Pavilions & Star Speakers to Watch at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

Startup Mahakumbh 2025 commences today, running through April 5th, promising a focused exploration of the key sectors propelling India's entrepreneurial growth. Moving beyond a general exhibition format, the event features dedicated pavilions designed to showcase the latest advancements, connect stakeholders, and drive crucial discussions within specific industries. These specialized zones offer a comprehensive overview of the innovation currently shaping the Indian startup ecosystem.

Adding to the excitement, the event boasts a lineup of star speakers on the main stage, including Aadithya Sharadha, Co-founder of Infra.market, Aakrit Vaish, Advisor at INDIAai Mission, Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at MeitY, Ajay Bhadoo, CEO of GeM, Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of DPIIT, and Archana Jahagirdar, Founding & Managing Partner at Rukam Capital, among other prominent figures.

Attendees can also look forward to engaging main stage sessions, such as "The D2C Revolution: Navigating the New Landscape and Predicting Future Trends," moderated by Archana Jahagirdar and featuring insights from Peyush Bansal, CEO & Co-founder of Lenskart. With more enticing and engaging sessions scheduled throughout the three days, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is set to be a pivotal event.

Here's a detailed look at each of the distinct pavilions that will be central to the Startup Mahakumbh experience

Pavilions & Star Speakers to Watch at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is structured to provide attendees with a deep dive into crucial areas driving India's economic progress through its ten specialized pavilions.

1. AI, DeepTech & Cybersecurity Pavilion: Exploring Future Technologies

The AI, DeepTech & Cybersecurity Pavilion will highlight the fundamental technologies powering future innovation. Expect demonstrations and discussions around core AI concepts like machine learning and natural language processing. The pavilion will also feature progress in deep technologies including quantum computing and blockchain. Recognizing the critical need for digital security, a significant portion will showcase emerging cybersecurity solutions and the startups behind them.

Key speakers include Achyuta Ghosh, Senior Director and Head- Insights at Nasscom, who will launch the Nasscom Report - Road to Recovery: Indian Tech Start-up Landscape 2024. Insights will also be shared by Dr. Pankaj Dikshit, CTO of Government e Marketplace (GeM), Pratiti Sharma from Startup India, Shri. Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, and Sangeeta Gupta, Senior VP at Nasscom.

2. HealthTech & BioTech Pavilion: Innovations in Healthcare and Life Sciences

The HealthTech & BioTech Pavilion will showcase advancements across healthcare and biotechnology. This area will feature startups and organizations developing new diagnostic tools, therapeutic approaches, and medical devices. The pavilion will also explore digital health platforms and the application of biotechnology to improve patient care in India.

A key highlight will be the Keynote Address by Dr. Jitendra Kumar, MD of BIRAC, Dept. of Biotech, Govt. of India. Attendees can also benefit from the IP Rights Masterclass: Protecting Innovation led by Dr. Prosenjit Chattopadhyay, Partner at L&S.

3. AgriTech Pavilion: Technological Transformation in Agriculture

The AgriTech Pavilion will demonstrate the increasing impact of technology on Indian agriculture. Exhibitors will present solutions in precision farming, utilizing data and sensors for optimized resource management. The pavilion will also feature AI-powered tools for crop monitoring and platforms aiming to streamline agricultural supply chains, with a focus on empowering farmers.

Notable speakers include Anisha Singh, Founding Partner at She Capital, Aman Bhaiya, VP & Head of Strategy at SBI Foundation, and Dipika Prasad, Product Manager at Google, discussing digital public infrastructure. Startups can participate in an Impromptu Pitch Competition, and Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder of Stride Ventures, will share his experiences.

4. Energy & Climate Tech Pavilion: Addressing Environmental Challenges

The Climate Tech Pavilion will be a platform for startups and organizations developing solutions for environmental issues. The focus will be on clean energy technologies, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and carbon emission reduction. The aim is to highlight innovations contributing to India's sustainability goals.

Speakers to watch include Arpit Agarwal, Investment Partner at Blume Ventures, Dr. Jaya Rawat, Deputy General Manager at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Jui Joshi, Director & Senior Partner at Climate Collective. The pavilion will feature Startup Pitches and discussions on Critical Infrastructure Development for Increased Renewables Adoption.

