Margao, September 2024: In an initiative to empower entrepreneurs, Flip the Classroom: Startup Struggles – Wisdom from the Ecosystem brought together Goa’s startup founders at FiiRE, Margao. The event, organized by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics, and Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, in collaboration with Startup Grind Goa Chapter at FiiRE Goa. The Startup Grind Goa Chapter is part of the global Startup Grind network that focuses on educating, inspiring, and connecting entrepreneurs by providing resources to help startups grow and scale.
The event offered a strategic platform for founders to address real-world challenges and receive expert-driven solutions to advance their businesses.
Moderated by Mr. Kishore Shah, the panel featured Mr. Akhilesh Bhisso, Founder of Innovent, Mr. Tanay Rataboli, Founder & CEO of BoneVi, and Mr. Neeraj D Naik, Founder & CEO of Vishkar Modernizing Construction. These founders brought forward their startup struggles, receiving tailored solutions from experts to help propel their businesses forward.
This event also highlighted the accomplishments within Goa’s growing startup ecosystem. Mr. Tanay Rataboli, Founder of BoneVi, celebrated a key milestone by receiving approval from the Goa Medical College (GMC) ethics committee to submit a proposal for data collection from the radiology department. This approval is vital for building the comprehensive dataset needed to advance his AI-powered diagnostic platform.
Mr. Akhilesh Bhisso, Founder of Innovent, is pioneering the integration of virtual reality into the real estate sector while creating an interactive platform that caters to 21 sectors of disabilities. Recently, Innovent has explored making modular reality an accessible platform for people with disabilities, expanding beyond its initial focus on architecture and construction. His vision is to develop a product-based service that captures virtual environments, accessible through an official platform. However, with the vast scope of the disability space, Akhilesh faces the challenge of addressing the diverse needs of each sector. Experts have advised him to narrow his focus initially, targeting specific disability sectors to develop a more sustainable business model. By analyzing his assets, aspirations, and market realities, Mr. Akhilesh can strategically align his strengths with the demand and supply of particular sectors. Additionally, strengthening his network with business experts and mentors will help him refine his approach. By concentrating on core areas, Innovent can make a lasting impact while remaining true to Mr. Akhilesh’s passion for inclusivity and innovation.
Mr. Neeraj D. Naik, Founder and CEO of Vishkar Modernizing Construction, is revolutionizing the way construction materials are purchased through an innovative e-commerce platform that allows consumers and developers to compare and buy materials from a single source.
While the supply chain is fully established, Mr. Neeraj is working to expand his reach and attract major developers to the platform. To support this goal, experts have advised him to strengthen his unique selling proposition by highlighting sustainability features, such as promoting biodiversity and incorporating rainwater harvesting solutions, both of which are becoming crucial in the construction industry. Additionally, they recommended joining a construction supply lobby and partnering with established industry players to build trust and credibility with larger developers. Mr. Neeraj has also taken proactive steps by offering free VR training and workshops to companies, demonstrating how his platform can enhance efficiency and streamline material purchases. By refining his strategy and forming key alliances, he is positioning Vishkar to gain traction with top developers.
Mr. Tanay Rataboli, Founder & CEO of BoneVi, is pioneering an AI-powered tool designed to analyze X-rays, helping orthopedic doctors and radiologists detect bone abnormalities more efficiently. He is navigating challenges in acquiring datasets for his AI, as some radiologists are cautious about sharing data. However, securing approval from the Ministry of Health presents an opportunity to strengthen relationships within the medical community. To address these challenges, experts advised Mr. Tanay to focus on obtaining official approval from the Ministry, which would enhance trust within the medical community. They also recommended broadening his approach by collecting holistic data on underrepresented health areas, such as disabilities and women’s health, to develop a more comprehensive AI solution. This strategy could lead to new partnerships and expand his market potential.
During the event, each founder was provided with mentor contacts and references to help tackle their business challenges. Flip the Classroom highlights the immense power of collaboration in addressing entrepreneurial challenges. This initiative equips founders with the tools to rethink their business models, expand their networks, and refine their value propositions. By confronting fundamental struggles such as self-doubt, customer engagement, and the perceived burdens of their startups, founders are encouraged to reconnect with their core motivations and passions.
This reflective process helps them enhance both technical and interpersonal skills, aligning their goals with real market demands. Ultimately, initiatives like Flip the Classroom not only empower individual founders but also strengthen the entire startup ecosystem.
