ATLAS ISDI Alumnus Pankaj Wadalkar Seamlessly Unites Design, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Pankaj Wadalkar, an emerging entrepreneur and esteemed graduate of ATLAS ISDI School of Design & Innovation (DI 2022-23 batch), is the perfect example of the entrepreneurial excellence nurtured within the institution’s supportive environment. Co-founding Two Dash Innovation Lab (erstwhile AP Corporation) in 2019 alongside Alpesh Bhatewara, Pankaj has not only spearheaded a dynamic team of 40+ professionals but has also served as an inspiration to fellow students, showcasing the transformative power of entrepreneurship nurtured at ATLAS ISDI. Through a spectrum of IT solutions catering to over 340 recurring clients, including serving more than 2000 small businesses, Two Dash Innovation Lab has been pivotal in driving business success, further emphasising the encouragement and support for entrepreneurial endeavors cultivated within the institute.

Innovating Beyond Boundaries: Diverse Ventures and Projects

Pankaj’s entrepreneurial spirit extends far and wide, evidenced by the diverse portfolio of impactful projects under Two Dash Innovation Lab. Initiatives like Pack‘n’D in Nashik and Creddos highlight his dedication to addressing multifaceted needs. From facilitating pick-and-drop services to empowering restaurants with digital solutions for order management, Pankaj’s ventures transcend traditional norms, aiming to create lasting impact across various sectors.

Nurturing Innovation: Spearheading Sale My Scrap and Freelance Endeavours

Pankaj, continuing his trailblazing journey, is currently immersing himself in developing Sale My Scrap, a pioneering B2B and B2C platform that bridges scrap dealers and sellers. This endeavour reflects his commitment to harnessing technology for sustainable transactions. Additionally, his freelance work as a web designer showcases his versatility and proficiency in creating responsive, user-friendly websites, further contributing to his diverse skill set and entrepreneurial vision.

Empowering ISDI’s Emerging Design Talent: Two Dash Innovation Lab’s Industry Collaboration

At present, Two Dash Innovation Lab actively collaborates with emerging design professionals from ISDI. They are offering support to students enrolled in the PGDI Program and the Communication Design batch, providing them with valuable opportunities to gain industry experience through engagement in practical, real-world projects. This collaborative initiative highlights how experienced entrepreneurs graduating from ISDI not only contribute to the industry but also play an active role in supporting and mentoring the upcoming talented individuals from the institution.

Academic Pursuits: A Quest for Knowledge and Societal Impact

At ATLAS ISDI, Pankaj pursued knowledge and aimed for societal impact throughout his academic journey. His immersion in design and innovation, exploring facets like design thinking, speculative design and business innovation models, exemplifies his dedication to learning and leveraging these tools for societal change.

Empathy-Driven Design: Addressing Unorganised Markets in Varsova

Pankaj, along with fellow batchmates—Shreya Jain, Anushree S, and Archana Parelkar—conducted a project focused on unorganized markets in Varsova, highlighting a significant aspect of his academic journey. Through immersive interactions with individuals in the Versova fishing village, they identified critical challenges such as professional hazards and climate change impact. Their dedication led to the creation of a revolutionary prawn peeling device, designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the women involved in this task.

Illuminating Achievements: Recognition in Business Competitions

Pankaj’s adeptness in blending design thinking with entrepreneurial acumen received recognition through his achievements as a finalist in prestigious business competitions. His finalist position in the B-Plan Competition organized by ATLAS Skilltech University and inclusion in the top 50 shortlists in Business Valley 2.0 by BITS School of Management, Mumbai, validate his innovative approach and business acumen.

Synergy of Skills: Merging Creativity with Strategy

With an arsenal of skills encompassing design, management, front-end development and proficiency in various design tools, Pankaj embodies the synergy between creativity and business strategy. His dedication to leveraging technology and design for societal impact stands as a testament to the ethos of ATLAS ISDI School of Design & Innovation.

As Pankaj Wadalkar continues his inspiring journey, ATLAS SkillTech University stands tall as a thriving entrepreneurial hub, nurturing and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs like Pankaj. With an emphasis on fostering innovative thinking, strategic vision and a supportive ecosystem, the university continues to breed a new generation of visionary leaders and trailblazers, poised to make a transformative impact in the entrepreneurial landscape.