WISE Tech’s mission is to identify and empower the next generation of visionaries to build emerging tech ventures that transform purpose into scalable, real-world impact. The Sunil Bhatia Startup Hub (SBSH) is the platform through which WISE Tech advances this mission with founders and startups.
Established through the generous endowment of SPJIMR alumnus Sunil Bhatia (PGDM 1989), SBSH brings together the programmes, expertise and ecosystem relationships through which WISE Tech discovers promising ventures, strengthens their ability to build and scale, connects them to opportunities for growth, and recognises those demonstrating wise innovation in practice.
Finding high-potential ventures
Through the WISE Tech India Pitchathon, SBSH discovers promising founders and emerging technology ventures from across India. Working with incubation partners and startup ecosystems across the country, the Pitchathon provides high-potential ventures a platform to be discovered, evaluated and connected to the wider WISE Tech ecosystem.
Strengthening ventures for scale
Through the Series A Programme, selected founders undertake nine months of disciplined venture building designed to strengthen strategy, execution, business fundamentals and organisational maturity. The programme helps founders build the qualities of a Series A-ready venture, capable of attracting institutional capital and creating sustainable impact at scale.
Celebrating wise innovation
Through the WISE Innovation Awards, SBSH recognises ventures that demonstrate wise innovation in practice - combining meaningful purpose and demonstrable real-world impact with the discipline and business fundamentals required to scale.
The Awards provide exceptional founders with recognition and visibility while building a growing community of entrepreneurs who exemplify WISE Tech’s philosophy of wise innovation.
Journey & Impact
Since its establishment in 2023, the Sunil Bhatia Startup Hub has grown from an initiative supporting early-stage entrepreneurs into a nationwide platform for startup discovery and venture building.
Over this period, SBSH has engaged with over 2,000 startups through the WISE Tech India Pitchathon, taking its search for promising founders across India and building a deep presence across startup ecosystems around the country. From this growing discovery network, the Hub has worked more deeply with over 54 selected ventures, helping founders strengthen their businesses through sustained venture-building support.
The outcomes have extended well beyond the programmes themselves. Ventures supported by SBSH have collectively raised over US$9 million in funding, while the Hub has facilitated 50+ investor introductions, 30+ strategic introductions and many high-value partnerships,connecting founders to capital, customers, partners and opportunities that can help accelerate their growth.
What began as a commitment to support entrepreneurs has evolved into a growing ecosystem through which WISE Tech can discover promising ventures at scale, work deeply with selected founders, and create pathways that help them progress from potential towards impact.
About Benefactor
I am truly excited to be part of SPJIMR's journey in fostering entrepreneurship through the Sunil Bhatia Start-up Hub. I am confident that the Hub will serve as a catalyst for transformative change, propelling the next generation of disruptors to reach new heights of success. This grant signifies my dedication to creating an ecosystem that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, fuels innovation, and enables their growth.
Sunil Bhatia
Board Member, Investor and Former CEO of Infogain
SPJIMR PGDM 1989 Alum
Sunil Bhatia is a dynamic and visionary leader known for his remarkable accomplishments in scaling businesses backed by private equity. As an alumnus of SPJIMR’s PGDM programme, Sunil has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive exceptional growth and deliver outstanding results.
With his tenure as the former President & CEO of Infogain and Blue Star Infotech Ltd, Sunil led the organisations to achieve phenomenal success. Under his strategic guidance, the companies experienced exponential revenue growth, surpassing 13 times their original figures. He strategically positioned Infogain as a trusted partner to Fortune 100 companies, solidifying its reputation as a top 50 engineering digital transformation services firm recognised by Everest Group.
Sunil’s impressive leadership extends beyond his roles at Infogain and Blue Star Infotech Ltd. He has held senior positions at globally renowned organisations such as IBM, Accenture, and Tech Mahindra. Throughout his career, Sunil has spearheaded major portfolios and led transformative projects, leveraging his expertise as a management consultant.
With an MBA in Finance and executive programmes from prestigious institutions like Wharton and INSEAD, Sunil combines his extensive knowledge with a forward-thinking mindset. He is a charter member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), a global nonprofit organisation in Silicon Valley dedicated to nurturing and supporting entrepreneurs.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Sunil is an avid reader, a self-proclaimed golf hacker, and a sought-after speaker on New Age technologies and building platform businesses. His passion for inspiring others to dream big and unlock their full potential is truly remarkable.
Sunil Bhatia’s visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and commitment to driving business transformation make him a true force to be reckoned with in the industry.
