The second edition of ‘Startup Mahakumbh’ is set to commence at Bharat Mandapam from April 3-5, with nearly 3,000 startups participating in the event. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Joint Secretary, Sanjiv Singh, highlighted that this year’s edition promises to be larger and more impactful than before.
“This year’s Startup Mahakumbh is bigger and better. The pavilion area has been doubled compared to last year, and the number of participating startups has increased from 1,500 to nearly 3,000. Additionally, masterclasses will be organized, and representatives from 64 countries will be attending the event,” Singh stated.
A key highlight of the event is the grant challenge announced by various corporate houses, offering a funding pool of Rs 50 crores to selected startups along with mentorship support. This initiative aims to boost emerging enterprises and provide them with the resources needed to scale their innovations.
The inaugural ceremony will be graced by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, while Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada will deliver a special address. Startup Mahakumbh is poised to serve as a crucial platform where entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders can exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and drive economic growth.
A notable aspect of this year’s event is the participation of tribal entrepreneurs, with over 45 startups set to showcase their ventures. Many of these startups have been incubated at prestigious institutions such as IIM Calcutta, IIM Kashipur, and IIT Bhilai.
Expressing appreciation for the government’s support, Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner at Rukam Capital and a member of the organizing committee, emphasized the event’s role in advancing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ She remarked that Startup Mahakumbh aspires to become the world’s premier showcase of innovation.
Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner at Accel and another organizing committee member, described this year’s event as a “gamechanger” that underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in bolstering India’s startup ecosystem.
Echoing similar sentiments, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Co-founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Info Edge, stated that the startup industry thrives on innovation and adaptation. He noted that forums like Startup Mahakumbh play a vital role in promoting best global practices and fostering businesses that have the potential to transform not just India but the world.
With a strong emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and economic growth, Startup Mahakumbh 2024 is set to be a milestone event in India’s entrepreneurial journey, further solidifying the country’s position as a global startup hub.
