top of page
WCE.jpg
WEIC Logo Long_edited.png

Creating Futures Together

Shape the Future of Innovation

Become a Startup Mentor at Walchand Innovations

Walchand College of Engineering has been a beacon of technical excellence for over 75 years. Today, through Walchand Innovations, we are transforming that technical expertise into economic engines and social impact. We invite you to be the catalyst.

​

Walchand Innovations is a Section 8 non-profit company. We are an intrinsic extension of the WCE experiential learning ecosystem, dedicated to:

  1. Incubating robust startups from the ground up.

  2. Diversifying local industries through strategy and tech.

  3. Solving real-world social problems through engineering.

​

We have the talent. We have the space.

We need the Network Effect.

Walchand Startup Mentors Program

At Walchand Innovations, we recognize that while capital is the fuel, mentorship is the engine of startup success. Innovation requires not just technical brilliance but strategic direction. Therefore, we are constructing a robust "Circle of Mentors", a convergence of industry veterans, successful founders, and domain experts dedicated to impact creation through enterprise creation.

This program is designed to bridge the gap between raw entrepreneurial energy and seasoned industrial wisdom. By becoming a mentor, you play a pivotal role in de-risking early-stage ventures and integrating them into the broader economic value chain.

The Engagement Process

​

Our selection process is rigorous to ensure the right fit between mentor expertise and startup needs.

  1. Expression of Interest: Submit your profile via the EOI form.

  2. Profile Review: Our steering committee reviews your background against our current portfolio's needs.

  3. Discovery Call: A brief interaction to align expectations and discuss potential matches.

  4. Onboarding: Formal introduction to the WEIC ecosystem and assignment of startup(s).

Ready to Make an Impact?

Key Areas of Mentoring

​

​We have identified a few critical pillars for startup success. You may choose to mentor on one or more of the following:​

  • Business Strategy

  • Financial Management

  • Investor Pitching

  • Marketing, Sales & Communications

  • Operations

  • Manufacturing

  • Product Development

  • Legal & IP Management

  • Brand Building

  • Market Assessment

  • ESG & Sustainability

Why Mentor Startups at WEIC?

​

Engaging with WEIC is an opportunity to influence the regional innovation landscape.

  • Drive Economic Impact: Directly contribute to job creation and economic resilience in the Sangli region and beyond.

  • Access Disruptive Innovation: Gain early visibility into emerging technologies and disruptive business models developed by bright engineering minds.

  • Give Back: Leverage your expertise to flatten the learning curve for young entrepreneurs, fostering a culture of "paying it forward."

  • Network Expansion: Connect with a curated community of like-minded leaders, investors, and policymakers.

Eligibility & Commitment​

 

We seek mentors who bring authority, dignity, and deep pragmatism to the table. The engagement is structured to be high-impact yet flexible.

 

Who We Are Looking For:

  • Experience: A minimum of 10 years of domain experience in a specific industry OR experience as a former Startup Founder who has navigated the lifecycle of a business.

  • Geography: Physical presence in Sangli is not required. We utilize digital platforms to ensure seamless collaboration; hence, mentors from across the globe are encouraged to apply.

  • Values: A strong alignment with the principles of ethical business, social impact, and constructive criticism.

​

The Commitment:

  • Nature of Engagement: This is a volunteer, pro bono role, driven by a passion for mentorship and ecosystem building.

  • Time Investment: We ask for a minimum commitment of 5 hours per month, per startup for a period of 3 months. This ensures that the mentorship goes beyond superficial advice to establish deep, strategic clarity.

bottom of page