Bengaluru, April 3, 2025: As India prepares to host Startup Mahakumbh 2025—its largest-ever convergence of startups, investors, and global thought leaders—the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will present a compelling narrative of inclusive entrepreneurship through its dedicated pavilion. From April 3 to 5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, MSDE will showcase 15 entrepreneurs whose journeys epitomize the transformative power of grassroots innovation and institutional support.

The Skill India Pavilion, located in Hall 4, will spotlight these entrepreneurs and their ventures, offering them a national platform to engage with investors, industry veterans, and policymakers.

Curated and nurtured under the aegis of the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), these entrepreneurs represent the rich diversity and ingenuity of India’s emerging startup ecosystem. Hailing from states as varied as Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand, the featured ventures span sectors such as sustainable agriculture, eco-conscious textiles, AI-driven services, waste-to-wealth solutions, and food processing.

Speaking ahead of the event, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, commented: “Through Startup Mahakumbh, we are not just showcasing enterprises—we are telling stories of resilience, aspiration, and the future of India’s economic imagination. As Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has envisioned, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat is not just a vision—it is a movement powered by the entrepreneurial spirit of every Indian.’ This spirit has already given rise to over 118 unicorns, placing India among the top three startup ecosystems in the world. Entrepreneurship today is not confined to boardrooms in metros—it is thriving in villages, tier-two towns, and among underrepresented communities. NIESBUD’s model demonstrates how targeted skilling, mentorship, and ecosystem building can catalyze remarkable transformations.,”

Among them are Field-X Robotics, developing automation tools for precision agriculture; Dhanna Food Products, a Tamil Nadu-based enterprise that has scaled to a turnover of ₹1 crore; and Geeta Herbal Products, founded by women entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh using local knowledge to create sustainable personal care solutions. These ventures—many launched with modest investments—have been cultivated through intensive training, market linkage facilitation, and enterprise development programs facilitated by NIESBUD, including under SANKALP and EDP frameworks.

Startup Mahakumbh 2025 will convene over 3,000 startups, 1,000+ investors, and delegations from more than 50 countries. Within this dynamic ecosystem, MSDE’s pavilion will serve as a microcosm of the broader vision for India@2047—where entrepreneurship is not merely an economic imperative, but a vehicle for social equity, gender inclusion, and decentralized development.

MSDE’s continued efforts to integrate skill development with entrepreneurship underscore its commitment to building an innovation-led, inclusive economy—where every aspiring entrepreneur, regardless of background, has the opportunity to dream, build, and lead.

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New Delhi, March 31: Startup Mahakumbh is set to return to New Delhi with its second edition, reaffirming its position as India’s largest startup congregation and a global innovation showcase. Following the success of its inaugural edition, which saw participation from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this landmark event will take place from April 3–5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. With the theme “Startup India @ 2047—Unfolding the Bharat Story,” the summit aims to shape India’s startup ecosystem for the future, driving innovation, policy discussions, and economic transformation.

This year’s edition is expected to bring together more than 3,000 startups, 1,000 investors and incubators, and 10,000 delegates from over 50 countries, along with 50,000 business visitors. The event will provide a platform for startups to engage with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, fostering collaboration and new business opportunities.

A key highlight of the event is the powerful public-private collaboration shaping India’s startup landscape. Industry leaders and policymakers will share their insights, including Peyush Bansal, CEO & Co-founder of Lenskart, who will explore the evolution of D2C brands and future trends. Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, will discuss India’s macroeconomic position in a global context and its impact on the startup ecosystem. S. Krishnan, IAS, Secretary of MeitY, will outline India’s AI roadmap, while Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Secretary of DPIIT, will address policy-driven growth for startups. Adding to the lineup, Ananth Narayanan, Founder & CEO of Mensa Brands, will share strategies for scaling digital-first brands, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-founder of Infosys & Chairman of Axilor Ventures, will delve into India’s tech evolution, and Nithin Kamath, Founder & CEO of Zerodha, will discuss the disruptions and opportunities in fintech. Manish Sabharwal, Vice Chairman of TeamLease Services, will provide insights into workforce innovation and the future of employment. These distinguished speakers will set the stage for dynamic discussions, offering startups valuable perspectives on innovation, policy, and business growth.

