| Subject | Interpersonal & Communication Skills |
| Session | II |
| Year | 2024-25 |
| Date | 24th March, 2025 |
| Time | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
| Venue | Conclave, 6th Floor |
| In charge | Prof. Sarojini Lohot, Prof. Ashwini Bhosale & Prof. Nitya Pratap |
| Guest Speaker | Prof. Sarojini Lohot, Prof. Amruta Khairnar, Prof. Harshada Katkar, Prof. Sanjay Shirgaonkar, Prof. Neha Sayed |
Introduction and Significance of the Event
The Institution Innovation Council (IIC) of Pillai College of Architecture (PiCA) organized a presentation on Idea Validation & Concept Development as part of the Interpersonal & Communication Skills subject. This event was conducted under the “Shark Tank” assignment, where first-year students were tasked with developing and pitching innovative business ideas in pairs. The primary objective of the session was to introduce students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including concept creation, feasibility analysis, and persuasive pitching—skills essential for effective communication and innovation.
The event provided a platform for students to showcase their creative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and presentation skills. It also aimed to foster confidence, collaboration, and real-world application of communication skills.
The event commenced at 10:30 a.m. in the Conclave on the 6th floor, with all the students and the jury panel assembling for the session. The event followed a structured flow:
Prof. Nitya Pratap formally welcomed the jury panel and provided a brief overview of the
assignment and the session’s objectives.
The students, working in pairs, presented their business ideas, covering essential aspects such as:
- Business Name & Concept
- Target Audience & Market Need
- Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Revenue Model & Pricing Strategy
- Initial Investment & Expected Returns
- Marketing & Expansion Plan
The presentations were evaluated by an esteemed panel comprising Prof. Sarojini Lohot (IIC Coordinator), Dr. Neha Sayed, Dr. Amruta Khairnar, Prof. Sanjay Shirgaonkar & Prof. Harshada Katkar.
Each group was given 5 minutes for their pitch, followed by a Q&A session where the panel provided constructive feedback.
The session was highly interactive and insightful. The jury provided valuable feedback on:
- Idea Feasibility: Suggestions for refining and making the concepts more practical and market-ready.
- Presentation Skills: Tips on enhancing clarity, confidence, and persuasiveness in pitching.
- Innovation and Creativity: Appreciation for the students’ creativity and their ability to develop unique solutions in a short time frame.
- Improvement Areas: The panel emphasized the importance of thorough market research, clearer financial projections, and stronger value propositions.
The students gained first-hand experience in public speaking, business pitching, and handling Q&A sessions, contributing significantly to their communication and analytical skills.
The students were meticulously guided by Prof. Ashwini Bhosale and Prof. Nitya Pratap throughout the assignment. The faculty members provided continuous support by:
- Brainstorming and filtering the students’ ideas.
- Offering feedback on presentation skills and content.
- Demonstrating effective pitching techniques using sample Shark Tank presentations.
- Ensuring students adhered to the assignment guidelines.
The Idea Validation & Concept Development presentation was a resounding success, offering students an excellent platform to enhance their entrepreneurial mindset and communication skills. For many students, this was their first experience presenting ideas in a real-world pitching format, making it a valuable learning experience.
The jury members lauded the students’ efforts, especially their creativity and professionalism. The event concluded at 1:30 p.m. with words of encouragement and valuable tips for future presentations.
Overall, the session provided a practical and engaging learning experience, equipping students with skills that are vital for their academic and professional growth.
