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SOFT Pune Pre-Incubation: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs & Design Innovators

Turn Your Creative Ideas into Successful Startups

Every successful business begins with a powerful idea. At SOFT Pune Pre-Incubation, we help aspiring women entrepreneurs, design students, innovators, and creative professionals transform innovative concepts into sustainable businesses through expert mentorship, industry guidance, and entrepreneurial support.

Whether you dream of launching a fashion brand, interior design consultancy, textile startup, sustainable design venture, or creative business, our Pre-Incubation Centre provides the right ecosystem to help you validate your ideas, develop business strategies, and prepare for successful market entry.

What is a Pre-Incubation Centre?

A Pre-Incubation Centre is the first step in the startup journey. It is designed to nurture innovative ideas before they become full-fledged businesses. At SOFT Pune, we support aspiring entrepreneurs by helping them identify market opportunities, refine business models, build prototypes, understand customer needs, and develop entrepreneurial skills.

Our structured pre-incubation program bridges the gap between an idea and a successful startup by connecting participants with experienced mentors, industry experts, investors, and startup enablers.

Why Choose SOFT Pune Pre-Incubation?

At SOFT Pune, innovation meets creativity. Our Pre-Incubation Centre offers:

Expert mentoring from industry professionals

Startup guidance and business planning support

Design thinking and innovation workshops

Business model development

Product and prototype validation

Branding and marketing strategy guidance

Intellectual Property (IP) awareness

Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and industry leaders

Access to innovation events and startup competitions

Support for women-led startups and creative enterprises

Whether you’re a student with a unique concept or an aspiring entrepreneur looking to build your first venture, SOFT Pune provides the guidance and resources to help you move forward confidently.

Our pre-incubation process focuses on helping participants:

  • Validate business ideas
  • Conduct market research
  • Develop customer-centric products
  • Create viable business models
  • Prepare investor-ready presentations
  • Build entrepreneurial confidence
  • Launch market-ready startups

With practical exposure, expert guidance, and a collaborative environment, participants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to convert creative ideas into impactful businesses.

Join SOFT Pune's Innovation Ecosystem

Innovation begins with a single idea—and the courage to pursue it.

If you are passionate about design, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creating meaningful impact, SOFT Pune Pre-Incubation is the ideal platform to begin your entrepreneurial journey.

Become part of a vibrant community of innovators, mentors, industry experts, and future entrepreneurs working together to shape the next generation of creative businesses.

Start today. Innovate. Create. Lead.

Application Form: https://soft.ac.in/pune/business-incubation/

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Dr.M.M.Hundekar
Roles & Responsibilities

  • Founder-Principal, Professor Emeritus School of Fashion Technology www.soft.ac.in
  • Director- Development Cell, MKSSS                                                           
  • Secretary, Green Fashion India. www.soft.ac.in/gfi

Education

  • Ph. D., Area of specialization “Textile and Fashion Technology”. Mumbai University.
  • MBA (Executive). Specialization- Human Resource Management
  • Nine Months special teacher’s training at NIFT, New Delhi.
  • M. Sc. in Textiles and Clothing, Mumbai University.

Examiner & Jury

  • External Examiner PhD – M S University Baroda & Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan and Devi Ahilya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Indore. Total Ph.D. Assessed – 7
  • Appointment as Editor- Marathi Vastra Nirmity Mahitikosh. Marathi Rajya Vikas Samstha, Undertaking of Govt. of Maharashtra.
Awards & Recognitions
  • Recipient of Maharshi Karve Award of Excellence.
  • Resource Person, Handloom Week, Organized by J.D.Birla Institute, Department of Textile Science, Clothing and Fashion Studies, in Association with MSME & Textile Department, Govt.of West Bengal and Weavers Service Centre, Ministry of Textiles, 12th and 13th April 2023.

Papers, Articles & Publications

  • Paper presentation at Society of Dyers and Colorists Seminar- 2006
  • Paper presentation at World Textile Conference on Apparel and Home Textile organized by International Textile Consortium- 2008
  • Paper presentation at the International Conference in Home Economics, organized by Asian Regional Association of Home- Economics-2009
  • Paper presentation at Conference in Home Economics, organized by Indian Association of Home- Economics, -2010
  • Author- YCMOU Study Material
  • Member Editorial Team- Hupri –An Unparalleled Echo Published Articles
  • Ajrakh Impression and Expression - by Dehia E & Dr. M.M.Hundekar
    https://www.amazon.in/ajrakh-impression-expression-Dehia-Hundekar/dp/8190259423
  • Creative Use of Industrial Waste into Fashion Products Through Fabric Manipulation Using Origami Technique - Ms. Mohika Joshi, Dr. M.M. Hundekar – 2019
  • Waste management, blend of design and social connectivity in the creation of a new product range, using the Godhadi quilting technique from the state of Maharashtra. - Shashwati Khonde, Reema Chaugule & Dr. M. M. Hundekar – 2021
    https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/10701.12285ecst

Dr. Suresh Karale
Roles & Responsibilities

  • Director – Incubation Cell
  • MKSSS's School of Fashion Technology (SOFT), Pune

Fashion Academician, industry consultant, and entrepreneur with over 32 years of experience in fashion education, apparel manufacturing, innovation, and incubation.

