Entrepreneurship Development Cell

Fostering Innovation, Empowering Startups, and Building Future Entrepreneurs

The Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) at Agni College of Technology is a dynamic and integral part of the institution’s vision to shape tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. With a strong emphasis on student-led innovation, practical business thinking, and industry-relevant applications, the EDC has evolved into a vibrant ecosystem where ideas flourish into successful startups.

The EDC acts as a catalyst for student entrepreneurs, offering them the platform, mentorship, and resources needed to transform classroom knowledge into real-world impact. With structured guidance from experienced faculty mentors across disciplines—including engineering, technology, business, and innovation—the Cell helps students navigate the challenging journey from ideation to execution.

Programs and Activities to
Build Entrepreneurial Skills

To nurture an entrepreneurial mindset, the EDC regularly organizes a variety of skill-building programs, including:

Startup Accelerator Programs: Designed to fast-track promising ideas into viable business ventures through training, pitching, prototyping, and mentoring.
Hands-on Workshops: Focused on ideation, business model canvas, lean startup methods, legal compliance, funding strategies, and product development.
Mentoring Sessions: One-on-one guidance from faculty and industry experts helps students refine their ideas, test their feasibility, and enhance market readiness.
Networking Events: Interaction with successful entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals exposes students to real-world business dynamics.

This structured support ensures students are not only equipped with technical expertise but also with problem-solving, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial acumen—skills vital for success in the 21st-century innovation economy.

Active Alumni Engagement and
Industry Support

One of EDC’s greatest strengths is its active alumni network, which plays a crucial role in:

Mentoring current students on startup development.
Offering seed funding and investment for student ventures.
Providing internships and industry exposure.
Building strategic industry connections that help student founders access markets, technology, and partnerships.

This culture of alumni engagement ensures that entrepreneurial knowledge is passed forward, building a sustainable legacy of innovation at Agni College of Technology.

Award-Winning Recognition and
National Impact

In recognition of its outstanding contribution to the startup ecosystem, the EDC received the “Best College for Incubation Excellence” award at the prestigious OneYes Startup Fest 2024. This accolade highlights the Cell’s commitment to high-quality incubation practices and impactful outcomes for students.

Beyond institutional achievements, the EDC supports student participation in national-level innovation platforms such as:

AICTE-MIC Innovation and Design Bootcamps
Smart India Hackathon (SIH)
National Innovation Contest

Chhatra Vishwakarma Awards
Through such platforms, students gain national visibility, present their innovations to experts, and benchmark their ideas against the best in the country.

Successful Startups Incubated at
EDC

Over the years, the EDC has incubated several high-potential startups that reflect the diversity, creativity, and impact of Agni’s student entrepreneurs:

StudAI Edutech Pvt. Ltd.
Founded by Paul Jeevanesan, this startup has trained over 11,000 students in AI and emerging technologies. It has established collaborations with global tech giants and is making waves in AI-driven education and skilling platforms.
ZeAI Soft
Founded by Krithika K, ZeAI Soft focuses on ethical artificial intelligence and has secured valuable partnerships with Microsoft and AWS, offering responsible AI solutions in data analytics and enterprise tools.
Hovernest Pvt. Ltd.
An innovative drone technology company founded by Brighton Samuel, Hovernest is developing cutting-edge UAV solutions for industrial and agricultural use. It stands as a model for hardware startups emerging from engineering institutions.

These ventures not only serve as role models for aspiring entrepreneurs but also showcase how innovation from a college campus can achieve national relevance and global standards.

A Visionary Ecosystem for
the Future

The EDC continues to evolve with a forward-thinking approach, encouraging students to tackle real-world challenges through technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. With institutional support, robust mentorship, and increasing industry engagement, the Cell fosters:

As the EDC expands its reach, it remains committed to its mission: empowering young innovators to become confident entrepreneurs who lead with purpose, creativity, and impact.

Entrepreneurship and Development Cell Initiatives
of EDC

Mentors of EDC:

Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) mentors play a crucial role in guiding aspiring entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, industry insights, and strategic direction. They help students and startup founders refine business ideas, develop viable business models, and navigate challenges in market research, funding, and scalability. EDC mentors also facilitate networking opportunities by connecting entrepreneurs with investors, industry experts, and successful business leaders. Additionally, they conduct workshops, training sessions, and hands-on programs to enhance entrepreneurial skills, fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance. Through their experience and guidance, EDC mentors empower individuals to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.

EDC Mentoring System

S.No	Name	Designation	Department
1	Dr. Ishwarya.M.V	Associate Professor/HOD(AIDS)	Overall EDC Coordinator
2	Dr. Ratheesh.R	Associate Professor/HOD(ECE)	Electronics and Communication Engineering
3	Mrs. Elavarasi Radhakrishnan	Assistant Professor	Information Technology
4	Mrs. Rupavathy Ravi	Assistant Professor	Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
5	Mrs. Kalarani	Assistant Professor	Computer Science and Engineering
6	Mrs. Remya	Assistant Professor	Electrical and Electronics Engineering
7	Mr Anand C	Assistant Professor	Mechanical Sciences
8	Mrs. Arthiselvam	Assistant Professor	Civil Engineering
9	Mr. Ganesh	Assistant Professor	Mechatronics Engineering
10	Ms. Shrimathi	Assistant Professor	Biomedical Engineering
11	Mr. Arun M	Assistant Professor	Mechanical Sciences
12	Dr. Yuvanashree.E	Assistant Professor	Civil Engineering
13	Mrs. Silvia	Assistant Professor	Science and Humanity

Alumni Contributions towards
EDC

Alumni from Agni College Of Technology has come together to support the Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) StartUps. They provide mentorship to aspiring student entrepreneurs, guiding them through business planning and market strategies. They also offer financial assistance sponsorships for startup competitions. Many alumni have opened doors to networking opportunities by connecting students with industry experts and investors. Some conduct workshops on leadership, innovation, and risk management to equip students with essential entrepreneurial skills. They help the EDC in organizing hackathons, incubation programs, and industry visits to give students practical exposure.They also contribute by sharing real-life startup challenges and success stories to inspire the next generation. Their collaboration has led to the creation of a strong startup ecosystem within the college. Through their continuous involvement, the alumni ensure that future entrepreneurs receive the necessary guidance and resources to turn their ideas into reality.