FARMAKO - 2025

1.     Activity conducted at

Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, NMIMS, Mumbai.

2.     Organized by

The External Committee of SPPSPTM, SVKM’s NMIMS, Mumbai

3.     Students participated

Under graduate and Post graduate students of SPPSPTM, Students from various colleges across Mumbai

4.     No.of Students participated

150

5.    Mentor

Dr. Amisha Vora, Dr Sateesh Belemkar and Dr. R Ch Sekhara Reddy D

6.    Description

The event was held over 2 days. On the 14th of November, participants were seen participating in the events of Poster Presentation, Yuvaa Saansad, Pitch to Pharma Glory (Auction) and Escape Labs. On the 15th, the event was held at the Mukesh Patel Hall, which featured several interactive and intellectual events including Make It Up, Who’s The Boss, Pitch to Pharma Glory (Final Round)

1. Yuvaa Sansad – Mock Parliament

Yuvaa Sansad, hosted for the first time at NMIMS, recreated realistic parliamentary proceedings. Participants represented political roles, beginning with the Opening Address by the Speaker, Ms. Ahana Arora, and Deputy Speaker, Ms. Shruti Shirke. The Prime Minister’s speech set the tone, followed by debates, amendments, Question Hour, and Voting Session. Parliamentary rules—120?second speaking time, use of evidence, respectful discourse, and proper addressing of the Chair—were strictly enforced.

2. Poster Presentation – Innovation Showcase

The final round displayed participants’ research through visually engaging posters. Judges included Dr. Mahesh Palkar—renowned academic with 50+ publications, 2 patents, and extensive accreditation work—and Dr. Sandip Auti—known for Alzheimer’s research and industry experience at Roha Dyechem. Each team received 7 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes for Q&A. Strict plagiarism and time rules applied.

3. Pitch to Pharma Glory – Auction and Grand Finale

The Auction Round allowed teams to bid on pharma?related assets to build their strategic business model. Judges included Sunil Jajoo (Vice President, Sun Pharma) and Kamlesh Naik (Senior Manager SFE, Zydus). Rules covered budget limits, item restrictions, ethical conduct, and mandatory acquisition minimums. The Mystery Card segment introduced bonus advantages. In the final round, teams presented their healthcare startups with a 10?minute pitch followed by Q&A. Innovation, strategy, feasibility, and clarity were key evaluation criteria.

4. Make It Up – Cosmetic Formulation Challenge

Participants developed innovative cosmetic formulations and defended them in a rigorous mock FDA cross?examination. Judges included Sanjay Manjarekar—Regulatory Affairs Manager at Maryus Healthcare—and Dr. Prachi Mehendale—Assistant Professor with 20+ years of teaching and research experience. Presentations ranged from 7 to 10 minutes, followed by a 5?minute FDA challenge.

5. Who’s The Boss? – National Management Finale

The grand finale featured top finalists showing exceptional leadership, business skills, and strategic thinking. Final presentations were 15 minutes long, including a 12?minute alert and subsequent Q&A. Participants displayed entrepreneurial vision, clarity in business execution, and strong decision?making abilities.

6.Escape labs- Scientific escape challenges

Escape Labs was an intense and immersive event where participants were placed in a simulated laboratory crisis. An experiment "gone wrong” caused toxic gas to leak, and teams had to solve scientific puzzles, decode clues, and unlock chained tasks to escape before time ran out.

The activity tested quick thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure. Participants navigated logic-based locks, chemical clues, and emergency cues in a highly realistic setup.

The Prize Distribution ceremony honoured participants for their outstanding performance across all events. Judges and faculty members were appreciated for their contributions. Winners were celebrated amid energetic applause and audience excitement.

7.    Beneficiary Group

Pharmacy students and faculty members of SPPSPTM, who gained motivation, professional exposure, and insights into the evolving landscape of the pharmacy profession.

8.    Conclusion/outcome

FARMAKO 2025 successfully fostered innovation and collaboration by bringing students together from across the country. The event enhanced participants' technical knowledge, business acumen, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The two-day fest proved to be a memorable learning experience that strengthened the academic and professional environment of SPPSPTM.