From tribal entrepreneurs to global investors: Startup Mahakumbh 2025 eyes worldwide recognition

The highly anticipated second edition of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is set to take place at Bharat Mandapam from April 3-5. The event aims to provide a platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to come together, share ideas, and create lasting connections. With a focus on fostering innovation and collaboration, Startup Mahakumbh aims to lay the foundation for the next wave of entrepreneurial success.

Shri Sanjiv, joint secretary, DPIIT, says Startup Mahakumbh will be a true ‘sangam’ of startups and industry ‘MahaRathis’. "While at one end we will have a flying taxi made in India on display, at the other we have countries like Korea setting up a pavilion of 11 startups and Nepal putting up the largest pavilion with one of its startups showcasing a 2-stage rocket powered by sustainable hybrid propulsion rocket engines. I am really excited and looking forward to the next three days of some pathbreaking ideas and enriching discussions.”

Archana Jahagirdar, founder & managing partner at Rukam Capital and Startup Mahakumbh Organising Committee Member, applauded the efforts from the government and said, “The support from the Government has been instrumental towards propelling the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, and we hope to play an integral role by organising the ‘World’s Biggest Showcase of Innovation’ – Startup Mahakumbh.”

"We aim to connect all global stakeholders. While last year was mostly domestic, this year we want global investors to participate, creating opportunities to discover great Indian startups. Founders benefit through mentoring, industry connections, and R&D labs. The idea is to offer something for everyone," Jahagirdar told Fortune India.

Startup Mahakumbh will see entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders in one place for a unique experience. Prashant Prakash, founding partner, Accel and Startup Mahakumbh Organising Committee Member, says the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh will prove to be a gamechanger as it returns with a bigger, bolder and better vision and agenda. "Startups from the Northeast and Kashmir have been organically selected through the challenge, marking a significant step in the democratization of entrepreneurship. Smaller cities are now fertile grounds for innovation. Alongside global startups, we're attracting global investors, creating new opportunities for local startups. The event will also see strong participation from startup leaders, making it a truly inclusive platform," Prakash told Fortune India.

The platform offers opportunities for networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, making it an essential event for anyone looking to shape the future of business and technology. Sanjeev Bikhchandani, co-founder and executive vice chairman, Info Edge and Startup Mahakumbh Organising Committee Member, says: “The startup industry is Darwinian in nature and these forums help follow best global practices and drive innovation to build capital for businesses that can not only transform India but the world." On what the organisers aim to achieve from the event, Bickchandani said it's how useful connections will be made will be the biggest outcome of the Startup Mahakumbh.