PIERC (Parul Innovation & Entrepreneurship Research Centre) is not a department – it is the startup-to-market pipeline at Parul University. Established in 2013 as the Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) and registered as a Section 8 non-profit company in 2015, PIERC provides end-to-end support from ideation to growth. Led by Jay Sudani (CEO, M.Tech Mechanical Engineering) and Hutesh Baviskar (Senior Manager – Incubation), the centre’s 2025 numbers speak for themselves:
The PU Advantage for students to grow globally!
From global collaborations to outstanding placements and research strength, these achievements reflect a commitment to holistic growth and innovation.
Expansive Campus – 200+ acre modern, well-equipped campus designed for world-class learning and research
- Large Student Community – 70,500+ students enrolled across diverse disciplines
- Global Diversity – 5,500+ international students representing 75+ countries
- International Collaborations – 120+ global academic and industry tie-ups
- Strong Industry Connect – 2,200+ recruiters actively hiring graduates
- Outstanding Placements – Highest package reaching 60 LPA
- Wide Academic Offerings – 200+ undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs
- Recognized Excellence – 175+ national and international awards and accolades
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship – ₹15+ crore in startup funding supporting student ventures
- Research Strength – ₹25+ crore secured in research funding
- Highly Qualified Faculty – 200+ professors from premier institutes like NITs, IITs, IISc, NIDs, and NIFTs
- Global Academic Exposure – 100+ international visiting professors
- Robust Teaching Force – 3,500+ experienced faculty members
- Residential Facilities – 27,000+ in-campus accommodation capacity
International Partnership: BFH Switzerland COIL Course
The joint credit course with Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), Switzerland – launched 21 February 2026 – demonstrates PIERC’s international reach. UG & PG students from Parul University collaborate with BFH students on affordable innovation projects using the COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) model.
BFH offers 3 bachelor’s, 6 master’s, and 70+ continuing education programmes, with double-degree partnerships in Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Australia, South Korea, and French-speaking Switzerland. As ranked top in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Parul University, this means direct academic collaboration with a leading European business school – exposure that strengthens global career profiles.
The PIERC Support Structure
The Startup Incubation at Parul University, PIERC provides a structured pathway for students –
- Ideation and design thinking workshops
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and domain experts
- Product prototyping through the FABLAB (fabrication laboratory)
- Business plan assistance and pitch deck development
- Funding access – government grants (SSIP, SPARSH), angel investors, VCs
- Co-working space at the Vadodara Startup Studio
- Growth and acceleration programmes
PIERC also functions as a recognised Nodal Institution under the Government of Gujarat’s Scheme for Assistance for Startups/Innovation – meaning its resources, mentorship, and facilities are accessible to innovators from any background, not just Parul University students.
Programmes for Students Interested in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Parul University offers multiple pathways for students who want to build careers in innovation and entrepreneurship:
- MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation – a dedicated 2-year programme with access to PIERC’s network, 50+ VC/angel investor connections, and practitioner-led sessions. Admits just 30 students per batch.
- PG programmes across faculties – the BFH Switzerland COIL Course is open to PG students, adding international innovation exposure to any master’s programme.
- PIERC – incubation and startup support – open to students, alumni, and external participants. Startups like Yield Pro Earth (patented, PIERC-incubated) and Drashtick (smart blind stick) demonstrate the pathway from student idea to funded venture.
- Tech, BBA, BCA programmes – with access to PIERC’s workshops, bootcamps, and startup competitions throughout undergraduate education.
FAQ - Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Parul University
What is PIERC?
PIERC (Parul Innovation & Entrepreneurship Research Centre) is Parul University's startup incubation and innovation centre, established in 2013 and registered as a Section 8 non-profit in 2015. It has incubated 103 startups in 2025 alone, facilitated ₹6 crore+ in private investment, and is ranked 11-50 in NIRF Innovation.
Can I collaborate with Swiss students at Parul University?
Yes. The COIL credit course on Affordable Innovation is jointly offered by PIERC and BFH (Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland) for PG students. Indian and Swiss students work in parallel teams on innovation projects.
Who leads PIERC?
Jay Sudani (CEO, M.Tech Mechanical Engineering, 10+ years faculty) and Hutesh Baviskar (Senior Manager – Incubation, 14+ years at Parul University, two Best Faculty Awards, EDC Special Recognition Award, 10+ startups mentored)
