New Delhi, April 3, 2025: The second edition of India’s biggest-ever startup meet, ‘Startup Mahakumbh,’ commenced today at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This three-day event, running from April 3 to 5, aims to showcase India’s growing startup ecosystem with a strong focus on innovation and investment.
The event has drawn 3,000 startup founders, 1,000 investors and incubators, and over 10,000 delegates from 50 countries. Additionally, more than 50,000 business visitors are expected to participate, making it one of the most significant entrepreneurial gatherings in the country’s history.
A Grand Vision: Startup India@2047
Under the theme ‘Startup India@2047 – Unfolding the Bharat Story,’ the event seeks to highlight India’s ambitions in becoming a global innovation hub. The startup meet features thematic pavilions tailored to key sectors, including:
- Artificial Intelligence, DeepTech & Cybersecurity
- Health Tech & Bio-Tech
- Agri-Tech
- Incubators & Accelerators
- D2C (Direct-to-Consumer)
- FinTech
- Gaming & Sports
- B2B & Precision Manufacturing
- Defense & Space Tech Mobility
Attendees can engage in exhibitions, panel discussions, masterclasses, fireside chats, and pitching sessions. A major highlight of the event is the ‘Startup Maharathi Challenge,’ designed to identify and support India’s most promising early- to growth-stage startups.
Dignitaries and Industry Leaders in Attendance
The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted the country’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. The occasion also saw the presence of Edgard Kagan, Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy in New Delhi, who was previously the Chief Guest at the Startup Nexus Graduation Ceremony.
Other notable dignitaries at the event include:
- Jatinder Singh, Director, PHD Chamber of Commerce
- Sandeep Nailwal, Co-founder, Polygon
- Tim Draper, Venture Capitalist
- Sly Lee, Co-CEO, Emerge
Organizers and Institutional Support
The event is spearheaded by FICCI in collaboration with key industry bodies such as ASSOCHAM, NASSCOM, TiE, IVCA, and the Boot-Strap Foundation. It is supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), reinforcing the government’s commitment to making India a global startup powerhouse.
As the event unfolds, it is expected to serve as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration, attracting investments, and accelerating India’s entrepreneurial journey. With innovation at its core, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is set to reinforce India’s standing as a major player in the global startup landscape.
Source: Anjani Kumar
