Meet The Futurepreneurs of Startup Mahakumbh 2025

Against the electrifying backdrop of Startup Mahakumbh 2025, India’s largest startup convergence, the Futurepreneurs Challenge brought together the country’s most promising student innovators for a high-stakes finale that celebrated purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Ten finalist teams from across the nation showcased groundbreaking ideas—rooted in artificial intelligence and focused on real-world impact—before a packed audience of investors, policymakers, and startup ecosystem leaders.

Held as a marquee event within the three-day Startup Mahakumbh—which drew over 50,000 visitors, 3,000 exhibitors, and delegations from 50+ countries—Futurepreneurs embodied the spirit of the Mahakumbh itself: a massive confluence of ideas, talent, and opportunity. The platform was led by FICCI, ASSOCHAM, NASSCOM, TiE, IVCA, and Bootstrap Foundation, with support from GEM, SIDBI, ECGC, DPIIT, and MeitY, reflecting the collective resolve to foster India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem at scale.

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, graced the occasion and personally felicitated the winners. In a candid fireside conversation with Madan Padaki, Founder & CEO of 1Bridge and President of TiE Bangalore, Chaudhary lauded the passion and intent of the student entrepreneurs. 

“What stood out to me today wasn’t just the ideas—it was the intent,” said Chaudhary. “These students aren’t chasing success for its own sake—they’re solving deeply local, human challenges. That’s the mindset India needs: where skills, startups, and societal purpose go hand in hand. Our job is to ensure every dreamer feels their idea belongs in India’s future.”

Top Innovations That Stole the Spotlight

The top prize went to Chitkara University, Chandigarh, for Stick Buddy, a smart mobility stick for the visually impaired featuring obstacle detection, voice alerts, and emergency assistance. Tula’s Institute, Dehradun, earned second place with Pragati, an AI nurse robot capable of diagnosing health vitals with a simple handshake—bringing preventive care closer to underserved communities. Third prize was awarded to Vignan Pharmacy College, Andhra Pradesh, for Magna Pads, a next-gen menstrual product combining pain relief and microfluidic diagnostic tech to detect anemia and PCOS.

Spotlight on Agri and Child Healthcare Innovation

The Jury Special Awards recognized two standout innovations. Government Polytechnic, Deoria, won for Vayuputra, an AI-enabled agricultural drone addressing pesticide overuse and labor scarcity. Rajalakshmi College of Engineering, Tamil Nadu, earned honors for Jeevitham, an AI-powered child healthcare platform that ensures timely vaccinations, personalized nutrition, and digital health tracking for children aged 1–5.

Finalists Driving Impact Across Sectors

From organ transplant transparency to education access for migrant children, the finalists displayed stunning diversity:

• Second Chance by Aditya College of Engineering, Andhra Pradesh – AI + blockchain for organ transplant traceability.

• Kubar Protocol by Ashoka University, Sonepat – Streamlining MSME loan access using AI.

• Krishi Bhoomi AI by Global Academy of Technology, Bengaluru – Drone-rover hybrid for sustainable farming.

• Rudraksh by ISBR Business School, Bengaluru – AI platform for migrant children’s education access.

• OZY by RV Institute of Management, Bengaluru – Generic healthcare access and freelancing for rural health workers.

A Movement to Power India’s Innovation Future

Reflecting on the initiative, Madan Padaki, Trustee of TiE Global, shared:

“Futurepreneurs is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad. These students are building with purpose and heart. They are proof that the future of Indian innovation doesn’t just lie in boardrooms—it lives in classrooms, dorms, and labs across the country.”

With mentorship, investor connects, and a total prize pool of up to ₹1 crore, Futurepreneurs Challenge is rapidly positioning itself as a catalyst for next-gen innovation and leadership. Integrated into the fabric of Startup Mahakumbh, it is helping redefine India’s innovation narrative—student by student, idea by idea.