News
Bengaluru, 26th April 2026: A team of students from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) earned international recognition after securing a Bronze Award at the Startup Innovation Weekend (SIW) 2026, held from 24th to 26th April in Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.
Representing their institution among more than 30 projects from over 25 countries, the team—Koustab Ghosh, Md Sohail, Aarush Sagare and Deeksha Nandhini—presented an innovative start-up developed under the mentorship of Dr Garima Sinha. Their participation reflected a growing emphasis on translating engineering knowledge into entrepreneurial solutions with real-world impact.
Organised by the International Creativity and Innovation Award (ICIA) in collaboration with Startup Innovation Weekend, the event brought together early-stage ventures and experienced start-ups from across regions including Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America. The three-day programme provided a rigorous environment where ideas were tested, challenged and refined through continuous engagement.
Throughout the event, participants took part in pitch sessions, live product demonstrations and networking forums. For the team, these interactions proved instrumental in strengthening their business model and sharpening their value proposition. Feedback from mentors and industry professionals helped them rethink key aspects of scalability, usability and market relevance, aligning their project more closely with global expectations.
The Bronze Award recognised the team’s innovation and the practical potential of their solution within a competitive international landscape. Beyond the accolade, the experience offered significant learning outcomes enhancing their communication skills, strategic thinking and ability to respond to critical evaluation under pressure.
Equally valuable were the connections formed during the event. Engagements with fellow innovators, startup founders and potential investors opened pathways for future collaborations and possible funding opportunities, reinforcing the importance of global exposure in early-stage entrepreneurship.
This achievement highlights how students at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) are increasingly engaging with international platforms to complement their academic learning. By stepping into global innovation ecosystems, they are developing the skills, perspective and resilience needed to navigate and contribute to the rapidly evolving world of technology and entrepreneurship.