From Global Exposure to Mentorship: How Startup Mahakumbh Aims To Fuel India’s Startup Economy

With over 1.61 Lakh registered startups and counting, India is rapidly emerging as a global innovation hub. 

To further solidify India’s booming startup economy, the Indian government is all set to host the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh — themed as ‘Startup India @ 2047. Focussed on unfolding the Bharat Story’ — the event aims to chart India’s entrepreneurial journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Scheduled from April 3 to 5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, this year’s edition builds on the momentum of the 2024 edition. The first edition attracted over 48,000 visitors and showcased innovations from across India. This year promises to be even bigger, with participation from over 3,000 startups, 1,000 investors and incubators, and more than 10,000 delegates from 50+ countries. 

The upcoming edition will also feature sector-specific pavilions which will focus on themes such as artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, agritech, and climate tech. With an expected attendance of over 50,000 business visitors, Startup Mahakumbh is poised to become a global epicentre for innovation and collaboration.

Innovation, Growth To Take The Centre Stage 

The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh is designed as a platform to engage founders, investors and ecosystem enablers across sectors. Here’s what attendees can expect from the upcoming edition:

1. A Networking Goldmine: With over 1,000 investors, incubators, and accelerators expected to attend, the event will provide startups with the chance to connect with potential collaborators, mentors, and service providers.
2. Global Exposure: The event will bring together delegates from over 50 countries, providing startups a platform to showcase their innovations on a global stage. This exposure can help founders break into new markets and establish international partnerships.
3. Access To Mentorship and Special Programmes: One of the highlights of Startup Mahakumbh will be the opportunity to interact with seasoned founders, industry leaders, and policymakers. Budding entrepreneurs seeking mentorship from industry veterans will be able to gather valuable insights on scaling businesses, navigating challenges, and leveraging emerging technologies from stalwarts such as Alok Mittal, Executive Chairman, Indifi Technologies, Chirag Gupta, Founder, 4700 BC, Dinesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO, IndiaMART InterMESH Limited, Kiran Chandra Kalluri, Partner, Dallas Venture Capital, among many others. Startup Mahakumbh shall also offer special programmes to empower startups and future entrepreneurs. The Startup MahaRathi Challenge, backed by DPIIT, provides funding and networking opportunities across 11 sectors, with grants up to INR 5 lakh. Masterclasses by global experts offer insights on business strategy, while B2B meetings facilitate partnerships. The Futurepreneurs Programme encourages student innovation with a INR 1 Cr prize pool. 
4. Insights Into Government Policies: Startup Mahakumbh will offer crucial insights into government policies, empowering entrepreneurs with knowledge to fuel their growth. The event will feature dedicated sessions illuminating the array of government resources available to startups, with experts guiding attendees on how to effectively leverage these opportunities. The unique platform will showcase startup initiatives from various state governments, ensuring representation for innovations from all corners of India, including underserved states. Entrepreneurs can engage in dynamic conversations with policymakers and government representatives, gaining first-hand knowledge about upcoming policies and regulatory changes.
5. Sector-Specific Pavilions: Startup Mahakumbh will host thematic pavilions dedicated to various industries like healthtech and biotech, defence and spacetech, gaming and sports tech, and more. These pavilions will feature exhibitions, panel discussions and masterclasses tailored to each sector.
6. Launch & Showcase Products to a Targeted Audience: Startups can unveil their latest innovations, receive feedback, and conduct live demonstrations to investors, industry leaders, and potential customers. This is an excellent platform to test new products, attract media attention, and gain credibility in the startup ecosystem.
7. Talent Acquisition: The event will serve as a hub for attracting top talent across industries. Founders and investors can meet skilled professionals who are eager to contribute to innovative ventures.
8. Startup MahaRathi Challenge: This high-stakes competition aims to identify India’s most promising startups across 10sectors and accelerate their growth journey. The challenge will offer INR 30 Cr in funding, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with global investors.
9. Exclusive Investor Roundtables & Corporate Partnerships: Engage in closed-door discussions with venture capitalists, angel investors, and corporate leaders. These B2B meetings are designed to connect startups with potential funders, strategic partners, and business mentors, helping them forge long-term collaborations.
10. 10. Get Inspired: Even if you’re in the process of setting up your startup, being in the midst of stalwarts of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, there will be multiple touchpoints for everyone to be inspired as the event is designed to accommodate startups of every scale.

By providing a platform for startups to thrive and collaborate globally, this event underscores India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the arena of entrepreneurship.

Startup Mahakumbh is expected to cater to a range of participants — from early-stage founders to more established ventures — with sessions, exhibitions, and sector-focused interactions tailored to different needs and stages of growth.

Know more about Startup Mahakumbh!