Idea 2 Impact

The “Idea 2 Impact” workshop, organized by the School of Commerce, Finance & Accountancy at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, on 6 October 2025, was an engaging and motivating one-day event focused on entrepreneurship development. Conducted in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) and the Office of Alumni Engagement, the session aimed to help students understand how innovative ideas can be converted into practical business ventures. The guest speaker, Mr. Akinchan Jain, Managing Director of Desert Wide India Pvt. Ltd., brought a refreshing and youthful perspective to entrepreneurship. His session was filled with personal experiences, real-life business examples, and practical advice that inspired students to think creatively and fearlessly.

Mr. Jain began the workshop by discussing how entrepreneurship begins with curiosity and observation. He emphasized that great ideas are often born from identifying small everyday problems and finding unique ways to solve them. He introduced students to his “5I Framework”—Ideate, Investigate, Implement, Iterate, and Impact—explaining that each stage plays a crucial role in turning an idea into a meaningful enterprise. Through this model, students learned that entrepreneurship is not a straight path but a continuous process of learning, experimenting, and refining. He also reminded participants that one does not need huge capital to start; instead, passion, planning, and persistence are the real drivers of success.

To make the session more engaging, he conducted an individual SWOT analysis activity, where students analyzed their own Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This exercise encouraged self-reflection and helped participants understand their personal capabilities and limitations as potential entrepreneurs. Mr. Jain explained that knowing oneself is the first step in building a business because every venture reflects the personality and mindset of its founder.

He then guided students through the process of preparing a business blueprint, helping them translate their ideas into structured business models. Each participant was asked to sketch out a basic plan for their own business idea, detailing key components such as the product or service concept, target audience, unique selling proposition, marketing strategy, and financial feasibility. Mr. Jain walked around the room, interacting with students and offering practical feedback on how to make their ideas more realistic and sustainable. The activity allowed students to experience the early stages of entrepreneurship, where ideas are tested and refined before implementation.

The workshop also touched on crucial aspects like funding, branding, and adaptability. Mr. Jain explained that while financial support is important, the real foundation of a business lies in clear vision, proper planning, and a problem-solving attitude. He shared examples of startups that began small but succeeded because they consistently focused on customer needs and innovation. His emphasis on adaptability and learning from failure resonated strongly with the audience, as he encouraged students to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

The session concluded with an open Q&A, where students enthusiastically asked about startup funding, managing risks, and building credibility. Mr. Jain’s responses were practical, motivating, and full of real-world insights. The “Idea 2 Impact” workshop proved to be more than just a lecture—it was a hands-on experience that encouraged self-awareness, creativity, and strategic thinking. By the end of the day, students walked away with a clearer sense of direction, confidence in their ideas, and an understanding that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business—it’s about believing in one’s potential to create meaningful change.