Edtech unicorn Physics Wallah (PW) has launched the PW School of Startups (SOS) to nurture entrepreneurial skills, setting up a Rs 100 crore fund to support at least 100 startups over the next five years. The new initiative under the PW Foundation will provide a platform for entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into successful ventures, the statement said.

"I believe India's thriving startup ecosystem will contribute significantly to our country's economic growth and see huge potential in startups emerging from Tier 2 and 3 cities," said Alaq Pandey, Founder and CEO, PW.

Although these aspiring entrepreneurs have incredible business ideas, they often struggle due to lack of guidance and a supportive community, he added.

According to this year's Economic Survey, India, the third largest startup ecosystem in the world, will create one million jobs through startups in 2023. 48 percent of these startups are Tier II and beyond urban, facing challenges in the healthcare, education and agriculture sectors.

PW SOS offers three programs—Start, Start and Hopes Alive. Aaram is a five-day offline program for school students, college students and early professionals.

Prarambh is a five-month offline program for college students, early-career professionals, small family business owners, second-generation entrepreneurs, and those interested in social impact. It will focus on business model development, branding and budgeting to help refine ideas and effectively manage startups.

Finally, Hopes Alive, a free five-month hybrid program for seed-funded or bootstrapped startups across India, will offer financial resources, expert counseling and connections to help participants scale and achieve long-term success.

In the next 12 months, PW SOS plans to enroll 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and 100 budding entrepreneurs initially. Earlier this month, PW announced an expansion into healthcare, broadening its skills offerings beyond technology and management. This follows its recent venture into physical schools with PW Gurukulam schools in Gurugram and Varanasi.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Noida, the edtech firm aspires to be a lifelong learning partner for its students. Its offerings span a wide range of educational fields, including two gurukulam schools, exam preparation in over 43 disciplines, skill verticals, higher education and study abroad programs.