On August 28, 2024, the Faculty of Design hosted an online expert talk on "Lean Startup & Minimum Viable Product (MVP)", presented by Ms. Apurva Bhati, an apparel designer from Delaware, USA. The session introduced students to innovative business strategies for launching startups in the design field.

Ms. Bhati explained the Lean Startup methodology, emphasising the importance of launching a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to test market demand with minimal resources. She illustrated how entrepreneurs can reduce risks by collecting early feedback and iterating their products based on customer responses.

Drawing from her own experience, Ms. Bhati shared the inspiring story of her fashion startup in the USA, which specialises in hand-painted sarees. She discussed how she applied the MVP approach by starting with a small collection of sarees to gauge market interest before expanding her designs and product range. Her journey resonated with students, demonstrating how a blend of creativity and business acumen can drive success.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students gained valuable insights into merging design thinking with startup principles. The talk was both motivating and informative, encouraging students to explore entrepreneurship with confidence and a lean approach.