As part of Mercato 2025, the annual flagship fest of Jaipuria Institute of Management, Ghaziabad, the Business Plan Competition was successfully organized on 20 December 2025 by the Entrepreneurship Cell and Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC). The full-day competition was conducted across the second-floor classrooms of the JIM campus and witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across Delhi NCR.
The primary objective of the Business Plan Competition was to ignite entrepreneurial creativity and provide a structured platform for students and young entrepreneurs to present innovative business ideas. Participants were encouraged to think beyond conventional boundaries, identify real-world market gaps or societal challenges, and propose sustainable and impactful business models. The competition emphasized innovation that is not only original but also practical and scalable.
Another key focus of the event was to strengthen participants’ business acumen and strategic thinking. Through the process of conceptualizing, structuring, and presenting business plans, students gained hands-on exposure to critical management areas such as market research, financial planning, operations management, and marketing strategy. The competition also fostered collaboration and networking by bringing together participants, mentors, and industry experts, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and guidance.
The event saw participation from 15 colleges across Delhi NCR, including undergraduate and postgraduate institutions, along with teams from Jaipuria Institute of Management and its IIC collaborative school Seth Anandram Jaipuria School. A total of 15 teams comprising 60 students presented their business ideas, supported by 30 student volunteers and guided by two faculty members.
The business plans were evaluated by an expert panel of judges comprising Ms. Renu Shah, Founder of STEP, and Dr. Sanjay Kumar, both experienced industry professionals. The judges provided valuable feedback and insights, helping participants refine their ideas and strengthen strategic clarity. This evaluation process prepared students to better understand real-world entrepreneurial challenges and expectations.
From a learning perspective, the competition offered invaluable exposure to the art of crafting and delivering compelling business pitches. Students developed the ability to simplify complex concepts, communicate ideas clearly, and maintain audience engagement throughout their presentations. These skills are essential for aspiring entrepreneurs and future business leaders.
The competition concluded with the announcement of winners. The First and Second Prizes were secured by teams from Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, while the Third Prize was jointly awarded to teams from NIET, Greater Noida, and Jaipuria Institute of Management, Ghaziabad.
The event was coordinated by faculty members Dr. Smita Agrawal, Dr. Namita Nigam, and Dr. Devi Archna Mohanti, with student coordinators Suryansh Singh Gautam, Manas Mishra, and Aman Negi playing a key role in execution. The Business Plan Competition at Mercato 2025 reaffirmed Jaipuria Ghaziabad’s commitment to nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, collaboration, and future-ready leadership.
