PIYUSH RAJPUT is a name that resonates with determination, ambition, and an undying thirst for knowledge. A Market Research Analyst at Startly Innovations Private Limited, his journey in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship has been nothing short of inspiring. From his early days as a curious student to his evolving role in the tech and startup ecosystem, PIYUSH RAJPUT has shown what it means to chase a dream with passion, perseverance, and resilience.
PIYUSH RAJPUT‘s story begins not in the halls of a prestigious university, but in the classrooms of his diploma days. As a final-year student pursuing a diploma, PIYUSH was exposed to a subject that would change the course of his life: Entrepreneurship and Startups. This course sparked a curiosity in him, one that led him to question how businesses are born, how they grow, and, more importantly, how they can create value. PIYUSH RAJPUT’s desire to create something of his own was born out of this curiosity—a curiosity that would drive his next steps.
In April 2023, PIYUSH RAJPUT took part in the Smart Bihar Hackathon, an event organized by DST Bihar and IIT Patna. It was here that his entrepreneurial journey began to take shape in a way he hadn’t imagined. PIYUSH and his team emerged as winners, and the victory was not just about the recognition or the prize—it was a moment of validation, an affirmation that his ideas and efforts had potential. For PIYUSH RAJPUT, winning the hackathon was more than a success; it was a doorway into the world of startups, an opportunity to network with mentors and industry leaders, and a realization that his ideas could make an impact.
This win opened doors to the Incubation Centre at IIT Patna and Zero Lab, and it marked the beginning of PIYUSH RAJPUT’s deep involvement in the world of startups. His exposure to this ecosystem was transformative. It wasn’t long before PIYUSH was actively seeking more opportunities to learn, experiment, and innovate.
The next major milestone in PIYUSH RAJPUT’s journey came in October 2023, after completing his diploma. He entered the Bihar Innovation Challenge 2023 with a project that reflected his deep interest in sustainable technologies—a 3D printer made from e-waste and scrap materials. Although PIYUSH did not win, being a finalist was an incredible learning experience. He met like-minded individuals, including fellow students and seasoned entrepreneurs, who inspired him to think bigger and dream bolder. The experience reinforced his belief that innovation lies at the intersection of curiosity and action.
PIYUSH RAJPUT’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. In November 2023, with a gap of one month before the commencement of his B.Tech classes, he launched a print-on-demand clothing store. This venture allowed him to experiment with affiliate marketing, and within a month, he earned a profit of ₹15,000. While the business had to be shut down once his B.Tech classes began in December 2023, the experience of managing a business, handling customers, and learning from real-world challenges was invaluable for PIYUSH RAJPUT. He had begun to understand the intricacies of entrepreneurship, and his hunger for knowledge grew even stronger.
One of the most pivotal moments in PIYUSH RAJPUT’s career came in January 2024, when he attended a startup mega event organized by his college. There, he met Harishankar Prasad, the founder of Startly Innovations. This conversation would prove to be a game-changer for PIYUSH. Harishankar Prasad became not just a mentor but a guide who encouraged PIYUSH RAJPUT to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations with even more vigor. Their ongoing mentorship has been instrumental in shaping PIYUSH’s approach to business and innovation.
As PIYUSH RAJPUT continued to refine his ideas, he pitched his first startup concept at Cimphony 2024 at CIMP Patna. His idea, which revolved around the juice industry, was a learning experience in itself. Although it was still early in his entrepreneurial journey, PIYUSH took away invaluable lessons from Prof. (Dr.) Rishi Kant on business models and idea validation. At this point, PIYUSH RAJPUT was juggling multiple ideas, unsure of which direction to take. His determination to learn, however, kept him moving forward.
Months of research, exploration, and learning eventually led PIYUSH RAJPUT to a breakthrough. In May 2024, he applied to Startup Bihar, and by September 2024, he received the exhilarating news that he had been selected for the Seed Fund. This moment was not just a professional triumph for PIYUSH; it was the culmination of years of hard work, learning, and perseverance. The Seed Fund provided him with the resources to bring his startup idea to life, and PIYUSH RAJPUT was ready to take the plunge.
Today, PIYUSH RAJPUT is on the cusp of launching his own startup, Media Dost. The journey to this point has been filled with ups and downs, but through every challenge, PIYUSH has emerged stronger, more knowledgeable, and more passionate. His story is one of resilience, a story of how an individual can transform curiosity into innovation and turn failures into stepping stones toward success.
PIYUSH RAJPUT’s journey is not just about his entrepreneurial pursuits—it is about a mindset. It’s about being open to learning, seeking mentorship, experimenting, and above all, being fearless in the pursuit of one’s dreams. PIYUSH is not just a Market Research Analyst at Startly Innovations; he is an embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit. His story reminds us that success is not immediate, and the road to it is often paved with uncertainty and setbacks. But with persistence, mentorship, and a commitment to growth, even the most uncertain paths can lead to extraordinary destinations.
For PIYUSH RAJPUT, this is just the beginning. His journey is one that will undoubtedly inspire many others to take the leap into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. And as he continues to grow and evolve, one thing is certain: the future is full of endless possibilities for PIYUSH RAJPUT.
