual flagship entrepreneurial event on 3-May-2024, organized, unfolded with immense fervor and enthusiasm. The event aimed to provide a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and engage in thought-provoking discussions on pertinent topics in the entrepreneurial landscape. Events included a panel discussion, case study competition, open market competition and business pitching competition.
The event began with a keynote speech by Dr. Nidhi Phutela, Director of Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies Noida, she highlighted the significance of compassion, active listening, and learning from others in the entrepreneurial journey. She portrayed Symudhyam as the realization of dreams converging into reality, setting the tone for the event. This was followed by speeches of the panelists and ended with a lively panel discussion. The prestigious panel included Mr. Anup Vikalp, CEO of Maple Highways,Mr. Arvind Rao, CEO of IVEDA,Mr. Pulak Jain, Co- founder, CBO & Head of Strategy - Transbnk and Karan Sachdeva, Co-founder of JustMyRoots.
Mr. Anup Vikal,shared insightful perspectives on entrepreneurship and provided an overview of the current state of the Indian economy. He emphasized the importance of focusing on value creation, stating that valuation naturally follows when value is prioritized in business endeavors. Mr. Arvind Rao, delved into the historical roots of entrepreneurship, tracing its origins to the Sanskrit term ‘Antarprerana’ meaning inner motivation for entrepreneurship." He emphasized that the entrepreneurial journey can be solitary and fraught with failures, highlighting the necessity of maintaining curiosity and resilience. Mr. Pulak Jain shared valuable insights on investments stressing the significance of understanding funding sources and strategies for ventures to achieve self-reliance. Mr. Karan Sachdeva, provided an engaging discourse on entrepreneurship, offering practical advice and insights drawn from personal experiences.
The engaging panel discussion ended with students actively, asking questions and engaging in discussions on various aspects of entrepreneurship. Topics covered included overcoming hurdles, identifying opportunities, and essential considerations when initiating a business venture. Dr. Prashant Dev Yadav, Faculty-Incharge of EDC, SCMS Noida presented vote of thanks to the panelists and requested them to engage with students for guidance and support.
Bring Your Own Business: The business pitch event was a dynamic platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative business ideas and strategies. BYOB challenged participants to present their business plans and engage with attendees through interactive stalls. The competition featured standout performances from teams like Leafix from Symbiosis Centre For Management Studies, Noida and Project Naina from Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, who demonstrated exemplary creativity and strategic thinking.
Team Leafix emerged as the winner of the competition, impressing both judges and spectators with their well-crafted business plan of plant based plastic and captivating stall presentation of their products. Their innovative idea and attention to detail set them apart, earning them well-deserved recognition.
Meanwhile, team Project Naina secured the runner-up position with their insightful understanding of market dynamics and consumer needs. Their comprehensive presentation and engaging stall setup showcased their potential as budding entrepreneurs.
Overall, the event served as a catalyst for entrepreneurial inspiration and knowledge exchange, empowering participants to embark on their entrepreneurial endeavors with confidence and purpose.
Case Quest: The Case Study Competition included case study presented to the participants centered around a fictitious company operating within a fictional country. Teams were tasked with meticulously analyzing the case study materials within a 75-minute timeframe. This in-depth analysis was the foundation for developing unique and innovative solutions to the company's pressing challenges.
The esteemed judges for the competition were Dr Vishwas Gupta and Dr Prashant Mehta, renowned for their field expertise. Each team delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining their proposed solutions. The judging criteria focused on the originality and effectiveness of the presented solutions, with a particular emphasis on the participant's ability to think critically and creatively.
The competition culminated in a well-deserved victory for "The Walking Dead," the team from Jaypee Business School. Their presentation impressed the judges with its insightful analysis and innovative approach to addressing the case study's challenges. Coming in second place was the "SRCC Squad" from SRCC College, who displayed exceptional analytical skills and a strategic approach to problem-solving.
The caliber of presentations delivered by all six teams was truly commendable. Each participant displayed a remarkable ability to dissect the complexities of the case study and formulate well-considered solutions. Asmi Pandey, a member of the EDC, extended her sincere gratitude in a vote of thanks to all participants for their dedication and the high quality of their work throughout the competition on behalf of the EDC.
Case Quest served as a valuable platform for nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within participating students. The competition fostered critical thinking, analytical prowess, and the ability to develop creative solutions under pressure. The event's success underscores the EDC's commitment to providing students with opportunities to hone their business acumen and emerge as future leaders in their chosen fields.
BizBazar: The Open Market Theme competition offered a thrilling and dynamic experience for participants, testing their networking and problem-solving skills in a simulated business environment. The competition kicked off with thorough explanation of rules about forging strategic alliances to tackle provided business challenges inspired by real-world scenarios. Participants were told to focus on negotiation skills that came into play, as teams persuasively advocated for their positions and communicated their proposed solutions. Collaborations blossomed, with participants demonstrating remarkable adaptability and problem-solving abilities.
The competition took an unexpected turn with the introduction of several "news flashes." These simulated real-world events significantly altered the initial economic landscape, requiring participants to think on their feet and adapt their strategies. This element added a layer of excitement and realism, mirroring the dynamic nature of actual business operations.
Armed with their newly acquired roles and the ever-evolving economic climate, participants dove into intense lobbying sessions. The judging panel, impressed by the participants' agility in the face of unforeseen developments, evaluated the formed alliances based on several key factors.
After careful consideration, Team Business Buddy emerged victorious, showcasing an exceptional blend of these crucial skill sets. Team Excelsior, demonstrating a strong performance throughout the competition, secured the runner-up position.
Symudhyam'24 was a resounding success, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs, industry experts, and seasoned professionals in a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship. The event provided a platform for learning, networking, and collaboration, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders to embark on their journey towards success.