On the occasion of National Start-up Day Mohali-based Plaksha University unveiled the Plaksha Launch Accelerator Program (PLAP), an Info Edge Center for Entrepreneurship initiative. The program was launched at the university campus through an event, Alchemy'24, aiming to foster aspiring entrepreneurs' innovation and solve problems in the larger world. 

The six-month pre-seed initiative is exclusively designed for students and alumni and aims to provide the next generation of tech entrepreneurs with a platform for innovative ideas. As an integral part of the Info Edge Center for Entrepreneurship, it supports start-ups in becoming portfolio companies, offering financial assistance for setup costs, agreements, and free physical incubation for six months. 

The start-ups involved in PLAP include Pinewheel Labs, Theranotes, RoboLLB, Purifico, AIRIS, RhoSigma Technologies, and WanderLog. 

The program structure offers students a structured journey, providing essential workshops and personalised 1-1 sessions covering areas such as customer development, product development, financial planning, fundraising, and pitch practice, fostering comprehensive entrepreneurial skills and readiness for the start-up ecosystem. With a focus on vision, mission, and practical aspects like legal IP and branding, PLAP promises a holistic approach to student start-up preparation and success.

Speaking about the program, Prof Rudra Pratap, founding vice-chancellor of Plaksha University, said, "Through PLAP, we will prepare the youth of tomorrow to address grand challenges innovatively by providing them with a robust platform. This initiative is a testament to our steadfast commitment to nurturing young innovators who will shape the future by providing them a conducive space wherein they learn to take up real-world challenges and address them creatively."

Sharing his thoughts, Dr. Ritesh Malik, founder of Inno8 Coworking, said, "PLAP represents a pivotal step towards reimagining a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating future leaders. This will be an incredible platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to unlock their true potential and turn their ideas into business success stories. I am excited to contribute and witness their transformative journey." 

The launch of PLAP during Alchemy'24 saw the participation of Dr. Rudra Pratap and Jaspreet Talwar, IAS, Principal Secretary. In addition to the launch of PLAP, there was an MoU signing with the Alliance of Digital India Foundation along with a panel discussion on 'Investing 101 for Early Stage Entrepreneurs'. The panelists included Dhianu Das, co-founder of Agility Ventures; Nischaiy Pradhan, founding partner of Favcy; Anisha Patnaik, founder of LexStart Partners; and Nitika Khurana of Chandigarh Angels Network.