CTSE – A Case Study to Encourage Start-ups and Skill Development among Engineering Students

Abstract

CSMSS Chh. Shahu College of Engineering was established in the year 2013 under the umbrella of Chh. Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Sanstha. During the first 2 years, it was analysed that more than 80% students are coming from rural background and they lack in soft and technical skills. The principal and management of institute decided to work on skills and entrepreneurship development for students. In July 2015, “Center for Technical Skills and Entrepreneurship (CTSE)” was established with the aim to design and develop industry-ready training programmes and promote entrepreneurship among students by taking up industrial/social problems as student projects, which can be commercialized. Faculty members of CTSE started exploring industries and various organizations for association. Two faculty members were sent to EDI Ahmedabad for faculty development programme on “Entrepreneurship Development”. A strong connect is established with various academic institutions and industries. Till date 20 industry-ready training programmes are designed and developed, few of them are included as an open elective subject in the university curriculum. Four student start-ups are incubated and more than 10 projects have been implemented by students that has potential to be patented and commercialized. These projects grabbed various prizes at competitions, such as Bajaj Auto Bhartiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BABYST) Business Idea Competition, eYantra Ideas Competition, Mistubishi Electric Cup, Startup India Maharashtra Yatra, Avishkar Competition, etc. The rest of the case study summarizes success stories of start-ups incubated at CTSE and activities that helped to inculcate the entrepreneurial attitude among students.