The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh is scheduled for April 3–5 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi
The largest largest startup event will showcase 3,000 startups, 1,000+ investors, 10,000+ international delegates and 50,000+ business visitors under one roof
New Delhi, NFAPost: Startup Mahakumbh is set to return to New Delhi with its second edition, reaffirming its position as India’s largest startup congregation and a global innovation showcase.
Following the success of its inaugural edition, which saw participation from Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this landmark event will take place from April 3–5, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
With the theme “Startup India @ 2047—Unfolding the Bharat Story,” the summit aims to shape India’s startup ecosystem for the future, driving innovation, policy discussions, and economic transformation.
This year’s edition is expected to bring together more than 3,000 startups, 1,000 investors and incubators, and 10,000 delegates from over 50 countries, along with 50,000 business visitors. The event will provide a platform for startups to engage with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, fostering collaboration and new business opportunities.
Sharing his thoughts on the Startup Mahakumbh, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said the Startup Mahakumbh initiative marks a pivotal stride toward achieving India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’
“By offering strategic financial support and expert mentorship, this initiative will empower the nation’s most promising startups to scale, innovate, and drive transformative change, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal.
A key highlight of the event is the powerful public-private collaboration shaping India’s startup landscape. Industry leaders and policymakers will share their insights, including Peyush Bansal, CEO & Cofounder of Lenskart, who will explore the evolution of D2C brands and future trends.
Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, will discuss India’s macroeconomic position in a global context and its impact on the startup ecosystem. S. Krishnan, IAS, Secretary of MeitY, will outline India’s AI roadmap, while Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Secretary of DPIIT, will address policy-driven growth for startups.
Adding to the lineup, Ananth Narayanan, Founder & CEO of Mensa Brands, will share strategies for scaling digital-first brands, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Cofounder of Infosys & Chairman of Axilor Ventures, will delve into India’s tech evolution, and Nithin Kamath, Founder & CEO of Zerodha, will discuss the disruptions and opportunities in fintech.
Manish Sabharwal, Vice Chairman of TeamLease Services, will provide insights into workforce innovation and the future of employment. These distinguished speakers will set the stage for dynamic discussions, offering startups valuable perspectives on innovation, policy, and business growth.
DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia said by fostering an innovation-driven culture, Startup Mahakumbh will play an integral role in shaping the future of disruptive Indian entrepreneurs.
“With delegates from over 50 countries, Startup Mahakumbh will be an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the breadth and potential of India’s startup ecosystem on a global stage,” said DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia.
Asserting the position of India as a key figure in the global startup ecosystem, DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv said the event will help showcase the expanse of India’s startup ecosystem at a convivial yet innovative evening.
“Ambassadors, Consulates, Deputy High Commissioners, alongside many others from countries such as Italy, Spain, Brazil, Korea, Sri Lanka, among others will help in bridging global networks and fostering collaboration among startups and key stakeholders,” said DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv.
Rukam Capital Founder & Managing Partner and member of the Organizing Committee at Startup Mahakumbh Archana Jahagirdar said Startup Mahakumbh is a remarkable initiative that brings together the best of global innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
“It is exciting to witness India’s vibrant startup ecosystem on such a grand stage. This evening provides a unique platform to foster meaningful connections, share insights, and collaborate, driving growth and creating opportunities for disruptive startups to thrive on a global scale,” said Rukam Capital Founder & Managing Partner and member of the Organizing Committee at Startup Mahakumbh Archana Jahagirdar.
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.
Startup Maha Rathi challenge is 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. In addition, it will also entail special awards for innovative startups from emerging states and union territories through a dedicated program.
Startup Maha Rathi – Rising towards Viksit Bharat – 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.
The programme would be awarded by the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry and is aimed at equipping startups with the necessary resources to scale their operations and contribute to India’s technological and economic advancement. Startups selected through this initiative will gain exposure to global markets through Startup India, access to mentorship from industry veterans, investor networking opportunities, and national-level recognition by DPIIT.
The competition will follow a structured, multi-phase selection process, beginning with the application launch on February 26, 2025, and culminate after a 4-step process in an exclusive live pitching finale from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 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 organizations such as Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, KDEM, IVCA, HDFC among many others.
