The 16th edition of ISBACON 2024, India’s largest annual gathering of startup incubators, commenced its pre-conference sessions at T-Hub in Hyderabad, drawing over 200 delegates, including investors, government representatives, industry experts, and thought leaders. The three-day event will take place across two venues, T-Hub and AIC-CCMB, focusing on exploring the latest trends in the startup ecosystem, sharing innovative ideas, and fostering key partnerships, according to ISBA, the event’s organizer.
Returning to Hyderabad after 18 years, the event began with a tour of T-Hub and T-Works, giving participants an immersive look into these innovation hubs. The morning session was designed to familiarize attendees with the facilities that have positioned the region as a startup hotspot.
The afternoon featured three masterclasses aimed at providing deeper insights into the startup landscape. Gladis Nair, Governing Board Member of ISBA and Senior Manager at iCreate, led a session on improving startup standards and the ecosystem. She emphasized the critical role of collaboration in driving startup success, noting that “the team plays a bigger role” in shaping the future of these ventures.
Dr. Laxmi Jaganath, CEO of the Innovation Centre at IIIT-Bangalore and ISBA Governing Member, conducted a masterclass on adding value to early-stage startups. She highlighted the importance of faculty mentorship during the initial stages and pointed to networking, alumni engagement, technology transfer, and brand enhancement as key elements in startup growth.
The T-Hub team followed with a detailed presentation on mentorship, explaining the process of mentor selection and the significant influence mentors have on startup journeys.
Prasad Shetty, Vice President at SINE, IIT Bombay, and ISBA Governing Member, shared insights on the “Management of Grants and Seed Funding.” He addressed the challenges faced by startups in securing funding and navigating financial complexities.
The pre-conference sessions set the stage for more in-depth discussions over the next two days, focusing on funding, mentorship, and strategies for building a stronger startup ecosystem. ISBACON 2024 promises to be a significant platform for collaboration and innovation in India’s startup landscape.
