Chandigarh Business School of Administration (CBSA), in association with the Department of RISE, successfully organised Spark to Startup 2k25, a two-day initiative designed to encourage innovation, showcase student talent, and promote entrepreneurship by guiding students in transforming ideas into impactful ventures.
The event saw participation from more than 45 student teams representing colleges across the Tricity. Their presentations spanned diverse themes, including technology and innovation, sustainability and social impact, youth-centric and future-ready lifestyles, and consumer-focused solutions.
After evaluation, ten teams were shortlisted for the final round, impressing the judges with creativity, clarity, and entrepreneurial potential. The inaugural sessions featured expert talks by distinguished entrepreneurs. Mandeep Kaur Tangra, CEO of Oorjaah, TEDx speaker, philanthropist, and founder of Punjab’s first IT company, shared her entrepreneurial journey and emphasized resilience and community-driven value creation.
Entrepreneurship is not just about building companies; it is about solving problems and driving positive transformation in society,” she said. Sanjay Modi, founder of NearBook, a Shark Tank-funded startup that has revitalized the used book market, encouraged students to translate their ideas into actionable ventures.
Every idea has potential, but it takes courage, discipline, and sustained effort to turn it into a successful venture,” he noted. Additional insights were shared by Mr. Brahm Alreja, Vice President, TiE Chandigarh, who spoke on creativity and perseverance, and Er. Nitin Srivastava, Global Process Transformation Director, Jones Lang Lasalle Gurugram, who highlighted professional pathways that support innovation.
The event concluded with the prize distribution. Jaideep Taak secured first place with a cash award of ₹10,000, while Rishav and Prithvi won second and third positions respectively. Certificates of appreciation were also distributed to participants, judges, and dignitaries.
Campus Director Dr. Rajdeep Singh added that Spark to Startup provided students a structured platform to test their ideas and gain real-world feedback. The quality and diversity of participation this year reflects the growing seriousness of young people in pursuing entrepreneurship as a career path.
The two-day program successfully combined knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and practical exposure, leaving students inspired and better equipped to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.