The ET Soonicorns Summit 2025, recognized as India’s largest gathering of soonicorns (startups on the cusp of unicorn status), is slated for August 22, 2025, in Bengaluru. Organized annually by The Economic Times, this milestone event will converge over 200 high-growth startups, 50+ investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping India’s next-gen startup ecosystem.

AI at the Core: Theme and Agenda Highlights

Under the theme “From Research Labs to Revenue Models – The Billion-Dollar Blueprint for Scaling Indian AI Startups,” the summit focuses on transforming AI-powered innovations into scalable business models. The agenda features:

• Keynotes on deep-tech innovation and AI-driven sustainability
• Panels covering AI in fintech, healthtech, agritech, and SaaS
• Roundtables on racial AI ethics, data governance, and commercial deployment
• Founder showcases highlighting AI-first revenue success stories

This structure ensures the summit provides a roadmap for startups moving from technical concept to commercial viability.

Investor Sentiment and Funding Shifts

VCs are increasingly prioritizing ARR-backed AI-first startups with proprietary models and strong unit economics. Reports from Bessemer Venture Partners highlight a projected $1 trillion Indian digital economy, fueled significantly by AI and automation. The summit reflects this shift as investors seek opportunities in deep-tech with global potential.

Policy Support & Emerging Startup Hubs

Representatives from DPIIT and MeitY will discuss frameworks like AI regulatory sandboxes, access to government data, and ethical AI standards. Discussions will also cover expanding ecosystem access with inclusion from Tier 2/3 cities and a spotlight on women-led AI ventures. The event aligns with India’s broader ambition of leading in global AI diplomacy and innovation.

Why the Summit Matters

With over 110 soonicorns currently in India, the Soonicorns Summit acts as a bellwether for the country’s innovation trajectory. As startups vie for unicorn status, AI has emerged as the non-negotiable foundation—from enabling smart products to enhancing platform efficiencies and delivering strong ROI.

The 2025 edition, scheduled for August 22 in Bengaluru, promises to solidify India’s AI startup roadmap, building on its 2024 success and signaling a new wave of deep-tech-driven entrepreneurship.

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