Big ideas don’t arrive fully formed. They begin as questions, conversations,and the courage to start. At Indira University, these beginnings are given space and belief, especially within the Swakiyam Centre for Incubation & Innovation, where young founders learn what it truly takes to build something meaningful.

This spirit took centre stage during a landmark celebration of National Startup Day on 16 January 2026, as Indira University brought together founders, mentors and industry voices for a day rooted in learning and action. The occasion was about strengthening the startup mindset through conversations grounded in practice.

A key highlight of the day was the session titled “The Secret Sauce of Startup Valuation,” conducted by Mr. Rahul Jain, Founder, Pune Angels Network. For early stage founders, valuation is often one of the most critical and confusing parts of the startup journey. The session was designed to change that. With an investor-centric approach, Mr. Jain decoded how startups are evaluated at the idea and early revenue stages, offering clarity on what actually creates value beyond numbers on a pitch deck.

The discussion covered multiple valuation methodologies and unpacked the differing expectations of angel investors, venture capitalists and seed funds. What made the session especially impactful was its practical depth. Through a live valuation exercise, incubatees presented their startup ideas and received immediate feedback, allowing them to view their ventures through an investor’s lens. This bridged the gap between theory and practice, helping founders understand how risk and long term vision influence funding decisions.

Such meaningful learning experiences are a reflection of the strong leadership guiding Swakiyam. Under the vision and mentorship of Mr. Baljeet Gujral, Chairman, Swakiyam Centre for Incubation & Innovation, and Dr. Dipanjay Bhalerao, Director, Swakiyam Centre for Incubation & Innovation, Indira University, the centre has evolved into a space where ideas are refined and not rushed. Their commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship has enabled students to think boldly, ask the right questions and build with intention.

Adding to this momentum, Indira University proudly acknowledges Mr. Baljeet Gujral’s appointment as a Board Evaluator for the AI & AgriTech Innovation Centre (AIAIC) under the Agriculture Department, Government of Maharashtra, as part of the Maha Agri-AI Policy 2025–2029, a recognition that underscores Swakiyam’s growing influence beyond the campus.

National Startup Day at Indira University stood as a reminder that every founder’s journey begins small but grows through the right guidance, ecosystem and belief. At Swakiyam, innovation is carefully cultivated. And for every dreamer waiting to take the first step, this day reaffirmed one simple truth, that all beginnings matter.