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

"I believe that the progress of India's start-up ecosystem will contribute significantly to our country's economic growth and see great potential in start-ups emerging from tier 2 and 3 cities," said Alakh Pandey, Founder and CEO, PW.

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

According to this year's Economic Survey, India, the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem, has created one million jobs through start-ups in 2023. 48% of these start-ups are from Tier II and beyond cities, facing challenges in the areas of healthcare, education and agriculture.

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

Prarambh is a five-month offline program for college students, early 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 innovate ideas and effectively manage start-ups.

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

In the next 12 months, PW SOS plans to enrol 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and subsequently 100 budding entrepreneurs. Earlier this month, PW announced its expansion into healthcare, broadening its skill offerings beyond technology and management. This follows its recent initiative to 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 across various educational verticals, including two Gurukul schools, exam preparations in over 43 disciplines, skill verticals, higher education and study abroad programmes.