How Indian Startups Are Shaping the Future – A Glimpse Into STPI SANGAM 2025

India has witnessed an unprecedented rise in its startup ecosystem over the past decade, emerging as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancements. Startups have not only transformed industries but have also significantly contributed to job creation, economic expansion, and global competitiveness. Recognizing this pivotal role, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) continues to support and strengthen the startup ecosystem through various initiatives, with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) playing a central role.

STPI SANGAM 2025, a flagship event hosted at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre under MeitY’s Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS), underscored the government's unwavering commitment to nurturing startups. The event brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors to collectively envision and propel India’s startup ecosystem toward new heights.

Startups as the Pillars of Economic Growth

S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, delivered a compelling keynote address emphasizing the significance of startups in shaping India’s future.

“Startups are the engines of innovation and economic growth. Their disruptive spirit, agility, and commitment to solving real-world challenges are shaping India’s future. Through initiatives like NGIS and platforms like STPI SANGAM, we are not just supporting startups but creating an ecosystem where ideas transform into impactful businesses,” Krishnan stated.

Despite significant progress, challenges persist. STPI, an autonomous body under MeitY, had set a target to fund 300 startups under a central scheme. However, STPI Director General Arvind Kumar acknowledged that the agency fell short of this goal, stressing the need for policy recalibration to ensure improved outcomes.

Driving Inclusivity in the Startup Space

Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of India’s startup ecosystem. Arvind Kumar highlighted the need to bridge the gap between metro-based startups and those emerging from smaller towns and rural regions.

“Inclusiveness is the foundation of a strong innovation ecosystem. Every startup, whether from metropolitan cities or smaller towns, deserves a platform to grow. I am proud to share that 44% of STPI’s startup portfolio consists of women entrepreneurs, many from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities,” Kumar remarked.

Under the NGIS scheme, STPI has supported 685 startups, provided seed funding to 136 startups, and contributed to the creation of over 7,000 jobs. While these numbers reflect substantial progress, Kumar stressed the importance of refining policies and expanding outreach to ensure continued success.

Supporting Deep-Tech and Emerging Sectors

Deep-tech startups hold immense potential in India. K.K. Singh, Joint Secretary at MeitY, emphasized that while NGIS has played a crucial role in providing funding, mentorship, and market access to startups, the next step is to encourage more innovation in deep-tech fields.

“NGIS has been a game-changer, providing vital support to emerging startups. It is now time to take this momentum forward, encourage deep-tech innovation, and ensure that entrepreneurs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities receive the support they need to succeed,” Singh said.

Investor and global business leader Farzana Haque echoed this sentiment, advocating for student-led innovation and women’s entrepreneurship.

“Entrepreneurship is not just about building businesses; it is about creating opportunities, driving self-reliance, and shaping the future,” Haque stated, urging for more resources to back disruptive ideas, particularly in health-tech and deep-tech sectors.

Open Challenge Program 6.0: A Leap for MedTech Startups

One of the major announcements at STPI SANGAM 2025 was the launch of the Open Challenge Program (OCP) 6.0 under the STPI MedTech Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Lucknow. This initiative, a collaboration between SGPGIMS Lucknow, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, AiMeD, and AMTZ, aims to support startups working in medical equipment, electronics, and health informatics.

• Applications open: March 21, 2025

• Deadline: April 20, 2025

This initiative is a significant step toward positioning India as a leader in MedTech innovations, addressing critical healthcare challenges through technology-driven solutions.

Strengthening the Startup Ecosystem Through Strategic Partnerships

A thriving startup ecosystem thrives on strong collaborations. STPI SANGAM 2025 witnessed the signing of three crucial Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), reinforcing India’s commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancements:

1. STPINEXT Initiatives & Centre for Medical Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CMIE), AIIMS New Delhi – Aimed at advancing medical technologies and digital health innovations.

2. STPINEXT Initiatives & K.R. Mangalam Entrepreneurship and Incubation Centre – Focused on promoting technological advancements and entrepreneurial growth.

3. STPINEXT Initiatives & Netlink Software Private Limited, Bhopal – Dedicated to supporting innovation, data privacy, and digital transformation strategies.

Showcasing Innovation and Recognizing Excellence

The event was not just about discussions; it also provided a platform for groundbreaking startups to showcase their innovations across sectors such as DeepTech, HealthTech, FinTech, GreenTech, and AgriTech. A thematic innovation showcase allowed attendees to witness firsthand the transformative solutions emerging from India’s startup ecosystem.

To honor excellence in the startup space, the event concluded with a felicitation ceremony recognizing the achievements of NGIS-supported startups and their ecosystem partners. These recognitions serve as motivation for budding entrepreneurs to push boundaries and continue driving innovation.

The Road Ahead

STPI SANGAM 2025 reinforced India’s vision of becoming a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship. By fostering a culture of innovation, strengthening public-private collaborations, and ensuring inclusive growth, India’s startup ecosystem is poised for unprecedented success.

With strategic initiatives like NGIS, deep-tech acceleration programs, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, the Indian startup landscape is set to scale new heights, contributing significantly to the country’s economic and technological prowess.