Education

  • Holds a PhD in Fashion Design, M.Com. and M.Sc. in Fashion.

Professional Experience

  • Founder Director of A-Line Creation Pvt. Ltd., a customised clothing company.
  • Technical consultancy for leading fashion brands in India, with extensive experience in apparel product development, manufacturing, pattern engineering, and industry collaboration.
  • Associated with the Directorate of Industries, Government of Maharashtra, undertaking technical appraisals, machinery and equipment assessments, and installation reports for projects under the Micro and Small Enterprises – Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP).
  • As Director – Business Incubation at MKSSS's School of Fashion Technology, I am committed to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, industry–academia collaboration, and startup development in the fashion and textile industry.

Dr.M.M.Hundekar
Roles & Responsibilities

  • Founder-Principal, Professor Emeritus School of Fashion Technology www.soft.ac.in
  • Director- Development Cell, MKSSS                                                           
  • Secretary, Green Fashion India. www.soft.ac.in/gfi

Education

  • Ph. D., Area of specialization “Textile and Fashion Technology”. Mumbai University.
  • MBA (Executive). Specialization- Human Resource Management
  • Nine Months special teacher’s training at NIFT, New Delhi.
  • M. Sc. in Textiles and Clothing, Mumbai University.

Examiner & Jury

  • External Examiner PhD – M S University Baroda & Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan and Devi Ahilya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Indore. Total Ph.D. Assessed – 7
  • Appointment as Editor- Marathi Vastra Nirmity Mahitikosh. Marathi Rajya Vikas Samstha, Undertaking of Govt. of Maharashtra.
Awards & Recognitions
  • Recipient of Maharshi Karve Award of Excellence.
  • Resource Person, Handloom Week, Organized by J.D.Birla Institute, Department of Textile Science, Clothing and Fashion Studies, in Association with MSME & Textile Department, Govt.of West Bengal and Weavers Service Centre, Ministry of Textiles, 12th and 13th April 2023.

Papers, Articles & Publications

  • Paper presentation at Society of Dyers and Colorists Seminar- 2006
  • Paper presentation at World Textile Conference on Apparel and Home Textile organized by International Textile Consortium- 2008
  • Paper presentation at the International Conference in Home Economics, organized by Asian Regional Association of Home- Economics-2009
  • Paper presentation at Conference in Home Economics, organized by Indian Association of Home- Economics, -2010
  • Author- YCMOU Study Material
  • Member Editorial Team- Hupri –An Unparalleled Echo Published Articles
  • Ajrakh Impression and Expression - by Dehia E & Dr. M.M.Hundekar
    https://www.amazon.in/ajrakh-impression-expression-Dehia-Hundekar/dp/8190259423
  • Creative Use of Industrial Waste into Fashion Products Through Fabric Manipulation Using Origami Technique - Ms. Mohika Joshi, Dr. M.M. Hundekar – 2019
  • Waste management, blend of design and social connectivity in the creation of a new product range, using the Godhadi quilting technique from the state of Maharashtra. - Shashwati Khonde, Reema Chaugule & Dr. M. M. Hundekar – 2021
    https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/10701.12285ecst
Dr. Garima Bhalla
  • Principal In charge, MKSSS's School of Fashion Technology, Pune
  • Ph.D., Textile Science and Apparel Design. M.Sc., Clothing & Textiles

Profile Overview

  • 20+ years of experience in Fashion and Textile Education.
  • Academician, Researcher, Mentor & Guide.
  • Representation on various National and International Forums as Chair, Speaker, Panelist & Research Presenter.

Academic Contributions

  • Curriculum Development at SNDT Women's University, Mumbai- Fashion Curriculum Enrichment-Focusing on Glocal Requirements
  • Developed subject specific book for YCMOU - Textile and Garment Quality Analysis Assurance
  • Contributed to developing E-Content videos on subjects related to textiles for SOFT - Traditional Indian Textiles.
    Introduction to Dyeing and Printing.

Research

  • Ph.D., Title of Thesis -Enhancing commercial value of khadi apparel products through design intervention.
    M.Sc. (ICAR Junior Research Fellowship). Title of Thesis - Application of natural dye on wool.
  • Research Papers & articles in diverse National and International Conferences and Publications such as GFI, IFFTI, SCOPUS, & Images- Business of Fashion.
  • She has also contributed as a Reviewer at IFFTI
  • Research Guide for M. Design students

Advisory & Board of Study Member

  • SNDT Women's University, Mumbai
  • MGM University Aurangabad
  • 'R Tasta' UK Limited

Initiative Association - Green Fashion India, initiative by MKSSS’s School of Fashion Technology.

  • Steering Committee Member since inception.
  • Green Fashion India is the premier platform for exchange of ideas, information, and sustainable practices to promote 'Social Design' as an extension to Green Fashion.
  • GFI unites academia, industry professionals and artisans on a single stage to discuss, deliberate and infer actionable steps for sustainable fashion that make tangible difference.

University Responsibilities

  • Chairperson- Expert Committee, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
  • Member- Local Inquiry Committee, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
  • Paper setter, Examiner and Moderator for B. Design courses at SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
  • Examiner at Shivaji University, Kolhapur.

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