Physics Wallah (PW), a popular education platform in India, has started a new program called PW School of Startups (SOS). This new initiative is part of PW Foundation and aims to help people who want to start their own businesses. The goal is to make education available to everyone, especially in smaller cities and towns.
PW SOS is focused on teaching important skills that aspiring entrepreneurs need to succeed. It offers affordable training, practical experience, and access to mentors who have already built successful companies. This gives people a chance to take their ideas and turn them into real businesses.
Why PW SOS Is Important for India’s Startup Scene
The launch of PW SOS comes at a time when India’s startup environment is growing rapidly. According to a recent report, 75.5% of Indians believe there are good opportunities to start a business in their local areas. India ranks 7th out of 49 countries in terms of new business potential.
India’s youth are also becoming more interested in starting their own businesses. Around 78% of young people think it is easy to start a business in India. As a result, India has become the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world. By 2023, startups in India had created 1 million jobs, with many of these new companies starting in smaller cities and towns. These startups often work on solving important local problems, like improving healthcare, education, and farming.
What PW SOS Offers to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
PW SOS is designed to give aspiring entrepreneurs the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the business world. The program focuses on practical skills, real-life experience, and connecting participants with other entrepreneurs. PW SOS wants to help people come up with creative ideas that can lead to sustainable and long-term growth for their businesses.
Participants in the program will have access to important resources and opportunities that can help them achieve their goals. They will also get the chance to meet and learn from experienced mentors who have successfully built their own companies.
Mentorship and Funding Opportunities
Prateek Maheshwari, Co-Founder of Physics Wallah, shared that the PW SOS aims to provide not just guidance, but also funding for new startups. They have set up a fund of $5 million to help at least 100 startups over the next five years. This fund will provide financial support to help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.
The PW SOS offers three different programs based on where someone is in their entrepreneurial journey:
- Aarambh: This is a 5-day program for school and college students, as well as early professionals. It focuses on speeding up growth by offering access to resources and expert advice.
- Prarambh: This is a 5-month program designed for college students, early professionals, and people who own small family businesses. The program teaches how to develop a business model and manage a budget.
- Hopes Alive: This is a 5-month hybrid program for startups that have already received funding or are self-funded. It offers financial help and connections to valuable resources.
Plans for the Future
PW SOS plans to help 1,000 entrepreneurs through the Aarambh program and 100 through the Prarambh program in the next year. Alakh Pandey, Founder and CEO of Physics Wallah, believes that entrepreneurs from smaller cities have great potential. He said, “These entrepreneurs have amazing ideas but often lack the guidance and support they need.”
Physics Wallah, which started in 2020, has grown quickly. It is based in Noida and has become one of India’s leading education companies, reaching 98% of the country. PW serves over 4.6 crore students and has 55 lakh paid users.
