K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM) has announced the launch of the New Venture Investment Project (NVIP) — a pioneering experiential learning initiative that provides MBA students with hands-on experience in startup assessment and investment.

Developed in collaboration with Somaiya Vidyavihar University’s incubator, RiiDL, the programme bridges academia and the entrepreneurial world by allowing students to evaluate, value, and recommend real startups for potential investment from a dedicated ₹1 crore fund.

The NVIP adds to KJSIM’s strong portfolio of experiential learning opportunities, including capstone projects, social impact initiatives, and research-based theses. Under the mentorship of faculty and alumni, students will analyse early-stage ventures, conduct valuation exercises, and present investment recommendations to seasoned investors.

Dr Raman Ramachandran, dean and director of KJSIM, said, “At KJSIM, we believe management education must translate into action. The New Venture Investment Project allows students to learn by doing — engaging directly with the startup ecosystem and experiencing the dynamics of real-world investment.”

Echoing this, Gaurang Shetty, CEO of RiiDL, Somaiya Vidyavihar, noted, “This collaboration reflects RiiDL’s commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. By connecting management students with live startups, we are preparing future leaders who understand both creative ideas and disciplined investment.”

Through NVIP, students gain end-to-end exposure to research, evaluation, mentorship, and investment pitching, while contributing to India’s growing innovation landscape — reaffirming KJSIM’s mission of learning that leads to action.

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