Punjab’s Pioneering Initiative: Government School Youngpreneurs to Showcase Startups at Business Blasters Expo
Chandigarh, July 4,
Punjab Government to Host Business Blasters Expo at IIT Ropar on July 5, Announces Harjot Bains
40 Teams of 18-Year-Old Entrepreneurs to Pitch Ventures to Investors and Experts
Business Blaster Program Provides ₹16,000 Seed Funding Per Team to Encourage XI-XII Students to Start Businesses: Education Minister
In a groundbreaking move to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among Punjab’s youth, the Punjab Government is set to host the inaugural Business Blasters Expo at IIT Ropar on July 5, 2025. Students from government schools in classes 11 and 12 will present their innovative startups and participate in dynamic Shark Tank-style pitch sessions before a prestigious panel of investors, entrepreneurs, and incubators, announced Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains.
Press Conference Highlights
During a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Friday evening, S. Harjot Singh Bains shared that the expo aims to secure funding, incubation, and industry partnerships for scalable student ventures while inspiring stakeholders to support school-based entrepreneurship.
The Education Minister revealed that approximately 40 teams will display their products at the expo. Students from classes 11 and 12 in government schools have collectively developed 18,492 business ideas under the initiative.
Business Blaster Initiative
The Punjab Government has provided ₹16,000 in seed funding to each of over 7,000 teams to develop and launch their business ideas, guided by teachers and expert mentors. The expo’s primary goal is to connect students with market opportunities, enabling them to engage with real customers and generate revenue and profits.
Led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Business Blaster program empowers students through hands-on, team-based learning, cultivating essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and financial management through real-world business experiences.
Revenue-Generating Ventures
S. Harjot Singh Bains noted that several student-led ventures are already generating revenue and expanding operations. During the press conference, he showcased four innovative products developed by student teams:
-
Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Rupnagar:
Product: “Creative Girls” – Resin-based coasters, keychains, and candle molds.
Achievement: Over 250 units sold. -
Government Senior Secondary School, Pathankot:
Product: “e-Motion Bike” – A rechargeable electric bicycle designed for energy-efficient urban last-mile mobility. -
Government Senior Secondary School, Bathinda:
Product: “Herbal Shine” – Chemical-free herbal shampoo made with traditional ingredients.
Achievement: 80 units sold with positive customer feedback. -
Government Senior Secondary School, Ferozepur:
Product: “Defend-X Stick” – A self-defense stick with LED, shock points, and a concealed blade, targeting women and senior citizens.
Achievement: The Government Senior Secondary School, Moga team developed “BB Choco Dreams” – Handmade, preservative-free chocolates, earning over ₹4,000 in profit.
Vision for Economic Growth
S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasized that India’s progress hinges on business and economic growth, and the Punjab Government is nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset from the school level. “By empowering students to think like entrepreneurs, we are building a foundation for Punjab’s economic future,” he said.
Significance
The Business Blasters Expo marks a historic step in promoting entrepreneurship among Punjab’s youth, providing a platform for young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses. This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to fostering creativity, economic independence, and practical skills among students, aligning with CM Mann’s vision for a progressive Punjab.
