Illuminate Entrepreneurship Workshop 2026 at Apeejay Stya University 

Apeejay Stya University (ASU) successfully organised the Illuminate Entrepreneurship
Workshop 2026 through INOVEXA – the University’s Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell), under
the National Entrepreneurship Challenge (NEC) 2026 organised by E-Cell, IIT Bombay. Held at
the University campus, the workshop aimed to encourage entrepreneurial thinking among
students and provide them with practical insights into business planning, strategy
development and the journey from an idea to a viable business venture.
The workshop featured Mr. Deb Gooha, CGO – Core Banking & Digital Payments, MENA, as
the resource person. Drawing upon his professional experience in the banking and digital
payments sector, he guided students on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, emphasising
the importance of identifying business opportunities, developing effective business
strategies, creating a clear roadmap for growth, and understanding the practical challenges
involved in establishing and scaling a venture.
The interactive sessions encouraged students to think beyond ideas and explore how these
could be translated into structured and sustainable business models. Mr. Gooha highlighted
the importance of strategic planning, understanding market needs, identifying target
customers, effective execution and adaptability in a dynamic business environment.
Students were encouraged to approach entrepreneurship with a problem-solving mindset,
assess the feasibility of their business ideas and develop a step-by-step roadmap for
implementation and future growth.
The workshop provided a valuable learning platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to gain
practical perspectives on business development and understand the significance of informed
decision-making, innovation and perseverance in entrepreneurial success.
The programme commenced with a welcome and introduction to the Illuminate Workshop,
followed by the ceremonial welcome of the guest speaker by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.)
Vijay Vir Singh, who presented him with a green planter. The ceremonial lamp lighting
marked the formal inauguration of the event. Ms. Anjali Dagar, President of E-Cell, delivered
the welcome address, followed by the introduction of the resource person and the
commencement of the technical sessions.
The workshop was conducted in two sessions, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00
p.m. to 4:00 p.m., allowing students to engage in an extended learning experience focused
on entrepreneurial development and business planning.
At the conclusion of the workshop, Mr. Deb Gooha was felicitated by Prof. Sanjay Ahirwal,
Dean, Students’ Welfare; Prof. Hemant Kumar Soni, Head of the School of Engineering and
Technology; Dr. Sonam Raheja, Chief Faculty Coordinator of INOVEXA – E-Cell; and Mr.
Chaman Kumar, faculty coordinator. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks
delivered by Ms. Ritu Dagar, Vice President of E-Cell, followed by the National Anthem and a
group photograph.