TMU Innovation Ignition 2025 – Empowering Innovation and Entrepreneurship

TMU Innovation Ignition 2025, a flagship initiative by the TMU Business Incubation Centre (TMU-BIC), successfully catalysed innovation and entrepreneurial spirit across Teerthanker Mahaveer University. The programme engaged over 3000 students from all TMU constituent colleges through a two-phase campaign comprising Pre-Buzz Sessions and a high-profile Innovation Ignition Competition.

A total of 51 startup ideas were submitted, with 16 finalists pitching at the Grand Finale held on May 1, 2025, at TMU’s Medical Lecture Theatre. Mr. Rajat Jain, Founder of Sunfox Technologies, delivered the keynote address, while renowned film director and entrepreneur Mr. Tanuj Bhatia joined the winners’ panel discussion on May 5, 2025. This report summarises the programme’s design, execution, outcomes, and future directions.

Introduction

TMU-BIC launched Innovation Ignition 2025 with the objectives to:

• Identify and nurture innovative ideas from students and faculty
• Provide a platform to develop and showcase entrepreneurial ventures
• Foster a collaborative, cross-disciplinary innovation ecosystem at TMU
• Support startup creation and sustainable entrepreneurship

Programme Structure

3.1 Phase 1: Pre-Buzz Sessions (March – April 25, 2025)

Awareness and engagement sessions were conducted across all TMU colleges, including Engineering, Agriculture, Pharmacy, Nursing, Fine Arts, Dental, Physiotherapy, and Education faculties. Over 3000 students participated in interactive workshops covering:

• Basics of innovation and entrepreneurship
• Startup ecosystem and opportunities at TMU-BIC
• Real-life success stories from incubated entrepreneurs

This phase effectively built motivation and prepared participants for the competition.

3.2 Phase 2: Innovation Ignition Competition (April 22 – May 1, 2025)

• Launch: April 22, 2025, call for applications opened.
• Submissions: 51 startup ideas spanning HealthTech, Sustainability, AgriTech, IoT, AI, LegalTech, Art & Craft, SaaS, E-Commerce, and Hardware domains.
• Pre-Screening & Mentoring: Shortlisted teams received expert mentorship on feasibility, business modelling, market fit, and presentation skills.
• Grand Finale: May 1, 2025, at LT-2, TMU Campus, 16 finalists pitched before a distinguished jury.

Grand Finale and Panel Discussion

Chief Guest & Keynote Speaker: Mr. Rajat Jain, Founder of Sunfox Technologies
His keynote highlighted entrepreneurial journeys, challenges in deep-tech innovation, and changing risk perceptions.

Jury Members:

• Prof (Dr) Amit Kansal, Associate Dean - Academics
• Mr. Pradeep Kr. Verma, Assistant Coordinator - IIC
• Mr. Niteesh Jaiswal, Head - Digital Marketing
• Mr. Prashant Singh, Incubation Manager, TMU-BIC

On May 5, 2025, a panel discussion titled "Resilience, Persistence & Power to Dream Boldly" was hosted by TMU-BIC, featuring filmmaker and entrepreneur Mr. Tanuj Bhatia. The 16 finalists shared insights and received guidance on incubation and product development.

Winners of TMU Innovation Ignition 2025

The winning Nursing EdTech platform focuses on enhancing nursing education through gamified digital learning solutions.

Outcomes and Impact

Future Steps

TMU-BIC will extend support to the winning teams and promising ventures via:

• TMU-BIC Pre-Incubation Program
• Ongoing mentorship and workshops on prototype development, market validation, and investor readiness
• Facilitation for external funding and national/international pitch opportunities

Acknowledgements

TMU-BIC thanks all participating colleges, students, faculty coordinators, guest speakers Mr. Rajat Jain and Mr. Tanuj Bhatia, and TMU leadership for their invaluable support.

Conclusion

TMU Innovation Ignition 2025 has successfully created an inspiring platform that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurial talent across diverse disciplines at Teerthanker Mahaveer University. TMU-BIC remains dedicated to building a vibrant startup ecosystem fostering creativity, collaboration, and real-world impact.