Event Date: 3rd – 5th April, 2025
Event brief description
The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh hosted from April 3–5, 2025 at the iconic Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, emerged as a groundbreaking celebration of India’s entrepreneurial spirit. With over 50,000 business visitors, 3,000 exhibitors, and participation from more than 50 countries, the event stood tall as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and ambition.
At the heart of this grand event was the dynamic participation of Galgotias Incubation Centre for Research Innovation Startup & Entrepreneurs (GICRISE), representing Galgotias University.
Event Detailed Description
Galgotias Incubation Centre for Research Innovation Startup & Entrepreneurs shines at Startup Mahakumbh-2025
A Power-Packed 3-Day Journey of Innovation, Networking, and Recognition
The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh hosted from April 3–5, 2025 at the iconic Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, emerged as a groundbreaking celebration of India’s entrepreneurial spirit. With over 50,000 business visitors, 3,000 exhibitors, and participation from more than 50 countries, the event stood tall as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and ambition.
At the heart of this grand event was the dynamic participation of Galgotias Incubation Centre for Research Innovation Startup & Entrepreneurs (GICRISE), representing Galgotias University under the visionary guidance of Hon’ble Chancellor Shri Suneel Galgotia & Hon’ble CEO, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, GICRISE is actively fostering a deeptech-driven startup culture, aligning with Shri Piyush Goyal’s call at Startup Mahakumbh to shift from convenience-based ventures to transformative innovations that can position India as the world’s leading startup ecosystem. this ecosystem. GICRISE’s presence throughout the three days reinforced its growing reputation as a catalyst for nurturing innovation-driven startups and young entrepreneurs in India.
A Grand Opening and a Moment of Pride for Galgotias University’s 230+ Students
The inaugural on day-1kicked off with palpable excitement and a packed audience of founders, venture capitalists, policymakers, and students. The opening ceremony was graced by Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, who delivered a stirring keynote, setting an aspirational tone for the entire event.
During his speech, Shri Goyal presented a thought-provoking slide titled “India Vs China: The Startup Reality Check.” The comparison revealed India’s growing footprint in sectors like foodtech, D2C, and quick commerce, while highlighting China’s dominance in deeptech verticals like EVs, semiconductors, AI, and robotics.
Addressing the audience, he remarked:
My reply to this was ‘very inspiring’ and I want each one of you to take some inspiration from this. Some might call me out for comparing with other nations, but I don’t have qualms about that. We are the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, and we should aspire to be the largest in the near future.”
He emphasized that while convenience-based innovations are thriving in India, there’s a critical need to pivot toward deeptech, industrial innovation, and global problem-solving solutions. Shri Goyal’s message was clear—India must dream bigger, act bolder, and rise to become a leader in transformative technologies.
The ceremony also saw the presence of several eminent dignitaries, including Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State, and Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT. The ceremonial lamp-lighting symbolized a bright future for India’s entrepreneurial journey.
GICRISE Takes Center Stage
A defining moment for GICRISE came as five of its startups were featured and showcased during the inaugural day. These startups, spanning diverse sectors, displayed innovations ranging from AgriTech, HealthTech to AI-based solutions, drawing attention from investors, mentors, and incubators alike.
This achievement underlined the university’s focus on fostering early-stage entrepreneurship and providing a launchpad for student innovators. Over 230 students from Galgotias University actively participated in the inaugural session, engaging with founders, exploring pavilions, and attending live product demos and masterclasses.
Deeper Engagement and Government Recognition
The second day was marked by intensive networking, ecosystem collaboration, and high-level acknowledgment of Galgotias Incubation Centre’s efforts. GICRISE teams interacted with new-age startups, emerging founders, and venture capitalists, discussing possible synergies and exploring avenues for scaling ventures.
A proud and motivating moment came with the special visit of Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, IAS, Secretary, DPIIT.
During his visit, he offered words of encouragement and applauded GICRISE for its meaningful contribution to building a robust, innovation-driven startup ecosystem. He praised Galgotias University’s leadership for its visionary approach in institutionalizing innovation and encouraged students and founders to “think big, take risks, and contribute meaningfully to the Viksit Bharat vision.”
