– Interviewed by Ms. Syeda Tahera Sadia, PGDM 2015, VJIM

– Photo courtesy: Y R Abhinai Sai, PGDM 2015, VJIM

When I first thought about generating Biogas from food waste, I wasn’t sure how could I crystallize and implement my idea. I had just completed first term of my PGDM program at VJIM. There was just another year and so much had to be learnt and executed. Eventually, I decided to take it to a faculty and I was touched by the efforts he put in to help me frame and develop the idea. With his help I understood how to conduct a market research, and the importance of timing and place for an Idea to work. He also introduced me to concepts like PESTLE and SWOT analysis. During these discussions, I realised the role of data, methods of data collection, data interpretation and report writing.

At this stage, other faculty got involved and offered valuable suggestions. It was very encouraging to receive their support and advice. The data collection process began with my friends in hostel and from our college canteen and mess. They gave me a rough idea about the average food wasted on a daily basis. During my second term of PGDM, I presented this idea to the operations club and Entrepreneurship cell. They made the necessary corrections in the report and advised me to do a feasibility study in all the aspects of management concepts. They also advised me to follow newspaper articles related to start-ups and my project.

The next step was completion on the feasibility study. Recently, I have begun work project testing and am also preparing a RFP (Request for Proposal), work breakdown structure, and statement of work for inviting companies to install a biogas plant in our college hostel for the production of biogas.

When I look back today, I am amazed at the work I have been able to do and truly believe it was possible only at VJIM. The institute not only provided me the platform to explore my idea but also the expert help in the form of faculty to guide me to develop the idea and implement it. There is no doubt that VJIM, Hyderabad encourages entrepreneurial initiatives and supports them with professional grooming to turn them into reality.