‘Startup’ has suddenly become a buzzword, especially in the last few years of the changing job market in India. Most people work in a corporate job for a few years, realize they want something or their own, quit their jobs and finally, start building their dream startup. 

But what if you could do that with your friends in your first semester? Here are some students who are living their startup dream using Rishihood’s startup incubation program called the Venture Studio even before they turn 20.

1. Parth Vardhan Saxena, Founder & CEO of TruPahadi

As a third-year student, Parth has built Tru Pahadi, a clean food brand that has been incubated by Indian School of Business’ I-Venture which aims at selling food products from Uttarakhand focusing on using 100% organic, natural ingredients with no refined sugar or artificial preservatives. As a brand, it is not fixated on just making profits but providing Indians with clean food products and employment to the rural women of Uttarakhand. His startup is already evaluated at ₹1 crore with multiple investors and has received its first few big corporate orders. 

2. Shaurya Mittal, Co-founder of Hastakala

In his second-year, Shaurya founded Hastakala, an online marketplace dedicated to empowering Indian artists and artisans. It enables artists to sell their creations through both digital formats and print-on-demand products such as posters, merchandise, and curated art prints. It was founded to help artists showcase their creativity while ensuring they are paid fairly for their work. From 2 co-founders, their student team has now  grown to 25 people and their sales have already crossed six figures. 

3. Maanit Agarwal, Co-Founder & Brand Strategist at Brandopia

In the first semester itself, Maanit built his own digital marketing agency working with national and international clients by helping them build their brand. Brandopia is a digital-first agency reimagining how brands are built. From branding to UI/UX design to web and mobile development, they empower businesses and individuals to rise from the ground up. Their vision is simple: turning brands into a digital force that inspires, connects, and endures.

These are not rare exceptions. They are the result of a curriculum that treats building as learning and facilitates your dreams through our startup incubator with a $5M Makers’ Fund, open for all students.