On Wednesday, April 22nd, Harvard Business School (HBS) hosted the finale of the global Alumni New Venture Competition and awarded BollyX as the “Most Innovative” venture. After winning the Northeastern US regional title out of 29 teams, BollyX qualified for the global competition finale, which brought 14 regional finalists from around the world to Boston.

The “Most Innovative” title came with a reward of $25,000 which was received by Minal Mehta, BollyX co-founder and HBS alumna, who wants to allocate these resources in expanding the BollyX fitness program to more communities across the nation, including key markets like Boston, New York, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Dallas.

Mehta says, “Being a part of the HBS New Venture Competition was a true embodiment of how the power of community can elevate a movement. The HBS community really increased exposure of the BollyX program globally.” She proudly adds, “Today, BollyX is a community of 300+ instructors who stand behind a mission to inspire healthy living, to bridge cultures, and to connect lives in a meaningful way.”

BollyX is a Bollywood fitness program that combines dynamic choreography with popular music from around the world. The workout burns 500-800 calories in one 50-minute session and is designed to “unleash your inner rockstar.” The BollyX fitness program and instructor training is approved by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and provides continuing education units for fitness professionals. Launched in August 2013, BollyX has their headquarters in in New York City. Today the BollyX community has grown to over 300 instructors, 50,000 class participants and 100 gyms in 20 states across the US. To watch a 90-second video pitch on BollyX, click here.

Harvard Business School is the graduate business school of Harvard University, located in Boston, MA. HBS is consistently ranked among the foremost business schools in the world and offers full time MBA, doctoral and executive education programs.