Masai And XLRI Launch Comprehensive Entrepreneurship Program For Aspiring Founders In India

Masai, a prominent outcome-based platform in India, has partnered with XLRI to introduce a six-month entrepreneurship program. This initiative aims to equip recent graduates, professionals, and aspiring founders with essential skills, mentorship, and industry exposure. The program's launch aligns with the global digital economy's growth, projected to hit $23 trillion by 2025.

The Masai-XLRI program is structured into six modules: Founder's Mindset, Problem-Solving and Idea Discovery, Prototyping and Product-Market Fit, Marketing and Brand Building, Business Models and Fundraising, and Scaling and Demo Day. Participants will engage in practical projects like creating financial plans and building MVPs using no-code tools such as Webflow and Bubble.

Program Structure and Industry Engagement

Delivered through live sessions and hands-on mentorship, the program culminates in a Demo Day. Here, top teams present their startups to industry mentors during a two-day pitch challenge at XLRI's campus. This approach ensures participants gain real-world experience in entrepreneurship.

Prateek Shukla, CEO & Co-founder of Masai, stated that India is full of entrepreneurial energy but lacks structured pathways for turning ideas into ventures. "With this program," he said, "we aim to provide aspiring founders with the mindset, skills, and mentorship to navigate challenges and build sustainable businesses."

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

To join the program, candidates must have a graduation degree in any field. They need to pass a qualifier test conducted by Masai followed by counselling before enrolment. Successful participants will receive a certificate from XLRI Leadership Education and Development.

Dr. Arindam Mondal from XLRI emphasised the potential of entrepreneurship to create businesses with long-term social impact. He noted that the program reflects XLRI's commitment to nurturing future leaders equipped with resilience and practical skills.

Masai's Evolution Over the Years

Since its inception in June 2019 as a military-style coding school, Masai has evolved into a distinguished career institute. It has received over 800,000 applications and placed more than 4,000 candidates in various enterprises while focusing on individuals with family incomes below 7.5 lakhs per annum.

The institute has successfully secured employment for over 3,500 candidates in roles like Software Developers at unicorn startups such as Ola and PayTM. Multinational corporations like Capgemini also employ Masai graduates.

XLRI's Legacy in Management Education

Founded in 1949 as India's oldest management school, XLRI introduced management-focused courses for trade unions. Over time, it expanded its offerings to meet student demand while maintaining a global outlook on education.

A unique trait of XLRI students is their pursuit of excellence known as MAGIS—striving for the best without settling for mediocrity. They actively create opportunities rather than waiting for them.

This collaboration between Masai and XLRI aims to prepare participants for real-world challenges by combining academic strength with practical approaches. The goal is to inspire future business leaders who can address society's unmet needs effectively.