India Mobile Congress (IMC) will host the inaugural India edition of the Startup World Cup on October 8-11 at New Delhi’s Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, giving local founders a shot at the $1 million global finale in San Francisco. Over 300 startups have already applied; a jury drawn from venture capital, entrepreneurship and policy will shortlist 15 to pitch on stage.
What’s on the line?
The India leg is a qualifying gateway, not the cash prize itself, the winning team secures entry to the San Francisco finale, where the $1 million purse is awarded. The IMC-run program sits within “IMC Aspire,” the congress’s startup track. Organisers say the aim is straightforward: put Indian deep-tech on a global launchpad while keeping the selection tight and credible through a curated jury process.
How the selection works?
From the pool of 300+ applicants, 15 startups will be chosen to pitch live. The panel, comprising venture investors, seasoned founders and policy voices, will evaluate the finalists; the top India team advances to San Francisco. IMC adds that this year’s Aspire track plans to connect 500+ startups with roughly 300 investors, accelerators and venture funds over four days.
Why IMC and why now?
The Startup World Cup India debut is embedded in IMC 2025’s broader goal “to make India a global leader in deep-tech and digital innovation,” according to the organisers. Ramakrishna P., CEO of India Mobile Congress, said the Aspire track is designed to be more than a demo stage, “a pathway to scale globally.” The congress expects 1.5 lakh-plus visitors from more than 150 countries, 400+ exhibitors and around 800 speakers across 100 sessions, with discussions spanning next-gen connectivity, electronics manufacturing, AI and IoT.
The Backdrop
IMC’s pitch arrives against an upbeat macro backdrop cited by organisers: India’s Global Innovation Index rank has climbed from 81 to 39 within a decade, and GDP growth in Q1 FY26 came in at 7.8% versus 6.5% a year earlier. (These figures are part of the event’s official release.)
Event at a Glance
- Dates: October 8-11, 2025
- Venue: Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi
- Format: 15 shortlisted startups pitch to a jury; the winner earns a berth at the Startup World Cup global finale in San Francisco (prize pool: $1 million at the global event)
- Host: India Mobile Congress (IMC) under the IMC Aspire program
- Scale (as projected by organisers): 1.5 lakh+ visitors, 150+ countries, 400+ exhibitors, 800 speakers, ~100 sessions
The first India chapter of the Startup World Cup folds seamlessly into IMC’s “Aspire” funnel, small slate, big stakes, and a clear global runway for the winner. For founders, it’s a high-signal shot at the world stage without leaving home soil, until San Francisco.
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