Goemkarponn desk
SANCOALE: The Startup & IT Promotion Cell, under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics, and Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, organized an event titled “Flip the Classroom: From Problems to Progress” at the BITS Pilani Campus in Sancoale.
Originally starting as the Founders Club, a space designed for learning and networking, the initiative has evolved into a more dynamic and impactful program—Flip the Classroom. This event focused on providing startups with expert advice and actionable solutions to their real-world challenges.
The event was graced by notable guests, including Ms. Rupali Chowdhary, Program Manager of IIT/IIM Institute and Alumni Engagement at IvyCap Ventures, Mr. Abhishek Gupta, Startup Ecosystem Enabler and Incubation Manager at Atal Incubation Centre (GIM) and Mr. Girish Sampath, Startup and Entrepreneurship Program Lead at Build3, alongside the BITS BiocytiH Foundation team.
By featuring founders on the panel, they had the chance to openly share their challenges and collaborate with experts to develop solutions. Flip the Classroom now serves as a platform where founders can present their issues, and a cooperative network works together to craft practical and innovative solutions.
The panel discussion was moderated by Kishore Shah, Managing Trustee at GDP Foundation, and featured prominent startup founders including Nitin Naik, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Evac Safe Pvt. Ltd., and Akshay Terdalkar, Co-founder of Nutri Coco.
Akshay Terdalkar, Co-founder of the FMCG brand Nutri Coco, which specializes in natural and pure edible coconut oil, presented the challenges his startup faces, including financial limitations, budget restrictions, and difficulties in scaling operations. Experts in the audience recommended targeting bulk purchase opportunities from sectors such as restaurants, hospitality industries, Ayurveda institutions, and canteens, as well as exploring white-labeling partnerships with farm-fresh suppliers.
During his presentation, experts also identified the absence of a team within his startup. They advised Terdalkar to seek a co-founder with complementary skills and to build a team of experts to manage various business functions effectively. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of conducting thorough customer research and developing a structured customer acquisition funnel to drive growth.
Nitin Naik, Founder of Evac Safe Pvt. Ltd., a disaster risk management company, discussed his challenges in navigating marketing complexities and transitioning from a government role to the corporate sector. With limited experience in the corporate world, Mr. Naik sought guidance on how to effectively market his services to a broader audience. Experts advised him to explore potential clients within sectors such as real estate, construction, auditoriums, schools, manufacturing facilities, multiplexes, and housing societies. The audience also shared contacts from their networks, providing him with valuable opportunities to connect with potential clients and expand his business reach.
Overall, the experts advised both founders to clearly identify their target customers and define their niche markets. Additionally, they recommended ensuring that their businesses comply with relevant standards and regulations. The experts stressed a step-by-step approach to implementing these strategies, encouraging careful planning and gradual execution to achieve sustainable growth and success.
The discussions were both enlightening and actionable, leaving the founders with practical steps to overcome their hurdles.