Adding to the excitement, Bollywood celebrities turned investors such as Sonam Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, and Rana Daggubati will attend, further bridging the gap between entertainment and entrepreneurship.

Sector-focused pavilions will showcase advancements in artificial intelligence, deep technology, cybersecurity, health technology, biotechnology, agritech, climate technology, fintech, direct-to-consumer businesses, business-to-business models, gaming, sports, mobility, defense, space technology, and more. These pavilions will feature live demonstrations, masterclasses, panel discussions, fireside chats, and investor pitching sessions, creating an immersive experience for attendees.

Startups to watch out for include key players in D2C, mobility, health, and biotech. Notable names in mobility include Ather, Ultraviolet, River, Rapido, and Battery Smart. Health and biotech startups such as UR Advanced Therapeutics, Shira Medtech, Brain Sight AI, and Niramai will also be featured. The D2C segment will spotlight brands like Appliance.AI, Go Desi, Assembly, Indus Valley, and Snitch.

A key announcement at the event includes the much-anticipated product launches of a D2C brand and a flying taxi, underscoring the spirit of innovation at Startup Mahakumbh. A highlight session, “Rivals in Business, Allies in Disruption: A Faceoff with SNITCH & The Souled Store,” will feature a fireside chat between two competitor brands, adding a dynamic competitive edge to the discussions.

Curated by an organizing committee led by FICCI and supported by ASSOCHAM, NASSCOM, TiE, IVCA, and Bootstrap Foundation, with strong backing from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is positioned as a key event driving India’s innovation landscape. For startups, investors, and industry leaders, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to India’s entrepreneurial growth.

Date: April 3–5, 2025

Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

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NABARD to be lead partner 

New Delhi; March 20, 2025: Member of the Organizing Committee of Startup Mahakumbh and Chair of the Agritech panel, Founder and Vice Chairman of Aavishkaar Group, Vineet Rai, will be anchoring the Agritech Pavilion at the 2nd Edition of the Startup Mahakumbh, the world’s largest celebration of innovation and Entrepreneurship, set to take place from April 3–5, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. C M Patil, Chief Executive Officer of KrishiKalpa Foundation will be the Co-Lead of the Agritech Pavilion.

With the focal theme as ‘Startup India @ 2047—Unfolding the Bharat Story’, the convening will feature 3,000+ startups, 1,000+ investors and incubators, 10,000+ delegates from 50+ countries, creating an unparalleled platform to shape the future of India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Supported by Next Bharat Ventures, Aavishkaar Capital and Intellecap, part of the Aavishkaar Group, and IIT Kharagpur, the Agritech pavilion will celebrate startups and technologies driving sustainable agriculture and improving livelihoods across rural India.

The overwhelming participation and response from entrepreneurs and innovators alike from the previous edition has resulted in a more interactive and creative format for this edition. With ~100 promising startups alone being showcased, there will also be an ‘Agri-Bazaar’, bespoke Masterclasses, and exciting discussions with Agritech luminaries at the Summit. As a 1st time addition to the Summit, the ‘Startup Maharathi Challenge’, with a funding pool for INR 30Cr, will provide an opportunity for visionary startups to showcase transformative solutions, secure nation-wide recognition, and access the right funding and mentorship to scale. 

“Startup Mahakumbh as the name suggest is the grand celebration of Indian Startup ecosystem. As the member of Startup Mahakumbh Organizing Committee and as Chair and Lead of the Agritech Pavilion, we look forward to welcoming exciting new startups to showcase their transformative capacity, specifically in the space of Agriculture and Rural Development. As we chart the course towards ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ the Agritech pavilion will showcase how Indian farmers are sharing their experience with the startup founders and their technological prowess to paint a new narrative around food security, job creation and income enhancement. At the Agritech Pavillion, farmers and stock market experts, venture funds, Investment bankers, agritech startups and farmer producer companies, would weave a rich tapestry of insights, ideas, investments and impact.” shared Vineet Rai, Founder and Vice Chairman, Aavishkaar Group.