5. Incubators and Accelerators Pavilion: Supporting Early-Stage Ventures

The Incubators & Accelerators Pavilion will host India's leading startup support organizations. This zone will allow incubators and accelerators to showcase their programs, resources, and mentorship opportunities for early-stage startups, facilitating connections between aspiring entrepreneurs and support systems.

Key participants include Akhilesh Vyas, Manager at Startup India, DPIIT, Amit Kothawade, Manager at Maharashtra State Innovation Society, and Harleen Pasricha, Senior Manager at Startup India, DPIIT. Sessions will cover topics like Building Intellectual Capital in a Digital, Globalized World and the Role of Family Offices in scaling Startups From Bharat.

6. FinTech Pavilion: The Technological Evolution of Financial Services

The FinTech Pavilion will feature the latest technological advancements in the financial services sector. Attendees can expect to see innovations in digital payments, lending platforms, banking solutions, and insurance technology, highlighting how technology is making financial services more accessible and efficient across India.

Featured speakers include Abhishek Dwivedi, CEO of Navi Finserv Limited, Aman Dalal, Business Head at IDFC FIRST Bank, and Dinesh Pai, VP at Zerodha. Discussions will focus on Fintech for Bharat: Unlocking Opportunities in India’s Next Billion Market and the DPI Fintech Showcase.

7. Gaming & SportsTech Pavilion: The Intersection of Technology and Recreation

The Gaming & SportsTech Pavilion will explore the growing impact of technology on the gaming and sports industries. This area will showcase advancements in gaming experiences, including VR and esports, as well as innovations in sports technologies like fitness trackers and data analytics for athletic performance.

Don't miss insights from Adarsh Muthappa, Co-founder and Game Director at AutoVRse, and Carryminati, Asia's Largest Influencer & WinZO's Digital Brand Ambassador. Sessions will cover Raising Capital in the Indian Gaming Sector and The Future of Gaming Investments.

8. D2C Pavilion: Showcasing Direct-to-Consumer Brands

The D2C Pavilion will feature a variety of Direct-to-Consumer brands across fashion, FMCG, and lifestyle. The pavilion will provide insights into the strategies and models used by these brands to connect directly with consumers in the Indian market.

Speakers include Adarsh Menon, Operating Partner at Fireside Ventures, and Aditya Vikram Singh, Vice President of Investments at Rukam Capital. The pavilion will open with a session featuring Moderator Archana Jahagirdar, Founder & Managing Partner at Rukam Capital, and Keynote Speaker Shri. Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT.

9. Mobility Pavilion: Investigating the Future of Transportation

The Mobility Pavilion will focus on the evolving transportation landscape, featuring startups and organizations working on electric vehicles, battery technology, smart traffic management, and sustainable public transport. The pavilion will highlight innovations aimed at creating safer and cleaner mobility options in India.

Key participants include Abhishek Bansal, Co-founder of Shadowfax, and Aishwarya Kachhal, Senior Consultant at the World Bank. Discussions will revolve around Driven to Progress: The Importance of Mobility for Viksit Bharat.

10. B2B, Precision Manufacturing, and Defence & Space Tech Pavilion: Advanced Industrial and Strategic Technologies

This combined pavilion will showcase advancements in business-to-business technologies, precision manufacturing techniques like 3D printing and robotics, and innovations in the defence and space technology sectors, emphasizing India's growing capabilities in these strategic areas.

Speakers include Abhishek Chandra, Partner at Evolvence, Akshay Sharma, Vice President at 3one4 Capital, and Brijesh Kumar Soni, Deputy Director at IN-SPACe. A key session will focus on Spacetech Startup: Growth Engines of Viksit Bharat.

Startup Mahakumbh 2025 promises to be a dynamic platform for understanding the depth and breadth of India's startup ecosystem. With its focused pavilions and a lineup of influential speakers, the event offers a valuable opportunity for attendees to gain insights, network, and witness the future of Indian innovation firsthand.