Ahmedabad: Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) organised “Vikas Saptah 2026 – SSIP 2.0 Startup and Innovation Awareness Programme” on Oct 8 to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and awareness of the startup ecosystem among students.Experts conducted sessions on various aspects of startups, business development and innovation. CA Rinkesh Shah highlighted the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. Anay Mashruwala encouraged students to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, while Dharmendra Pandya explained startup fundamentals and govt schemes.Fenil Shah, chartered accountant, discussed technical skills and the role of artificial intelligence in improving startup efficiency. Karamjitsinh Bihola, founder of Innodesk Designovation Services, explained design thinking and ideation. Dr Hima Trivedi of GLS University’s Incubation Centre highlighted market research, competitive analysis, branding and digital marketing.During the Startup Founder Talk, entrepreneurs Satya Mehta and Haeli Soparkar shared their experiences, challenges and lessons from establishing and developing startups. Dr Priti Chothani discussed intellectual property rights, patents, trademarks, copyrights and industrial design protection.The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to participating students.
