Parul University, located in Vadodara, Gujarat, is a shining example of entrepreneurial achievement in a world where innovation determines the future. The university has created a vibrant ecosystem through the Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) and the Parul Innovation and Entrepreneurship Research Centre (PIERC) that enables students to transform innovative ideas into successful side businesses and startups, often before they even graduate.
This blog dives into the colourful world of Parul University's student entrepreneurs, spotlighting their experiences, highlighting profitable businesses, and examining the university's activities that contribute to its status as one of India's most active campuses for entrepreneurs.
An Ecosystem for Innovation
Parul University's strong infrastructure and committed programs are the foundation of its entrepreneurial culture. The EDC was founded in 2013 to encourage students in all fields to be curious, creative, and to think like entrepreneurs. By 2015, PIERC had developed into a Section 8 business that offers organised assistance to businesses at every level, from conception to expansion.
Through organised pre-incubation programs, such as rigorous workshops and bootcamps, PIERC assists entrepreneurs in validating their ideas, creating business models, and becoming ready for full-scale incubation. PIERC fosters an interdisciplinary entrepreneurial culture and ensures that all students, irrespective of their major, are exposed to entrepreneurship by integrating innovation training into programs such as engineering, design, management, and pharmacy.
Parul University's leadership in supporting student-led innovation was confirmed when the Gujarat State SSIP Committee named it the Best Performing University in Gujarat for Entrepreneurship through PIERC.
Key Resources and Infrastructure:
- PIERC Startup Studios in Vadodara, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, and Surat, building a statewide support network
- A cutting-edge Fab Lab, the Fab Lab gives creatives access to state-of-the-art tools including laser engravers, vinyl cutters, 3D scanners, and CNC milling machines, which facilitate iterative product creation and quick prototyping.
- Dedicated co-working spaces and incubation centers offering workstations, meeting lounges, and collaboration zones
Breeding Grounds for Entrepreneurs
To cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, Parul University hosts several high-impact events and initiatives:
- Vadodara Startup Festival - A celebration of innovation, this flagship event gathers students, investors, and entrepreneurs for startup expos, investor sessions, internship carnivals, and powerful networking opportunities.
- Women Startup Meet - Focusing on empowering women entrepreneurs, this event features inspiring stories, workshops, and pitch sessions connecting women-led ventures with mentors and investors.
- Startup Incubation Program - A structured initiative providing mentorship, workshops, and access to funding, helping early-stage startups validate ideas and build sustainable business models.
- Startup Expo & Demo Days - Platforms where startups showcase products and pitch ideas to investors and industry experts.
- Idea Pitching Competitions & Hackathons - Engaging events encouraging students to develop innovative solutions, often focused on specific industries like healthcare or sustainability.
- Toycathon & Healthcare Innovation Festival - Specialized competitions encouraging industry-specific innovation, reflecting the university’s commitment to solving real-world problems.
- E-Talks & Webinars - Expert sessions where successful entrepreneurs share their journeys, providing invaluable insights to budding innovators.
Beyond mentorship, PIERC offers legal guidance on company formation, assistance in filing patents, and expert support in financial modeling, ensuring that startups build a strong, compliant foundation for growth. Through partnerships with global institutions across Europe and Australia, PIERC offers exchange programs, international startup competitions, and cross-border mentoring, equipping students with a global entrepreneurial mindset.
These initiatives ensure that entrepreneurship at Parul University is not confined to classrooms but woven into the very fabric of student life.
Programs That Shape Future Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship is emphasised in Parul University's curriculum in addition to extracurricular activities. In order to prepare students for the practical difficulties of startup entrepreneurship, programs such as the MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship teach them how to generate ideas, construct business models, analyse markets, and pitch investors.
As of 2025, PIERC has incubated over 180 startups, facilitated innovation grants exceeding ₹12 crore, and supported student ventures in generating over ₹25 crore in revenue, underscoring the university’s measurable impact on India’s startup ecosystem.
Global partnerships, such as the Young Entrepreneur Exchange Project (YEEP), which is in association with Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, provide students with exposure to other countries, which broadens their viewpoint and allows them to engage with peers from different countries.
Student-Led Startups Making an Impact
The businesses that have sprung up from Parul University's campus are the best example of the university's entrepreneurial prowess:
- HardClickk - Revolutionizing E-CommerceFounded by Mayur Gaje, Abhishek Singh, and Uday Tople, HardClickk aims to transform e-commerce with a one-click solution. The startup was a finalist in Shark Tank India Season 2, securing funding of ₹22.5 lakhs from SISF and IAN. This milestone reflects the entrepreneurial grit and market readiness fostered at Parul University.
- Medref Healthbridge Solutions - Advancing Digital HealthcareThis innovative project, which focuses on mother and child health, is funded by UNEPI and Uganda's Ministry of Health. Medref is constantly seeking partnerships with organisations like GAVI, and its digital solutions promote global health goals. PIERC's guidance and visibility through events like the Vadodara Healthcare and Innovation Festival have been crucial in helping Medref enhance its strategy and establish enduring partnerships.
