# ESSC FAQ — Bahra University

> Frequently asked questions about the Entrepreneurship & Startup Support Cell (ESSC) at Bahra University.

**Institution:** Bahra University, Shimla (Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India)
**Canonical URL:** https://bushimla.in/essc/faq/

## Page content

## Who can enrol their idea with ESSC?
Any student currently enrolled at Rayat Bahra University - across all programmes, years, and campuses - is welcome to submit an idea. You don't need to be a business or management student; innovators from engineering, pharmacy, law, science, arts, and all other disciplines are actively encouraged to participate. Faculty members can also co-mentor or co-submit ideas alongside students.

## Does my idea need to be fully developed before I enrol?
Not at all. ESSC welcomes ideas at every stage — from a rough concept scribbled on paper to a working prototype. If you have identified a real problem and have even a preliminary thought on how to solve it, that is enough to start. The ESSC mentoring process is specifically designed to help you shape, validate, and develop your idea from the ground up.

## How do I enrol my idea? What is the process?
Simply fill out the idea submission form on this page. You will be asked to describe your idea, the problem it solves, your target beneficiaries, and your team (if any). Once submitted, the ESSC team will review your application and reach out within 5-7 working days to schedule an initial orientation or mentoring session.

## Can I submit an idea as a solo student, or do I need a team?
Both solo submissions and team submissions are accepted. If you have a team, we encourage interdisciplinary groups of 2-5 members. If you are working solo, ESSC can help connect you with other students who have complementary skills - turning your individual idea into a stronger collaborative venture.

## What sectors or domains does ESSC support?
ESSC supports ideas across all domains - technology, healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, education, social enterprise, sustainability, manufacturing, and more. Through our MoU with Shukra Pharmaceuticals, we have enhanced expertise in health and pharma-adjacent sectors, but no domain is off the table. If your idea solves a real problem, ESSC is interested.

## What kind of mentoring and support will I receive after enrolling?
Once enrolled, you will receive one-on-one guidance from ESSC mentors on idea validation, business model canvas development, market research, and pitch preparation. You will also have access to workshops, peer learning sessions, expert talks by industry professionals, and demo day opportunities. Mentoring is continuous - not a one-time session.

## Will I get help building my business plan or pitch deck?
Yes. ESSC mentors work closely with teams on business model validation, financial projections, go-to-market strategies, and investor-ready pitch decks. We hold regular review sessions where you can present your progress and receive structured feedback before facing external investors or competitions.

## Can I participate in competitions and hackathons through ESSC?
Absolutely. ESSC regularly organises and participates in intra-university idea competitions, regional hackathons, and national-level innovation challenges - including competitions at EDII Ahmedabad. Students under ESSC mentorship have previously won multiple awards at such events. Enrolment gives you access to these opportunities and preparation support.

## Will ESSC help protect my intellectual property?
Yes, ESSC provides guidance and support related to intellectual property (IP), including awareness sessions on patents, trademarks, and copyrights relevant to your innovation.

## Is there any fee to enrol my idea with ESSC?
No. Enrolment with ESSC is completely free for all students of Rayat Bahra University. There is no registration fee, participation fee, or hidden charge at any stage of the process.

## Will participating in ESSC affect my academic studies?
ESSC activities are designed to complement — not conflict with — your academic schedule. Sessions, workshops, and mentoring are arranged at flexible timings, and the ESSC team coordinates with departments to ensure no clash with examinations or mandatory coursework.

## Who can I contact if I have more questions about ESSC?
You can reach the ESSC team directly at director.essc@rayatbahra.com or call +91-9971813456. You can also visit the ESSC office at Rayat Bahra University (Near Chairman's office) during working hours.

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Source: https://bushimla.in/essc/faq/ · © Bahra University Shimla