GICRISE was also honored by the visit of Ms. Vaniya Dangwal, a respected mentor within the incubation network. She interacted closely with incubated startups, applauding the success of the Galgotias Ideathon, especially its impact in securing grant and funding support for early-stage innovators.
She remarked:
“GICRISE has set a benchmark in how universities should support their entrepreneurs. From ideation to funding, the Centre has played a crucial role in guiding and empowering its startups.”
Ms. Dangwal also extended congratulations on GICRISE’s recognition by StartinUP, a testament to the incubation centre’s growing stature and credibility within India’s evolving startup ecosystem.
Building Strategic Partnerships for Long-Term Growth
The final day of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 was focused on forging collaborations and partnerships. GICRISE actively networked with companies and service providers who could offer affordable and essential services to startups in their early stages.
This included discussions with representatives from sectors such as:
The objective was clear—reduce the financial burden on early-stage startups by facilitating access to subsidized services and scalable solutions. Many of these companies expressed their willingness to support GICRISE incubatees and committed to exploring structured engagements post-event.
These interactions not only opened doors to potential collaborations but also aligned with GICRISE’s vision of ensuring “innovation with sustainability and scale.”
Beyond the Booths: The Larger Experience
Startup Mahakumbh 2025 wasn’t just an exhibition—it was an immersive experience. From high-stakes pitching competitions like the Startup MahaRathi Challenge to exclusive investor roundtables, the event empowered thousands of founders to dream bigger and build better.
Participants benefitted from:
Startup Mahakumbh 2025 served as a national platform where GICRISE not only showcased its potential but also expanded its horizon. The exposure gained, relationships built, and recognitions received during the three days have significantly amplified GICRISE’s role in shaping India’s innovation economy.
GICRISE’s performance at Startup Mahakumbh reiterated the commitment of Galgotias University to prepare its students not just for jobs but for leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship.
As Shri Piyush Goyal aptly said, “We are the third-largest startup ecosystem—let’s strive to be the first.” With institutions like Galgotias leading from the front, that aspiration seems well within reach.
Department Name – GICRISE
Event Outcome
The participation of Galgotias Incubation Centre for Research Innovation Startup & Entrepreneurs (GICRISE) at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 resulted in several impactful outcomes that have significantly elevated its standing in the national startup ecosystem. The three-day event provided a powerful platform for GICRISE to showcase five of its most promising startups across sectors like AgriTech, HealthTech, and AI, drawing attention from investors, mentors, and ecosystem enablers. This presence reinforced Galgotias University’s growing reputation for nurturing early-stage innovators and aligning academic excellence with real-world entrepreneurial challenges. A major highlight was the appreciation received from Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, who acknowledged GICRISE’s contribution toward building a robust innovation culture. Similarly, startup mentor Ms. Vaniya Dangwal commended the Centre’s efforts, especially its initiatives like the Galgotias Ideathon and its recent recognition by StartinUP. Over 230 students from Galgotias University actively participated, gaining exposure to new technologies, startup masterclasses, and investor interactions—reflecting the institution’s commitment to experiential learning.
GICRISE’s presence was further aligned with the national innovation agenda underscored by Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, who, in his keynote, stated, “We are the third-largest startup ecosystem—let’s strive to be the first.” He emphasized the urgent need to shift from convenience-based innovations to transformative deeptech and industrial solutions that solve global problems. This powerful message resonates deeply with GICRISE’s own vision of fostering a deeptech-driven startup ecosystem that contributes meaningfully to national priorities like Viksit Bharat. Furthermore, the event enabled GICRISE to initiate strategic discussions with companies in AI/ML, FinTech, EV, AgriTech, and Cybersecurity, many of whom expressed interest in offering subsidized services and long-term support to its incubatees. Overall, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 not only amplified GICRISE’s visibility but also validated its direction, expanded its partnership network, and reinforced its role as a catalyst for India’s innovation-led future.