Aavishkaar Group is also delighted to present NABARD as the lead partner of the Agritech pavilion. As the pre-eminent institution of choice for building rural India, the partnership will shed light on the latest advancements, disruptive technologies, and opportunities reshaping the future of agriculture in India.  NABARD is India’s apex development finance institution promoting sustainable, equitable agriculture and rural development. This pivotal collaboration highlights NABARD’s commitment to nurturing the agri-sector’s growth and innovation. At the pavilion, NABARD will also showcase 30 startups from their cohort, showcasing the dynamic and transformative potential within India’s agri startup ecosystem. 

Shaji KV, Chairman, NABARD said, “Innovation and entrepreneurship in rural India are the cornerstones of inclusive development. By fostering startups, we empower communities, strengthen agriculture, and pave the way for a sustainable future, NABARD will continue to provide support for initiatives that propel the agritech ecosystem to make strides in the agriculture space.  At Startup Mahakumbh, we aim to highlight the contributions of the enterprises we support and scale, to our agri-ecosystem. We look forward to a brighter, more sustainable future for agriculture in India.”

The ‘Entrepreneur-first’ agenda will ensure that Startups get unprecedented access to one-on-one mentoring sessions, live pitches, best practices on Governance, and the opportunity to participate and win Awards for their startup innovations. The Startup Mahakumbh agenda has been curated to facilitate a vibrant exchange of ideas and best practices at the forefront of agricultural innovation in India.

The comprehensive program is curated by an Organizing Committee featuring prominent leaders from India’s startup ecosystem. Led by FICCI, the key organizers include ASSOCHAM, Nasscom, TiE, IVCA and Bootstrap Foundation. The event is well supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at a national level.

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To foster collaboration at a global scale, the evening is set to witness delegates from 50+ countries to witness the scale of world’s largest congregation of startups in India at the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh slated to be held at Bharat Mandapam from April 3-5, 2025.

Igniting a New Era of Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the landmark event – Startup Mahakumbh – will aim to shape the future of India’s startup ecosystem with a focus on a self-reliant and innovative Viksit Bharat by 2047. The event will showcase sectoral pavilions focused on AI, Deeptech & Cybersecurity, HealthTech & BioTech, AgriTech, Climate Tech, Incubators & Accelerators, D2C, FinTech, Gaming & Sports, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, Defence & Space Tech and Mobility. Each pavilion will host sector-based exhibitions, conference sessions, master classes, pitching opportunities, roundtables, etc., to facilitate global exposure and opportunities for startups.

Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, states, “By fostering an innovation-driven culture, this evening will play an integral role in shaping the future of disruptive Indian entrepreneurs. With delegates from over 50 countries, Startup Mahakumbh will be an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the breadth and potential of India’s startup ecosystem on a global stage.” 

Asserting the position of India as a key figure in the global startup ecosystem, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said, “The evening will help showcase the expanse of India’s startup ecosystem at a convivial yet innovative evening. Ambassadors, Consulates, Deputy High Commissioners, alongside many others from countries such as Italy, Spain, Brazil, Korea, Sri Lanka, among others will help in bridging global networks and fostering collaboration among startups and key stakeholders.”

Archana Jahagirdar, Founding & Managing Partner, Rukam Capital and member of the Organizing Committee at Startup Mahakumbh, said, “Startup Mahakumbh is a remarkable initiative that brings together the best of global innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. It is exciting to witness India’s vibrant startup ecosystem on such a grand stage. This evening provides a unique platform to foster meaningful connections, share insights, and collaborate, driving growth and creating opportunities for disruptive startups to thrive on a global scale.”

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