EdTech leader Physics Wallah (PW) has launched the PW School of Startups (SOS) under its PW Foundation, marking a significant step towards democratizing education across India. This new initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and the fast-paced startup ecosystem by providing aspiring entrepreneurs with essential resources and support.

PW SOS offers cost-effective programs, hands-on training, strategic mentorship, and access to capital, all designed to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures. This initiative is particularly timely, given India’s burgeoning startup scene. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor India Report 2022/23 reveals that 75.5% of Indians see good business opportunities in their local areas, placing India 7th out of 49 nations. Furthermore, 78% of Indian youth find it relatively easy to start a business, contributing to the country’s status as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. By 2023, Indian startups had generated around 10 lakh jobs, with a significant portion coming from Tier 2 and smaller cities.

Prateek Maheshwari, Co-Founder of Physics Wallah, highlighted the institution’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial talent. “PW SOS is designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with mentorship from successful startup founders and leaders. We’ve also set up a USD 5 million fund to support at least 100 startups over the next 60 months,” he stated.

PW SOS offers three specialized programs—Aarambh, Prarambh, and Hopes Alive—tailored to different stages of the entrepreneurial journey. Aarambh is a 5-day offline program for students and early professionals, focusing on growth acceleration. Prarambh, a 5-month offline course, targets college students, small business owners, and social impact enthusiasts, emphasizing business model development. Hopes Alive is a 5-month hybrid program aimed at seed-funded or bootstrapped startups, offering financial resources and valuable networking opportunities.

In the next year, PW SOS plans to enroll 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs in Aarambh and 100 in Prarambh, further solidifying its impact on India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Alakh Pandey, Founder and CEO of Physics Wallah, stressed the potential of startups from Tier 2 and 3 cities in driving India’s economic growth. “These entrepreneurs have great business ideas but often lack the guidance and community support they need,” he said.