Startup Mahakumbh 2025, heralded as the world’s largest startup gathering, is set to take place from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India. Building on the momentum of its inaugural edition in 2024, which saw participation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this second edition promises to elevate India’s position as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The event is expected to attract over 3,000 startups, 1,000 investors, and 50,000 business visitors from more than 50 countries, making it a pivotal moment for India’s startup ecosystem.
Event Details
- Date: April 3-5, 2025
- Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India
- Theme: “Startup India @ 2047 – Unfolding the Bharat Story”
- Organizers: Led by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), with key support from the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), Indian Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (IVCA), and the Bootstrap Foundation.
- Government Support: Backed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside initiatives like Startup India, Government e Marketplace (GeM), Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Limited (ECGC).
Scale and Participation
Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is poised to be a landmark event in terms of scale and impact:
- Startups: Over 3,000 startups, ranging from early-stage ventures to established unicorns and soonicorns, will showcase their innovations across diverse sectors such as AI, fintech, healthtech, agritech, deeptech, and more.
- Investors: More than 1,000 investors, including venture capitalists, angel investors, and private equity firms, will participate, offering startups a platform to secure funding and forge partnerships.
- Business Visitors: An estimated 50,000 attendees, including entrepreneurs, policymakers, industry leaders, and international delegates from over 50 countries, will converge to network and collaborate.
- Delegates and Speakers: The event will feature 10,000+ international delegates and over 250 sessions led by 392+ top-tier speakers, including unicorn founders, thought leaders, and influencers.
Key Highlights
- Startup MahaRathi Challenge:
A flagship initiative designed to identify and accelerate India’s most promising early- to growth-stage startups. This high-impact competition will provide winners with visibility, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities, fostering the next wave of entrepreneurial success. - Masterclasses and Knowledge Tracks:
Over 120 mentoring sessions and workshops will be conducted by industry veterans, covering critical topics such as funding strategies, scaling businesses, leveraging emerging technologies, and crafting business models. These sessions aim to equip startups with actionable insights to accelerate their growth. - Investor Roundtables:
Dedicated platforms will facilitate direct interactions between startups and investors, enabling founders to pitch their ideas to leading venture capitalists, angel investors, and family offices. This is expected to be a hotspot for fundraising and strategic alliances. - Thematic Pavilions:
The event will feature sectoral pavilions focusing on key industries, including:- AI, Deeptech & Cybersecurity
- HealthTech & BioTech
- AgriTech
- Energy & Climate Tech
- FinTech
- Gaming & Sports
- B2B & Precision Manufacturing
- Defence & Space Tech
- Mobility
These pavilions will showcase cutting-edge innovations and foster sector-specific discussions.
- Networking and Collaboration:
- Pitching Sessions: Startups will have opportunities to present their ideas to global investors.
- Networking Zones: Dedicated spaces will connect entrepreneurs with mentors, industry leaders, and peers.
- Startup Awards: High-impact startups across various sectors will be recognized, celebrating innovation and excellence.
- Global Participation:
With delegations from over 50 countries, the event will foster cross-border collaborations, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships, reinforcing India’s role in the global startup landscape.
Significance and Context
The 2025 edition builds on the success of Startup Mahakumbh 2024, which drew over 48,000 business visitors, 1,300 exhibitors, and 5,000+ delegates. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the inaugural event underscored its importance as a national initiative to drive innovation and economic growth. The 2025 theme, “Startup India @ 2047 – Unfolding the Bharat Story”, aligns with India’s long-term vision of becoming a self-reliant, innovation-led economy by 2047, marking the centenary of its independence.
India’s startup ecosystem, already the third largest globally with over 150,000 recognized startups and 110+ unicorns, is poised for further growth. Startup Mahakumbh serves as a catalyst, bridging the gap between founders, funders, and policymakers while promoting a culture of entrepreneurship.
Organizational Framework
The event is curated by an Organizing Committee comprising prominent leaders from India’s startup ecosystem, including:
- Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India
- Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder & Executive Vice Chairman, Info Edge
- Sanjay Nayar, Founder & Chairman, Sorin Investments
- Archana Jahagirdar, Founder & Managing Partner, Rukam Capital
Supported by the National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC) and DPIIT, the event reflects a collaborative effort to strengthen India’s entrepreneurial framework.
Expected Outcomes
- Economic Transformation: By fostering innovation and policy discussions, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 aims to drive job creation and economic growth.
- Global Recognition: The event will position India as a leader in the global startup arena, attracting international investment and talent.
- Ecosystem Growth: Startups will gain access to funding, mentorship, and networks, accelerating their journey from ideation to scale.
- Innovation Showcase: Product launches, such as a D2C brand and a flying taxi, will highlight India’s cutting-edge advancements.
Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is more than an event—it is a movement to empower India’s entrepreneurs and shape the future of its startup ecosystem. With its unprecedented scale, diverse participation, and focus on innovation, the gathering promises to be a transformative milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global innovation powerhouse. As the world watches, New Delhi will host a vibrant convergence of ideas, ambition, and opportunity from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam.
