International Relations 51 In February 2023, The NorthCap University played host to the International Student Start-Up Idea Competition, a collaborative initiative between Cintana Education and Universitas Esa Unggul, Indonesia (UEU). This signifi cant event brought together students hailing from diverse corners of the globe, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Ecuador, Montenegro and India. It was a global academic endeavour that attested to NCU’s unwavering commitment of fostering education that transcends geographical boundaries. through Sustainable Innovations COMMUNITY IMPACTING A JOURNEY OF INNOVATION & CULTURAL EXPLORATION
The NorthCap University The event commenced with a gracious welcome extended to international students, orchestrated by NCU students, faculty members and staff . This hospitable reception set the tone for the week-long competition, designed to instill the values of innovation, entrepreneurship and global collaboration in the participating students. The attendees received meticulously crafted kits containing essential information and were introduced to their NCU counterparts, who would serve as their buddies and guides throughout the competition. Opening The GATES to GLOBAL Innovation
International Relations 53 A notable feature of the event was the Inauguration Ceremony, graced by esteemed dignitaries such as Hon’ble Governing Body Members, the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor and representatives from Cintana Education. The event’s opening moments were marked by an insightful video highlighting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the imperative of sustainable innovation. Dr. Rekha Vig from NCU and Prita Sayudi from UEU eloquently introduced the competition’s objectives, further underscoring the importance of sustainable innovations. As the competition unfolded, it was apparent that this was more than just a contest; it was an immersive educational experience. Industry experts led intensive masterclasses on entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation. These sessions, led by individuals such as Mr. Vidya Bhushan, Founder and COO at Dalchini Technologies, provided participants with a deep understanding of the intricacies of launching and refi ning innovative products.
The NorthCap University Day 2 emphasised sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants delved into NCU’s Centres of Excellence in AI/VR and Gaming, gaining hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technology. The day was fi lled with immersive masterclasses, a drone show, ENTREPRENEURS of Tomorrow Empowering the
International Relations 55 networking opportunities and preparations for the impending startup pitches. Of particular note was the engaging masterclass by Gaurav Sarup, Director - ESG, Carbon & Social Performance at Vedanta Resources Limited, which shed light on corporate India’s eff orts in driving the sustainability agenda. One of the event’s highlights was a candid session with Rashi Narang, Founder of Heads Up For Tails, a renowned name in the pet care industry of India. Her journey, from overcoming early struggles to navigating through pivotal decisions, off ered invaluable insights into the world of entrepreneurship for all students. The event further expanded its horizons by featuring Airbotix, an organisation specialising in indigenous drone and underwater vehicle technology. A live demonstration of their innovative drones provided participants with a glimpse of cutting-edge technologies and how to launch them in the market.
The NorthCap University As the competition progressed into its later stages, students were not confi ned to the university campus alone. They embarked on a visit to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi’s INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS Unique Pitches, & WINNING Triumph
International Relations 57 Research and Innovation Park. Here, they interacted with founders of successful startups, gaining fi rsthand insights into the practicalities of converting innovative ideas into reality. The students also had the opportunity to explore manufacturing and electrical labs at the FITT Centre. Each day was a journey of discovery and learning, culminating in the students’ startup presentations on Day 4. Teams from diff erent universities, including Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Mapua University, The NorthCap University, Universitas Esa Unggul and University of Dinja Gorica, presented their entrepreneurial concepts to a distinguished jury comprising of Dr. Rick Shangraw Jr., President of Cintana Education, Dr. Vijay Arora, Chief Executive Offi cer of IGDTUW Anveshan Foundation, Mr. Kavindra Taliyan, Chief Executive Offi cer of Atal Incubation Centre, JNUFI and Mr. Vishal Chadha, Former AVP & Head Net New Business, HCL Technologies at the NCU’s Incubation and Innovation Centre. The competition was fi erce, and PePiPow from Universitas Esa Unggul emerged as the champion.
The NorthCap University Beyond the intense intellectual engagement, the event also aimed to enrich the participants culturally. Days 5 and 6 were dedicated to immersing the students in India’s rich heritage. They explored historical landmarks such as the Red Fort, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Elevation and Enrichment: BEYOND the COMPETITION
International Relations 59 the Parliament House in Delhi. A visit to Delhi Haat provided an opportunity to experience local crafts and cuisine. Furthermore, a trip to Agra, with the iconic Taj Mahal as its centerpiece, showcased the splendour of Mughal architecture. The International Student Start-Up Idea Competition at NCU was more than just a competition; it was a transformative experience. It exemplifi ed NCU’s commitment to providing an education that extends beyond borders. It provided a platform for students to exchange ideas, build international networks and develop the confi dence to tackle global challenges. NCU’s dedication to nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship and global collaboration among its students is rooted in the hope that our future leaders will use their knowledge and experiences to make a lasting impact on the world.
The NorthCap University Apurva Chamaria Head of Startups and Venture Capital, Google India Topic: Startups and Investment Vidya Bhushan Co-Founder & COO, Daalchini Technologies Topic: Transforming Products for the Future The Start-up Masterclass Gaurav Sarup Director - ESG, Carbon & Social Performance at Vedanta Resources Limited Topic: How Big Business is Driving the Sustainability Agenda Rashi Narang Founder, Heads Up for Tails Topic: A Tale of Starting-Up Series
International Relations 61 Meet the Winners Team Indonesia Praanjjal Agnihotri, Madhur Nagarath, Ashutosh Kumar Sahu, Meghna Sharma Muhammad Dhafi Iskandar, Priska Dewi Ningrum Arumawati, Jelita Purnama Yuandini Sarasvati Devi Raja Guhyam Pavitram Team India Lorenzo Rosania, UIDE, Ecuador Young Achiever Award Winner Ecuador Team Ecuador Lorenzo Rosania, Daniel Romero, Maria Emilia Rolon, Bernardo Darquea Blerdijan Kolic, Benjamin Dobardzic, Tamara Pavlovic, Vladimir Borovic Team Montenegro Team Philippines John Lloyd Gumahad, Cyrus Mari Lopez, Lindy Paul Aldaba
The NorthCap University Here’s What International Participants had to say about their experience at NCU “All people here are hospitable and joyful; we felt like we were home! At IIT Delhi we had a wonderful experience; we learned about the start-up ecosystem of India, listened to some of their stories and gathered many insights, which we could implement in our own start-up also.” Tamara Pavlović University of Donja Gorica (Montenegro) “We enjoyed all the Masterclass sessions, especially the one about sustainability, because our product is based around the same ideology! We really enjoyed them and they held our full attention.” Sarasvati Devi Raja Guhyam Pavitram Universitas Esa Unggul (Indonesia) “We really enjoyed meeting the people inside the campus. We are thankful to our student buddies at NCU for making our experience so much better. Thanks to the professors for making the whole event a super fun experience despite all the tension about the competition.” “The campus is beautiful, the smart classroom is amazing, but I think the people at The NorthCap University are the most beautiful.” María Emilia Rolón Universidad Internacional del Ecuador (Ecuador) John Lloyd Gumahad Mapua University (Philippines)
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