In a move aimed at strengthening innovation-led entrepreneurship in higher education, the Entrepreneurship & Startup Support Cell (ESSC) of Rayat Bahra University (RBU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shukra Pharmaceuticals Limited to establish a dedicated startup support programme for student entrepreneurs.

Under the agreement, formalized in New Delhi, Shukra Pharmaceuticals will provide Rs. 10 lakh in seed funding along with incubation support and expert mentorship for student-led ventures. 

The initiative is notable as one of the few instances of a publicly listed pharmaceutical company creating a named pre-seed fund directly for a university startup ecosystem outside India's major metropolitan centres.

The collaboration is expected to benefit startups operating in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, and agriculture. It will also create opportunities for students of Rayat Bahra University's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences to gain practical exposure to pharmaceutical manufacturing, intellectual property development, regulatory affairs, and industry-driven innovation challenges.

Amandeep Bhalla, Vice President (Advanced Surgical), Shukra Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said, “While innovation is turning a powerful idea into a solution, Entrepreneurship is turning that solution into an Ecosystem. We want our youth to look at complex global problems and see viable startup opportunities."

Gurvinder Singh Bahra, Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, said, “This partnership reflects our vision of building an innovation-driven ecosystem where students are not only prepared for employment but are empowered to become job creators, researchers, and entrepreneurs. It is a milestone in strengthening industry-academia collaboration in Northern India.”

Dr. Simmi Prakash, Group Director, ESSC, Rayat Bahra University, added, “Under the MoU, RBU (ESSC) and Shukra Pharmaceuticals will jointly organise startup boot camps, hackathons, entrepreneurship development programmes, faculty workshops, and innovation challenges to identify and nurture high-potential projects. The collaboration will also facilitate joint research initiatives, consultancy projects, and participation in funded programmes.”