Ignite Program

BY
Wadhwani Foundation

Turn ideas into impact. Learn, build, and pitch like a real entrepreneur.

Mode

Online

Duration

14 Weeks

Fees

Free

Quick Facts

particular details
Medium of instructions English
Mode of Delivery Video and Text Based

Course overview

Wadhwani Foundation's Ignite program is a 14-week experiential entrepreneurship program to take students through ideation to launch. The program enables the learners to master the ability to create effective value propositions, design sustainable business models, reach financial sustainability, and build great products. Students gain hands-on learning experience through mentorship, expert masterclasses, and AI support in following the entrepreneurial path. The program further provides certification and networking opportunities to assist participants in gaining confidence and competency in starting their businesses.

The highlights

  • Mentor Guidance
  • Founders' Interactions
  • Expert Masterclasses
  • AI-Powered Support
  • Certification
  • Industry Case Studies
  • Pitching Skills
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Hands-on Experience
  • Real-world Application

Program offerings

  • Ai co-pilot
  • Expert mentorship
  • Masterclasses
  • Real-world projects
  • Pitch practice
  • Peer networking
  • Global jury
  • Startup toolkits
  • Hands-on learning
  • Certification

Course and certificate fees

Type of course

Free

The Ignite program by the Wadhwani Foundation is an experiential entrepreneurship course designed to guide students from ideation to execution. Aligned with UGC and NEP guidelines, it offers hands-on learning, AI-powered support, mentorship, and global jury certification, all at no cost to students and academic partners

certificate availability

Yes

certificate providing authority

Wadhwani Foundation

Who it is for

The Ignite course is for future leaders, university students, and early-stage innovators who wish to develop their ideas into actual ventures. After completing the Ignite program, participants can become - 

It also leads to careers such as Marketing Strategist, Operations Manager, or Entrepreneur-in-Residence in incubators, accelerators, and innovative companies. Whether starting a business or participating in the startup economy, this course develops the mindset and skills necessary to succeed.

Eligibility criteria

The Ignite program is designed to be inclusive and accessible, with minimal prerequisites. It welcomes students and aspiring entrepreneurs passionate about innovation and building startups. Key eligibility points include:

  • Basic understanding of business concepts (helpful, not mandatory)
  • Strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation
  • Currently enrolled in or recently completed higher education
  • Willingness to commit to a 14-week learning journey
  • Comfort with digital tools and online learning platforms
  • No prior startup experience required

This course is ideal for individuals looking to take their first step into the world of entrepreneurship.

What you will learn

The Wadhwani Foundation's Ignite program provides the participants with an in-depth arsenal of entrepreneurial capabilities necessary for building and maintaining successful businesses. Major competencies fostered through the program are:

  • Crafting compelling value propositions
  • Establishing sustainable business models
  • Achieving financial stability
  • Developing exceptional products
  • Understanding startup frameworks
  • Developing a growth and innovative mindset
  • Learning effective pitching techniques
  • Evaluating business scenarios
  • Conducting competition mapping
  • Understanding market and customer dynamics
  • Researching and analyzing market trends
  • Managing resources effectively
  • Understanding product-market fit

These skills are developed through a combination of experiential learning, mentorship, masterclasses by industry experts, and AI-based support, so participants are adequately equipped to tackle the entrepreneurial journey.

The syllabus

Module 0: Orientation

  • Entrepreneurial Leadership

Module 1: Problem Identification

  • Develop Macro Industry-Problem Perspective
  • Assemble 'Real-World' Problems
  • Examine Chosen Problems
  • Analyze Problems

Module 2: Customer Identification & Needs Validation

  • Identify Customer Segments
  • Assess 'Jobs-To-Be-Done’ (JTBD) for a Customer Segment
  • Develop Customer Persona
  • Understand Customer Validation
  • Validate Customer
  • Pivot / Refine Customer

Module 3: Solution Idea Generation

  • Examine Ideation Techniques
  • Generate Solution Ideas

Module 4: Opportunity And Competition Mapping

  • Identify Global Competitors
  • Review Industry Trends and Estimate Market Size (TAM)    

Venture Viability Presentation - Milestone 1 Week Milestone

Module 5: Prototype Development And Mvp

  • Overview of Prototypes & MVP
  • Build an initial Prototype
  • Prototypes for Early Validation

Module 6: Opportunity Feasibility Assessment

  • Map your Relative Position in the Market
  • Estimate Opportunity Size

Module 7: Business Modelling

  • Examine Revenue Models
  • Revenue Models (contd)
  • Review and Organize the Lean Canvas
  • Build LC for your Startup

Venture Viability Presentation - Milestone 2 Week Milestone

Module 8: Marketing And Sales Strategy

  • Understand Marketing and Sales
  • Recommend a GTM Approach
  • Map a Sales Process

Module 9: Financial Management For Profitability

  • Understand Startup Costs
  • Get Started with Financial Planning
  • Analyse the Path to Profitability
  • Understand Bootstrapping Strategies & explore Funding Options

Module 10: Team And Talent Requirements

  • Finding Co-Founders and Mentors
  • Building an Initial Team

Module 11: Scale Orientation

  • Scale Orientation
  • Persuasive Story-Telling for a Feasible Venture Idea

Module 12: Final Milestone- Venture Viability Presentation

  • Venture Idea Feasibility

Admission details

Admission into the Ignite program is simple and student-centered. Prospective students can apply through their institutions or schools or even through partner entry channels. Registered students will receive access credentials for the learning platform from the program. There is no formal entry test, and admission is usually based on interest, commitment, and passing minimum academic standards.

Scholarship Details

The Wadhwani Foundation's Ignite program is free of charge for students as well as schools, in essence a scholarship. All students benefit from high-quality content, AI-powered tools, mentorship, and certification at zero cost, providing equal opportunity to future entrepreneurs irrespective of background.

How it helps

  • Free enrollment with full access to premium content
  • Hands-on entrepreneurial training
  • Guidance from industry mentors and experts
  • Access to AI-powered learning tools
  • Global certification upon course completion
  • Real-world startup experience and simulations
  • Masterclasses by successful entrepreneurs
  • Enhanced problem-solving and innovation skills
  • Opportunity to pitch to a global jury
  • Networking with peers and startup community

FAQs

Who can enroll in the Ignite course?

Any student or aspiring entrepreneur with an interest in startups and innovation can enroll. No prior experience is required.

What skills will I gain from the Ignite course?

You’ll learn how to develop business ideas, build business models, pitch to investors, manage resources, and more.

Do I need to have a business idea before joining?

No, the course will help you develop and refine your idea as part of the learning process.

How is the course delivered?

It is delivered in a hybrid format—through online content and either in-person or live virtual sessions.

What kind of mentorship is provided?

Participants receive guidance from experienced mentors, startup founders, and industry professionals.

Are there any exams or assessments?

The course includes practical assessments such as business model creation, pitching, and peer evaluations.

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