India’s biggest startup celebration was back with a bang! The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 unfolded at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from April 3rd to 5th, 2025. And it was nothing short of electric!
Inaugurated by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, this three-day mega-event served as a dynamic platform, drawing together an impressive assembly of startups, investors, and delegates, including representatives from over 50 nations.
That’s right, the world came knocking, and India opened its doors wide.
India means business–Big business
India is now the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem with over 1.59 ventures and a total valuation of $354 Billion (as of April 2025). Its ambition to be a global leader in innovation was palpable throughout the three-day gathering—on every stage, every booth, and every hallway!
Led by FICCI, ASSOCHAM, IVCA, and Bootstrap Advisory & Foundation, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. One that screamed loud and clear: India is ready for the global stage.
“Jile Se Jagat Tak”: From local roots to global reach
This year’s theme “Jile Se Jagat Tak” (From District to the World)” focused on discovering and developing startup talent throughout India, particularly in its less prominent towns and districts. Then connect these entrepreneurs to international industry leaders.
Minister Goyal himself noted that India’s startup environment is now not limited to the metro hubs of Bengaluru and Delhi—it’s pan India. Cities like Jaipur, Indore and Bhubaneswar are generating unicorns.
Sanjiv, DPIIT Joint Secretary, echoed the vision to empower local entrepreneurs and innovators to grow beyond borders and put India at the forefront of the global startup map.
A gathering of ideas, people & possibilities
The sheer scale of participation at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 highlighted the vibrancy and potential of India’s startup ecosystem. The numbers were beyond expectations:
- Over 3,000 startups: From early-stage dreamers to scaling giants, over 3000 startups presented innovative solutions and business approaches.
- More than 1,000 investors and incubators: Several venture capitalists and angel investors united with incubators to actively pursue promising ventures through their investment platforms.
- Approximately 10,000 delegates: Encompassing entrepreneurs, industry experts, policymakers, and enablers of the startup ecosystem.
- Around 50,000 business visitors: Industry leaders, professionals and curious minds from over 50 countries gathered to build mutual partnerships and gain entrance to international markets.
What was new at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 edition?
The 2025 edition of Startup Mahakumbh introduced several new and noteworthy elements:
Empowering tribal entrepreneurs
The event promoted tribal entrepreneurship by creating space for more than 45 tribal innovators to display their project ideas. The startups obtained critical support from prominent institutions including, IIM Calcutta, IIM Kashipur and IIT Bhilai, showcasing an increased interest in grassroots business development.
Showcasing indigenous innovation: Flying taxis and rocket science
The event invited attendees to observe advancements in Indigenous tech by featuring Made-in-India flying taxis. This demonstrated rising national capabilities in advanced engineering and mobility solutions.
International collaboration
Dedicated pavilions at the event provided spaces for international partners, where 11 South Korean startups participated to exchange technologies and create collaboration opportunities. Startups from Nepal demonstrated an advanced two-stage rocket fueled by hybrid sustainable propulsion rocket engines.
A shared vision for Startup India
Startup Mahakumbh 2025 saw some serious action:
- A ₹50 crore grant challenge announced by corporate giants to support promising startups.
- Beyond direct funding, Startup Dangal 2.0 gave access to mentorship and market connections for emerging ventures to gain traction.
- Real dialogue between government bodies and private players to solidify India’s position as an international leader in the startup space by funding, infrastructure, and policy reform.
Prashanth Prakash, founding partner of Accel, aptly described the event as a “game-changer,” emphasising its “bigger, bolder and better vision and agenda” aimed at propelling India’s startup ecosystem to new heights.
Key insights and takeaways
From the 3-day mega-power event, here are our key insights and takeaways:
Deepening focus on tier-II and tier-III cities
The “Jile Se Jagat Tak” theme highlighted a rising understanding of the entrepreneurial potential in India’s lesser-known smaller towns and districts. Attendee discussions centred on establishing strategies to provide newly founded companies with all essential elements for success, including market access with necessary resources and mentorship.
The rise of deep tech and indigenous innovation
Deep technology and innovation reached new heights at the showcase. Whether it’s rockets or robotics, India is building it in-house.
Growing emphasis on inclusivity
Tribal and regional entrepreneurs brought fresh perspectives and bold ideas. It was about building an inclusive startup system, recognising how different cultural backgrounds feed India’s diverse talent pool.
The importance of global partnerships
The international pavilions combined with multi-tier country participation demonstrated the rising global connection of startup businesses, revealing numerous pathways for Indian startups to develop global partnerships and market themselves internationally.
Government and private sector alignment
The active involvement of government ministries and leading private sector players signalled a unified commitment to nurture and scale India’s startup ecosystem with discussions focused on policy initiatives, funding mechanisms, and infrastructure development.
Final thoughts: What’s next for India’s startup ecosystem?
Startup Mahakumbh 2025 served as a powerful testament to the dynamism and potential of India’s startup ecosystem. A signal to the world that India is not just participating in the innovation race—it’s leading it.
The event undoubtedly provided a significant impetus towards realising the vision of a “Startup India” that extends from every district to the world stage by bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders and showcasing cutting-edge innovations.
With such momentum, India’s dream of becoming a “Startup Nation” seems closer than ever.
-By Alkama Sohail and the AHT Team
