India's higher education institutions are increasingly recognizing the potential of student entrepreneurs. Initiatives like the National Innovation and Startup Policy 2019 aim to guide higher education institutions (HEIs) in promoting student-driven innovations and startups . Similarly, the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) in Gujarat provides financial, technical, and mentoring support to students pursuing innovative ideas.

However, while these policies provide a foundation, they often fall short in offering a comprehensive support system. Student founders require more than just funding and infrastructure; they need mentorship, access to industry networks, and a culture that encourages experimentation and tolerates failure. Institutions like IIT Madras and Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) have made strides by establishing innovation hubs and mandating startup initiatives across affiliated colleges .

To truly foster a nation of innovators, India's higher education ecosystem must evolve from merely providing resources to cultivating an environment that nurtures creativity, supports risk-taking, and celebrates entrepreneurial endeavors. This holistic approach will empower student founders to transform their ideas into impactful ventures.