Structured Startup Education for Engineering Students: Evidence from SR University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem

Authors

  • Rachoru Himani Srihita Research Scholar, School of Business, SR University, Warangal, Telangana-506371
  • Gurunadham Goli Associate Professor, School of Business, SR University, Warangal, Telangana-506371
  • Surendar Gade Assistant Professor, School of Commerce. SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Deemed to be University, Hyderabad
  • N. Suman Kumar School of Business Management, SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Deemed-tobe University, Jadcherla, Hyderabad, 509301
  • Chunchu Nagaraju Research Scholar, School of Business, SR University, Warangal, Telangana-506371

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39is2/26037

Keywords:

Startup Education, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Engineering Students, Innovation, Business Model Canvas, Value proposition.

Abstract

An idea, passion, or inspiration often sparked by observing successful people can motivate young individuals to turn their vision into reality. This has fueled the rise of entrepreneurship, where innovation and self-driven ventures are key drivers of economic and social growth. Recognizing the need to nurture job creators instead of job seekers, SR University has strengthened its entrepreneurial ecosystem through its wings NEST (Nest for Entrepreneurship in Science and Technology) and SRiX (SR Innovation Exchange), and by introducing an Entrepreneurship and Startup course in the first year of the B. Tech program. The course guides students from concept to tangible outcomes, focusing on four pillars (1) Problem Statement (2) Value Proposition (3) Business Model Canvas (4) Prototype. A quantitative structured questionnaire was used to assess entrepreneurial knowledge and learning outcomes. A total of 430 valid samples were collected and measured on a 5-point Likert scale across the four pillars, along with student’s overall opinions of the course and expectations from SR University’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. Statistical analysis included Cronbach’s Alpha, Descriptive statistics, Correlation, and Multiple regression. Findings reveal increased student confidence, problem-solving, and enthusiasm for innovation. Feedback highlights that early exposure to entrepreneurship fosters longterm interest in venture creation. The study affirms the value of embedding structured entrepreneurship training early in undergraduate education to bridge the gap between ideation and implementation.

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Published

2026-02-18

How to Cite

Srihita, R. H., Goli, G., Gade, S., Kumar, N. S., & Nagaraju, C. (2026). Structured Startup Education for Engineering Students: Evidence from SR University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 39(Special Issue 2), 294–302. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39is2/26037

Issue

Volume 39, Special Issue 2, January 2026

Section

Articles
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

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