Ahead of the highly anticipated Startup Mahakumbh 2.0 next month, the event’s organising committee, backed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), extended invitations to delegates from over 50 countries today on March 6th.
The initiative aims to foster discussions on India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem.
Scheduled to be held from April 3 to April 5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the three-day event is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s startup landscape.
This initiative aligns with the Centre’s Vikshit Bharat roadmap, which envisions India as a developed nation by 2047.
A Growing Startup Phenomenon
Launched in 2024, Startup Mahakumbh is a first-of-its-kind government initiative designed to unite startup founders, investors, incubators, accelerators, and industry leaders from various sectors.
The inaugural edition, themed ‘Bharat Innovates,’ spotlighted homegrown innovations, showcasing ‘Made in India’ solutions for the global market.
The 2024 edition witnessed an overwhelming response with participation from over 1,300 startups, including various unicorns.
Additionally, it attracted more than 48,500 business visitors, 300+ incubators, and over 200 leading investors, VCs, and family offices.
A major highlight of the event was an address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
Bigger and Better: Startup Mahakumbh 2025
Taking it a step further, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is set to host over 3,000 startups, 10,000 delegates, and 1,000 investors, incubators, and accelerators.
The central theme of this year’s edition is ‘Startup India@2047 – Unfolding the Bharat Story,’ which seeks to position India as a global startup powerhouse in the coming decades.
The event will feature dedicated thematic pavilions spotlighting key industries, including:
- AI, Deeptech & Cybersecurity
- Healthcare & Biotech
- Agritech
- Climate Tech
- Incubators & Accelerators
- D2C (Direct-to-Consumer)
- Fintech
- Gaming & Sports
- B2B & Precision Manufacturing
- Defence & Space Tech
- Mobility
These pavilions will host exhibitions, conference sessions, and roundtable discussions, offering Indian startups global exposure and collaboration opportunities.
International Engagement & Strategic Investments
Highlighting India’s increasing prominence in the global startup ecosystem, Sanjiv, joint secretary of DPIIT, stated that Thursday’s diplomatic engagement would be attended by ambassadors, consulates, and deputy high commissioners from countries including Italy, Spain, Brazil, Korea, and Sri Lanka.
Their participation underscores international interest in India’s innovation-driven entrepreneurial landscape.
This latest development follows the recent launch of the INR 30 Cr Startup Maha Rathi challenge by DPIIT in collaboration with Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, IVCA, HDFC, and others.
The challenge is designed to further empower India’s homegrown startup ecosystem, providing funding and mentorship to promising ventures.
