PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation: A Complete Course Guide 

Entrepreneurship is a mindset rather than just a career in a startup and innovation-driven economy. Educational institutions have started providing specialized programs to develop this entrepreneurial talent as the demand for people who can think creatively, make calculated risks, and be the driver of change grows. The Post Graduate Certificate Program (PGCP) in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a program that is becoming increasingly popular. 

If you are an inspiring founder, a professional who is looking to start a business, or someone who wants to introduce innovation in their organization, this course is designed to assist you in implementing your ideas. In this article, we will lead you to all the information you need about PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, also offered by Manipal Academy of Higher Education at Online Manipal – eligibility, syllabus, skills, benefits, and career opportunities. 

Also read: How PGCP programs boost career growth for working professionals 

What is the PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation? 

The PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a 12-month fast-paced, intensive course aimed at providing learners with the skills, resources, and mental attitude necessary for starting and running businesses or coming up with innovative ideas in organizations. It goes through the process of taking a business from just an idea to practical implementation by learning the basics of business, identifying opportunities, creating new ventures, sourcing funds, and managing innovation. 

Unlike traditional MBA programs that are generally focused on business management broadly, this course is more targeted at sharpening entrepreneurial thinking and empowering learners to create scalable, sustainable business models. 

Why Pursue This Course? 

Just consider the reasons why this program can exponentially increase your career value: 

1. Turn Ideas into Action 

In the case you have a business idea but cannot figure out how to make it work, this course offers a step-by-step guide to develop, test, and finally start your venture. 

2. Gain Practical Business Knowledge 

Learning about business plans and also handling finances, operations, and marketing—this course gives hands-on thinking that you can implement immediately. 

3. Enhance Innovation Skills 

Be it a small business or a big company, it is innovation that makes a difference. Such a course develops strategies for the participants to be innovative, to solve problems creatively, and to put the change into practice efficiently. 

4. Short-Term, High Impact 

This PGCP in Entrepreneurship & Innovation can be finished in 12 months, which makes it very suitable for working professionals or freshly graduated students who want to get a short and focused learning experience without having to commit to a long-term degree. 

5. Networking Opportunities 

Work with peers, mentors, and start-up founders who have similar goals by participating in projects, live sessions, and community discussions. 

6. Build a Strong Portfolio 

You develop a portfolio that can be demonstrated to incubators, investors, or employers through capstone projects and venture plans. 

Read more: All you need to know about PGCP in Entrepreneurship & Innovation 

Who Should Enroll? 

The PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is designed for: 

• Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own ventures 

• Startup founders looking to formalize their knowledge and improve business sustainability 

• Graduates from any discipline who want to explore entrepreneurship 

• Intrapreneurs aiming to bring innovation within existing organizations 

• Professionals aiming to switch careers and become self-employed 

Interested to read more: PGCP in Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Who is this course for? 

Eligibility Criteria 

These criteria apply to the PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation offered by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) through its online learning platform, Online Manipal. 

Educational Qualification 

• Candidates must hold a 10+2+3-year bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university/institution. 

• A background in business, commerce, engineering, or technology is helpful but not mandatory. 

Minimum Marks 

• A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying degree. 

Work Experience 

• While work experience is not mandatory, it is desirable, especially for those looking to apply their learning to real-world projects. 

Course Curriculum 

The Online PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation curriculum at Manipal University of Higher Education includes core and advanced subjects that enable the learners to understand the startup ecosystem and execute innovative projects in established enterprises. 

Here’s a typical subject breakdown: 

Semester 1	Semester 2
Problem Statement and Trends	Financial Acumen for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurial Mindset and Journey	Corporate Governance, Risk & Compliance
Business Plan and Pitch Deck	Meet Your Investors’ Expectations
Sales, Marketing, Branding & PR for Growth	Structuring and Scaling Your Organization
Competitive Strategy, Differentiation & MOAT	Tap the Right Investors at Apt Valuation
Project 1	Project 2

Key Concepts Covered: 

• Business Idea Validation 

• Design Thinking 

• Lean Startup Methodology 

• Market Research and Customer Discovery 

• Startup Financing and Fundraising 

• Team Building and Leadership 

• Intellectual Property Rights 

• Growth Hacking and Scaling Strategies 

Read more to know our instructors: Who are the instructors of PGCP Entrepreneurship & Innovation? 

Career Opportunities After Completion 

Completing a PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation doesn’t restrict you to only launching your own startup, but also opens up a variety of exciting roles across industries: 

Role	Average Salary (INR)	Key Responsibilities
Startup Founder / Co-founder	Varies	Build, manage, and grow your own venture
Innovation Consultant	₹6–12.8 LPA	Help companies design innovation strategies
Product Manager	₹6.7–40 LPA	Lead product lifecycle from concept to launch
Business Development Manager	₹3.4–22.6 LPA	Identify and drive business growth opportunities
Venture Analyst / Startup Advisor	₹4.2–36 LPA	Analyze startups for investment and mentoring
Intrapreneur (within Corporates)	₹2–20.0 LPA	Drive new initiatives and innovations

Scholarships and Support 

Under selected categories, Manipal Academy of Higher Education through Online Manipal offer scholarship opportunities to women learners, corporate employees, and doctors. They may also include a partial fee waiver for the first semester, if eligibility criteria are met and documents are verified. 

For example: 

• Women Learners – 15% off (Aadhaar card required) 

• Corporate Employees – 15% off (UAN ID, Employee ID, Appointment Letter) 

• International Applicants – May be eligible for flexible payment plans and must provide visa and identity documentation. 

Is This Course Right for You? 

Ask yourself: 

• Do you have a business idea but lack the structure or knowledge to execute it? 

• Are you looking to transition from employment to entrepreneurship? 

• Do you want to bring innovation into your current job or team? 

• Are you keen to learn practical startup-building skills in a flexible format? 

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, this PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation could be the right fit for you. 

Online PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from MAHE 

The Online PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) through Online Manipal is a program that intends to equip entrepreneurs in the making and professionals driven by innovation with the necessary tools, strategies, and mindset to be successful in the market today.  

This program is based on a curriculum that is deeply rooted in practical applications, access to faculty who are experts in the industry, and the convenience of online learning. It enables learners to convert their concepts into significant enterprises or be the driving force of innovation in their companies, all this while continuing their careers. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is the time span of the PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation course? 

The course is typically designed to last 12 months, depending on the university’s calendar and the student’s pace of study. 

2. Is this course good for those who are new and have no experience in business or startup? 

Certainly, the course is designed to benefit beginners as well as those who have some experience. It’s about entrepreneurship and innovation basics, so even those who have no business experience can easily understand it. 

3. Is it possible to have a document certifying my participation in the PGCP program? 

Of course, you will get a certificate from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) if you fulfill all the requirements of coursework and projects. 

4. Can I take this PGCP program from anywhere and not attend any classes in person? 

Yes, the PGCP in Entrepreneurship and Innovation through Online Manipal is a fully online course, with unlimited access to teaching resources, recorded lectures, live sessions, and assignments. 

5. Will the organizers of the course help me to find a job and with my career after the course has finished? 

In general, PGCP programs focus on skill acquisition, but several institutions, like Online Manipal, provide job opportunities, resume writing, setting up contacts, and entrepreneurial communities or incubators.