Inspired by Shark Tank India, IIM Bangalore student turns class assignment into zero-capital startup venture-OxBig News Network

As startup culture grew and more people in India began considering building something of their own, many found themselves held back by one common concern: money. Having an idea was one thing, but the fear of needing large capital or investment often stopped it from going further.

Harshit Jain, a BBA student from Madhya Pradesh enrolled in IIM Bangalore’s online Digital Business and Entrepreneurship program, showed that it was possible to start small. He turned a routine classroom assignment into a real business experience without spending any money.

What seemed like just another assignment soon turned into something more meaningful.

A telescope, a park and a vision

Harshit, who often connected with startup founders on LinkedIn, came across an idea while watching an episode of Shark Tank India. A startup called Pie Matrix, which sells telescopes and binoculars, caught his attention.

On impulse, he reached out to the founders with a pitch: lend him a telescope, and he would set it up in a public park to let people experience the moon and stars for free. The goal was to create buzz for their brand.

To his surprise, they agreed. In fact, they exceeded his expectations. Pie Matrix shipped him a telescope worth Rs 14,000, covered the delivery costs and offered full support. Their only question was whether he was serious, and he was.

Stars over Jaipur

With a borrowed telescope and a simple plan, Harshit set up a stargazing station at Jawahar Circle Park in Jaipur. The moon was expected to rise late that evening, so he invited passersby to view the stars while they waited.

Despite the light pollution, interest grew quickly. A group of photographers stopped by, curious about the setup, and began capturing images for free. As the moon finally rose, glowing orange in the night sky, the crowd watched in awe.

According to Harshit, the telescope became more than just a tool. It became a shared experience.

From assignment to aspiration

The event was more than a success. It became the start of a potential venture. Harshit began exploring collaborations with resorts and tourism companies to offer premium stargazing experiences. Inspired by the experiment, several of his classmates also started building their own ventures.

The course, led by Professor Sachidananda, was designed to be hands-on. Students were expected to learn through action, not just theory. When there was no money, students had to tap into their surroundings, their habits and the courage to ask, the professor said. Harshit’s story showed the power of simply asking.

Harshit still has the telescope. But more importantly, now he has a story as well. A story of action over hesitation, of asking instead of assuming, and of starting with what was available instead of waiting for the perfect setup. For the first time, he said, it felt like he was not just a student but a founder.

About Pie Matrix

Founded by brothers Aman and Akash Chaudhary, Pie Matrix is a Delhi-based startup working to make astronomy accessible. They were featured in Season 4 of Shark Tank India. Although they did not secure a deal, the company left a strong impression. Their product range spans from Rs 4,000 to Rs 2 lakh, catering to hobbyists as well as serious enthusiasts. As interest in astronomy grows across India, their mission remains to make the night sky accessible to more people.