31/01/2025
The Group Project in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (GPEI) at the Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM), IIT Kharagpur, is a unique and transformative experience for students. It’s designed to encourage creativity, collaboration, and practical skills as students tackle real-world problems and explore innovative ideas. They are guided by experienced mentors and teams are encouraged to dive deep into market research, business planning, and in many cases, prototype development, making GPEI a standout initiative.
One project took up the immense potential of jamun (Indian blackberry) as an alternative to blueberries. Their research led them to jamun products like ‘Jamun Candy’ and they chose to focus on cost comparisons and value addition, for example the cost to make it and the price it could be sold for. Teams delved into the benefits of jamun seeds, which hold significant utility but are currently underutilized and studied the potential and current attempt to grow seedless varieties to increase market appeal. With research-backed insights, they created a business plan to commercialize jamun products, positioning them as a cost-effective alternative to imported berries.
Another team tackled the challenges faced by toto drivers, a critical part of last-mile connectivity in many regions. Through extensive interactions with drivers, they identified key pain points such as waiting hotspots, designated parking areas, fair pricing, and service timings. Using this data, the team developed a marketing strategy and a basic platform to improve driver visibility and operational efficiency. The project aimed to enhance both the drivers' earnings and customer satisfaction.
Sustainability also emerged as a key focus area for GPEI projects.
One group addressed the issue of textile waste generated by fast fashion, not just from discarded consumer garments but also from manufacturing processes. By analyzing the scale of waste in India, they developed a sustainable clothing line and conducted a break-even analysis for categories like athleisure, casual wear, and formal wear. Their efforts included supplier sourcing, competitor analysis which also included studying the best practices that they follow and imbibing it. They were able to successfully create a go-to-market strategy. To make their vision tangible, they even built a basic e-commerce website showcasing product designs and functionality (items could be added to cart).
Another group took on the task of reimagining IIT Kharagpur’s merchandise (which are extremely popular in the campus) with a focus on sustainability. By proposing eco-friendly materials and processes, they highlighted the institute’s commitment to environmental responsibility, presenting ideas that align with global sustainability trends.
GPEI at VGSoM is more than an academic program; it is a platform that prepares students to think like entrepreneurs and innovators. The projects not only provide hands-on experience but also instill the confidence to address pressing issues with practical solutions. For the upcoming batch, GPEI promises an exciting journey of learning, growth, and meaningful impact.