India is about to witness yet another round of mind blowing entrepreneurs, sparking innovation, and growth at the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh, the biggest event of innovation and entrepreneurship. This event is set to take place from April 3–5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Startup Mahakumbh’s this year’s theme is ‘Startup India @ 2047—Unfolding the Bharat Story‘, This event will feature 3,000 startups, 1,000+ investors and incubators, 10,000+ delegates from 50+ countries, and 50,000+ business visitors. This year’s key sectors are AI, Deeptech & Cybersecurity, HealthTech & BioTech, AgriTech, Climate Tech, Incubators & Accelerators, D2C, FinTech, Gaming & Sports, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, Defence & Space Tech and Mobility. Thematic activities include exhibitions, engaging panels, masterclasses, fireside chats, pitching sessions and so much more.
“Over the course of 10 years, we’ve witnessed a transformation from a few hundred startups to a vibrant ecosystem of over 100,000 startups, fostering a remarkable increase in incubators, unicorns and a thriving digital economy. said Arvind Gupta, Head and Co-Founder, Digital India Foundation.
“Our startups are global pioneers, leveraging technology to solve complex challenges, ensuring India’s position as a leader on the world stage,” he added.
Tier 2 and Tier 3 StartUps
The humongous number of investors and incubators is a great opportunity for upcoming startups orignating from Tier II and Tier III cities for the following reasons
- Proportion of Startups: Approximately 49% of recognized startups in India are now based in Tier II and III cities, reflecting a substantial shift from the traditional dominance of metro areas like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.
- Job Creation: Startups in these regions have created over 9 lakh direct jobs since 2017, with a notable increase in job opportunities in 2022. The growth rate of startups in Tier II cities has surged by 15%, highlighting their role in economic development.
Startup Maha Rathi challenge
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), IVCA, HDFC, among others, announced the launch of the Startup Maha Rathi challenge as part of the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh.
A flagship initiative aimed at empowering Indian startups through every nook and corner of the country with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance, this challenge aligns with India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed economy (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
The challenge is set to provide access to up to a ₹30 crore fund, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with global investors and pecial awards for innovative startups from emerging states and union territories through a dedicated program.
Startup Maha Rathi is designed to open doors for budding entrepreneurs across 11 key sectors, including AI & DeepTech, BioTech & Healthtech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Incubators & Accelerators, Mobility, Agritech, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, and Defence & SpaceTech.
While each startup shortlisted for the grand jury round receive a guaranteed ₹1 Lakh, top two startups from each sector will be awarded ₹10 lakh respectively, while the next five will receive ₹5 lakh each. Next 5 startups in each track will gain access to ₹3 lakhs each in addition to financial grants, participating startups will receive expert guidance and investor access through a jury comprising 100+ leading VCs, angel investors, and domain specialists from Starup India and organisations such as Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, KDEM, IVCA, HDFC among many others.
Members of the Organizing Committee
The Organizing Committee for Startup Mahakumbh 2025 includes a diverse group of prominent leaders from various sectors. Here are the key members:
- Alok Mittal: Board of Trustees, TiE Global
- Aman Gupta: Co-founder & CMO, boAt Lifestyle
- Anjali Bansal: Founding Partner, Avaana Capital
- Archana Jahagirdar: Founding & Managing Partner, Rukam Capital
- Arvind Gupta: CEO, Digital India Foundation
- Bhavin Pandya: Co-CEO & Co-founder, Games24x7
- Harsh Jain: CEO & Co-founder, Dream11
- Madan Padaki: Founder & CEO, 1Bridge; President TiE Bangalore
- Nithin Kamath: Founder & CEO, Zerodha and Rainmatter
- Paneerselvam (PS) Madangopal: CEO – MeitY Startup Hub, Govt. of India
- Peyush Bansal: CEO & Co-founder, Lenskart
- Pramod Bhasin: Founder & Chairman, Clix Capital
- Prashanth Prakash: Founding Partner, Accel India
- Rikant Pittie: CEO & Co-founder, EaseMyTrip
- Sanjay Nayar: Founder & Chairman, Sorin Investments
- Sanjeev Bikhchandani: Founder & Executive Vice Chairman, Info Edge
- Sateesh Andra: Managing Director, Endiya Partners
- Satya Narayan Meena: CEO & Chief Financial Officer, Government e Marketplace (GeM)
- Shanti Mohan: Co-founder, LetsVenture
- Shweta Rajpal Kohli: President & CEO, Startup Policy Forum
- Sunali Rohra: Senior Executive Vice President, HDFC Bank
- Tripti Shinghal Somani: Founder – Womennovator (Global Incubator for Women), Partner – K G Somani & Co.
- Vani Kola: Managing Director, Kalaari Capital
- Vineet Agarwal: Managing Director, Transport Corporation of India Ltd
- Vineet Rai: Founder & Chairman, Aavishkaar Group
This committee is tasked with organizing the event scheduled for April 3 to 5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
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