Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business; it also involves various other soft skills such as team work, unconventional thinking, communication and presentation. At GIIS-KL a three day Entrepreneurship Bootcamp was organized under the banner of GCIE (Global Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship) for the students, from 18 - 20 May 2018 in the auditorium. The facilitators of the Bootcamp were Professors from top business school INSEAD Mr. Paul Kewene-Hite and Mr. Aalok Doshi. They have extensive experience in multinational companies and mentoring start-ups. During the three day Bootcamp the students were provided with a real world simulation of how a business needs to be started in an educational context.

The students were eager to learn and walked in with interest to the workshop.

BOOTCAMP DAY 1: The students were given a brief introduction to the Bootcamp and the facilitators shared some interesting information about starts ups. The first activity conducted in the boot camp got the students very excited. The students picked two words and created a product and a pitch. Some of the pitches that stood out were ‘fire potato’, ‘Chocolate ninja’ and ‘chocolate Ferrari’ to name a few. This was followed by the ice-breaker. In second half of the session, the students were given an opportunity to ‘IDEATE’. Students of GIIS KL came up with brilliant ideas to in a variety of fields ranging from safety and security to health care and food to conservation of electricity. Students generated a total of 20 ideas aiming to solve a variety of problems in society today. From the topics, 7 topics were narrowed down and students chose the topics that they related to most passionately.

BOOTCAMP DAY 2: Students came back for Day 2 of the boot camp all geared up to learn and eagerly discussing details about their products. Day 2 encompassed the students working on their product details and simultaneously learning about what investors look for in a start-up company. The students were enthusiastic apply the concepts and experience shared by the facilitators. The students were simultaneously given an opportunity to complete assignments related to the topics taught. Some of the topics covered through the session were, what investors look for – visibility, control and support, how to develop, product, price, placement and promotions of an idea. Assessment and strategies to enter into a market, the concept of minimum viable product, identify and develop customer market and a detailed account of financial planning and strategies of a strong team and how strong leadership and teams are essential for the success of a business venture. The last session for the day included tips and trades to deliver an Elevator Pitch.

BOOTCAMP DAY 3: The third day, we saw the students evolve from novices to strong presenter. Each team was prepared with a 1 minute pitch followed by a Pitch back from professor Paul and Mr. Aalok. The students were then given time to prepare for the 2 minute pitches of their products which would be presented to a panel of judges. The judges were Mr. Narendra Chandel and Mr. Edwin Das. The judges were given 15 minutes to deliberate and decide the teams selected for the 5 minute pitch. Team Kenko and Alpha green were selected for the five minute pitch. The students were prepared with well-designed and detailed PowerPoint presentations. The students had rehearsed their pitches as well. The final winner was team Alpha Green. Principal Mr Harvendra Khalsa and Country director Mr. Manoj Nair congratulated all the teams for their amazing performance and thanked the facilitators for a great session.

The parents gave a feedback commending the school for organizing the Bootcamp.