- Kavitul Technologies Pvt. Ltd. - Redefining Cardiac DiagnosticsEstablished by Yogesh Patel and Ajinkya Puranik, this Vadodara-based startup has developed a revolutionary handheld ECG machine. The device offers virtual instantaneous ECG diagnostic services, acquiring 12 channels of ECG in real-time and generating reports as PDFs. With over 350 Dr. Cardio devices sold globally, Kavitul Technologies stands as a shining example of Parul University’s commitment to healthcare innovation.
- Dori Handcrafts - Reviving Traditional Art with a Modern TwistDori Handcrafts, dedicated to macrame and handcrafted decor, combines traditional artistry with smart market strategies. The startup recently secured angel investment, marking a significant milestone celebrated by PIERC. By leveraging mentorship and marketing resources, Dori has scaled operations beyond Gujarat, proving that passion projects can evolve into thriving businesses.
Other Promising Ventures
Numerous startups in the fields of technology, healthcare, energy, and social innovation have established themselves at Parul, ranging from Galanto Innovations to Vcare Ostomy and Ecorrect Pvt. Ltd. Each exemplifies how the university's entrepreneurship ecosystem is multidisciplinary and collaborative.
Spark of Side Hustles
Not every student dreams of launching a full-scale startup right away. For many, side hustles are the first step into entrepreneurship, providing a safe space to experiment, learn, and earn.
- Freelance Design & Content Creation - Design students have launched successful side hustles in graphic design and content creation, serving clients locally and online. Many leverage PIERC’s tools, like the Fab Lab and Adobe Creative Suite, to produce professional-grade work.
- E-commerce Ventures - From handmade crafts to eco-friendly products, students have built e-commerce stores with PIERC’s mentorship on sourcing, branding, and digital marketing.
- Tech-Based Services - Engineering students offer IT solutions, build mobile apps, and develop SaaS products for local businesses. PIERC’s accelerator programs help these ventures transition from side hustles to scalable startups.
- Event Planning & Creative Services - Students organize cultural events, photography gigs, and marketing campaigns, gaining hands-on experience that often turns into profitable businesses.
PIERC: Behind Student Success
PIERC’s comprehensive support system equips student entrepreneurs with everything they need to succeed:
- Mentorship & Startup Counseling - One-on-one guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts
- Funding Opportunities - Access to SSIP grants, seed funds, angel investors, and venture capital
- World-Class Facilities - Co-working spaces and a Fab Lab providing essential tools and collaborative environments
- Incubation & Accelerator Programs - Structured support guiding startups from idea to market
- Networking Platforms - Signature events connecting students with investors, corporate partners, and potential customers
Our Women Entrepreneurs Are Changing the Game!
Events like the Women Startup Meet 4.0 exemplify Parul University’s commitment to gender equity in entrepreneurship. The event featured over 20 inspiring speakers, including Dr. Anar Mehta (Founder, Shristi Bharat Foundation), Taruna Suryavanshi (Director, Cinemarc Multiplexes), and Neha Dasadia (CEO, Etransit Security System). More than 3,500 women participants and 80+ women-led startups showcased their ideas, proving that a supportive ecosystem can break barriers and fuel success for women innovators.
Global Reach: Young Entrepreneur Exchange Project (YEEP)
YEEP highlights Parul’s international outlook, bringing together students from India and Switzerland to collaborate on projects through a two-week summer school. Activities like workshops on market analysis, pitch development, and brand building give students practical exposure and expand their networks globally. Stories like Immuniso’s demonstrate how YEEP fosters cross-border innovation, positioning Parul as a leader in global entrepreneurship education.
The Pipeline Of Ideas To Impact
The road to entrepreneurship isn’t always smooth. Balancing academics, securing funding, and navigating market complexities can be daunting. Yet, with PIERC’s guidance, students have turned these challenges into opportunities—securing patents, winning awards, and attracting investors. During her visit, Her Excellency Begoña Gómez praised Parul University’s dedication to social innovation, recognizing its impact in addressing pressing societal challenges.
Expanding startup studios, strengthening international partnerships, and incorporating entrepreneurship into more academic programs, such as the MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, are all part of Parul University's plans to encourage at least 5% of its students to pursue entrepreneurial careers, thereby directly contributing to India's social and economic development.
Innovation can be fostered anywhere ideas flourish, as seen by Parul University's thriving business ecosystem, which is supported by PIERC and the EDC. From innovative side projects to game-changing agritech and life-saving healthcare endeavours, Parul's student entrepreneurs are influencing India's startup scene. One thing is evident as the university broadens its scope: Parul Campus's entrepreneurs are prepared to make a difference.
