How Startup Mahakumbh Is Driving Innovation & Growth

SUMMARY

Startup Mahakumbh is set to take place from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together over 3,000+ startups and 1,000+ investors

The event will feature Special Programmes such as the Startup MahaRathi Challenge, Masterclasses, and Futurepreneurs Programme, designed to empower startups with funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities

Organised by the DPIIT and supported by leading industry bodies, Startup Mahakumbh aims to propel India towards becoming a global innovation hub by 2047

The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh, the world’s largest startup event, is all set to take place from April 3 to 5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Building on the success of the inaugural edition, this year’s event is themed ‘Startup India @ 2047 – Unfolding the Bharat Story’ and aims to empower entrepreneurs as the key drivers of innovation, economic growth, and self-reliance.

Startup Mahakumbh is expected to bring together over 3,000+ startups, 1,000+ investors and delegations from more than 50+ countries, as well as policymakers and industry representatives. The event will facilitate discussions on entrepreneurship, investment, and business expansion.

The event is led by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), with key organisers including the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), the Indian Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (IVCA), and the Bootstrap Foundation. It is well-supported by Government e Marketplace (GeM), Small Industries Development Bank of India (sidbi), Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Limited (ECGC), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Startup India.

Startup Mahakumbh will feature thematic pavilions showcasing innovations in sectors such as AI, deeptech & cybersecurity; D2C; healthtech & biotech; agritech; fintech; gaming & sports tech; mobility; B2B, precision manufacturing, defence & spacetech; and climate tech. The event will also highlight regional entrepreneurship and business growth across India’s 788 districts.

Empowering The Startup Founders & Futurepreneurs

One of the most exciting aspects of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is the ‘Special Programmes’, designed to provide startups with unparalleled opportunities for mentorship, funding, and networking.

Startup MahaRathi Challenge: Backed by the DPIIT, Startup MahaRathi Challenge seeks to identify and accelerate the most promising startups across 11 critical sectors. With a substantial funding pool of INR 30 Cr, the challenge will offer grants of up to INR 5 lakh to selected startups to fuel their growth and innovation.

Beyond financial assistance, the participants will gain national recognition and connect with over 100 investors, including venture capitalists, family offices, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

The programme distinguishes itself by providing targeted mentorship from industry leaders and policy experts, with a special focus on supporting startups from underserved states and union territories.

Masterclasses: These intensive learning sessions will be led by global experts and industry veterans. Startups will gain actionable insights on topics such as business strategy, scaling operations, fundraising techniques, and market trends.

B2B Meetings: Curated business-to-business meetings will connect startups with investors, corporates, and potential partners. These high-impact interactions are designed to foster meaningful collaborations and strategic partnerships.

Futurepreneurs Programme: This initiative focuses on nurturing student innovators across India. Teams from 100 colleges will present AI-driven solutions to local challenges. The top 10 colleges will compete in the finals for INR 1 Cr prize pool, with winners receiving mentorship and funding opportunities.

Mentoring Zones: Sector-specific mentoring sessions by TiE will offer startups direct access to seasoned entrepreneurs and investors. Through interactive roundtable discussions, lasting up to 60 minutes each, participants will get an opportunity to refine their strategies for market success while addressing real-world challenges.

What’s More At Startup Mahakumbh?

In addition to the Special Programmes, Startup Mahakumbh will hold a number of other events and sessions to foster collaboration:

Pitching Sessions: Startups to showcase their ideas directly to leading investors.
Knowledge Tracks: Workshops on funding strategies, scaling businesses, and leveraging emerging technologies.
Networking Zones: Dedicated spaces for entrepreneurs to connect with mentors and industry leaders.
Startup Awards: Recognising high-impact startups across various sectors.

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