Umakant Soni provided key lessons on innovation and entrepreneurship at IIT Kanpur, emphasizing the importance of observation to identify opportunities, differentiating offerings from competitors, and maintaining a user-centric approach. He highlighted the necessity of pitching ideas widely, learning from failures quickly, and being open to iterative processes in development. Ultimately, he advocated for aspiring to greater goals while taking measured steps toward achieving them.

1. Innovation and
-
entrepreneurship
UMAKANT SONI
Delivered @ IIT Kanpur
Some lessons we learned during our journey

2. it all starts
with an
idea
1
Ideas are born out of observation, so keep looking carefully

3. its when one starts seeing opportunities
where every one else sees problems
2
Going against the grain grants you one thing, less competition

4. Its about looking at things from fresh perspectives
3
Pitch to as many people as possible, find detractors early

5. Try out as many
combinations as
possible
4
Failing fast is a necessity to reach the right solution

6. Its about
connecting with
your user
5
Describe your offerings in your customer’s words

7. Its about finding
greener pastures
when everyone is
looking for snow
6
Create strong differentiation with your competition

8. Choosing the right
vehicle is important
7
Right channel to customer can make all the difference

9. Relish the drops, they
are an indicator of things
to come
8
Disruptive innovations don’t become roaring success overnight

10. It will be always a little hazy, so you have to back your
guts
9
There are no correct answers on path to innovation

11. Creating a new world
10
Aspire for something higher, but keep taking baby steps