Bollywood celebrities
Adding to the excitement, Bollywood celebrities turned investors such as Sonam Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, and Rana Daggubati will attend, further bridging the gap between entertainment and entrepreneurship.
Sector-focused pavilions will showcase advancements in artificial intelligence, deep technology, cybersecurity, health technology, biotechnology, agritech, climate technology, fintech, direct-to-consumer businesses, business-to-business models, gaming, sports, mobility, defense, space technology, and more.
Aavishkaar Group Founder and Vice Chairman Vineet Rai Startup Mahakumbh as the name suggest is the grand celebration of Indian Startup ecosystem.
“As the member of Startup Mahakumbh Organizing Committee and as Chair and Lead of the Agritech Pavilion, we look forward to welcoming exciting new startups to showcase their transformative capacity, specifically in the space of Agriculture and Rural Development,” said Aavishkaar Group Founder and Vice Chairman Vineet Rai.
As we chart the course towards ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’, Aavishkaar Group Founder and Vice Chairman Vineet Rai said the Agritech pavilion will showcase how Indian farmers are sharing their experience with the startup founders and their technological prowess to paint a new narrative around food security, job creation and income enhancement.
“At the Agritech Pavillion, farmers and stock market experts, venture funds, Investment bankers, agritech startups and farmer producer companies, would weave a rich tapestry of insights, ideas, investments and impact,” said Aavishkaar Group Founder and Vice Chairman Vineet Rai.
NABARD Chairman Shaji KV said innovation and entrepreneurship in rural India are the cornerstones of inclusive development.
“By fostering startups, we empower communities, strengthen agriculture, and pave the way for a sustainable future, NABARD will continue to provide support for initiatives that propel the agritech ecosystem to make strides in the agriculture space. At Startup Mahakumbh, we aim to highlight the contributions of the enterprises we support and scale, to our agri-ecosystem. We look forward to a brighter, more sustainable future for agriculture in India,” said NABARD Chairman Shaji K V.
These pavilions will feature live demonstrations, masterclasses, panel discussions, fireside chats, and investor pitching sessions, creating an immersive experience for attendees.
Startups to watch out for include key players in D2C, mobility, health, and biotech. Notable names in mobility include Ather, Ultraviolet, River, Rapido, and Battery Smart. Health and biotech startups such as UR Advanced Therapeutics, Shira Medtech, Brain Sight AI, and Niramai will also be featured. The D2C segment will spotlight brands like Appliance.AI, Go Desi, Assembly, Indus Valley, and Snitch.
A key announcement at the event includes the much-anticipated product launches of a D2C brand and a flying taxi, underscoring the spirit of innovation at Startup Mahakumbh. A highlight session, “Rivals in Business, Allies in Disruption: A Faceoff with SNITCH & The Souled Store,” will feature a fireside chat between two competitor brands, adding a dynamic competitive edge to the discussions.
Curated by an organising committee led by FICCI and supported by ASSOCHAM, NASSCOM, TiE, IVCA, and Bootstrap Foundation, with strong backing from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is positioned as a key event driving India’s innovation landscape. For startups, investors, and industry leaders, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to India’s entrepreneurial growth.
Date: April 3–5, 2025
Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
More Information: www.startupmahakumbh.org
About Startup Mahakumbh
Startup Mahakumbh is a first-of-its-kind event bringing together the entire startup ecosystem of India including startups, investors, incubators and accelerators, and industry leaders from several sectors. The event is led by FICCI, ASSOCHAM, IVCA and Bootstrap Advisory & Foundation; and supported by SIDBI, GEM, ECGC and DPIIT Startup India.
The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh is set to make a grand return in 2025, building on the tremendous success of its inaugural edition. The flagship startup event was an extraordinary success, attracting over 48,581 business visitors engaging with 1306 exhibitors including finest startups, soonicorns, and unicorns, from 26+ states and 14+ countries. It also hosted 300+ incubators and accelerators and 200+ leading angel investors, VCs, and family offices.
For more information, visit www.startupmahakumbh.org.
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