₹20 Crore, 2.3 Lakh Visitors: The Startup Maharathi Challenge Raises the Bar

The final day of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 unfolded as a modern epic—a culmination of dreams, determination, and disruptive ideas. At its heart was the Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025, which spotlighted India's most promising innovators with funding, recognition, and mentorship. Over three days, more than 2.3 lakh visitors thronged Bharat Mandapam, transforming the event into a vibrant celebration of India's innovation landscape.

Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025 | Highlights

• 2,000+ applications received from DPIIT-recognized startups nationwide
• 240 startups shortlisted across 11 challenge areas
• ₹20 crore total grant outlay distributed among winners
  • Top grants of ₹10 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹1 lakh in each sector
• 40% applications from Tier 2 & 3 cities
• 80+ women-led startups among the finalists
• 10 startups from Northeast and J&K received special recognition
• 500+ investor meetings held via curated Speed Dating sessions
• 250+ venture capital firms, angel investors & family offices participated
• 2.3 lakh attendees at Startup Mahakumbh over 3 days
• 3,000+ startups exhibited from 26+ Indian states and 60+ countries
• 1,091 investors & incubators, 10,000+ delegates engaged
• 211 sessions, 750+ speakers, and 1,052 startups mentored
• 10 student teams pitched at the Futurepreneurs Challenge finale
• 1,000+ incubators and accelerators represented
• 1000+ angel investors, VCs, and family offices attended
• All grants provided were non-dilutive (no equity taken)

Futurepreneurs and Maharathis: Startup Mahakumbh Nurtures India’s Rising Stars

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, addressing the packed grand finale, captured the event’s transformative spirit. “Startup Mahakumbh last year saw 30,000 visitors. This year, we’ve crossed 2,30,000. That’s not growth—it’s India dreaming big,” Goyal remarked, urging stakeholders to envision an even larger scale for future editions.

The Startup Maharathi Challenge, a flagship initiative under the Mahakumbh banner, drew over 2,000 applications spanning 11 frontier areas, including satellite technology, clean energy, cybersecurity, and rural digital tools. Following meticulous screening, 240 startups made it to the final showcase, with the most exceptional securing grants of ₹10 lakh, ₹5 lakh, and ₹1 lakh. In total, ₹20 crore was awarded in non-dilutive funding, fostering innovation without equity sacrifice.

Renowned figures like Aman Gupta, Co-founder of boAt Lifestyle, and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, actor-turned-entrepreneur, added star power. Kapoor engaged attendees with insights on navigating boardrooms post-stardom, stating, “This ecosystem is where India’s new heroes are being born.”

The Next Big Leap? It Might Just Start in a Garage in Guwahati

Diversity and Inclusion emerged as defining elements of the challenge. 40% of applicants hailed from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and over 80 startups were led by women founders or co-founders. Startups from emerging states like Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, and Jammu & Kashmir received special recognition, reflecting how entrepreneurship is thriving beyond metros.

The event also encouraged student innovators through the Futurepreneurs Challenge, where ten finalist teams presented AI-driven solutions tackling local challenges like water management and digital healthcare. Minister Jayant Chaudhary emphasized the government's commitment to fostering youth-led innovation while presenting awards.

In parallel, over 500 investor-founder meetings created opportunities to shape India’s next entrepreneurial leap. In total, 3,000+ startups, 1,091 investors and incubators, and 10,000+ delegates from over 60 countries participated. Featuring 211 sessions and 750+ speakers, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 solidified its reputation as India’s largest and most comprehensive startup gathering.

What distinguished this Mahakumbh was not just its scale, but its depth. Innovations ranged from AI-powered traffic safety systems to digital platforms empowering rural women entrepreneurs. The tone was clear: India is not chasing trends but building a future defined by substance.

From 2,000+ applications to 240+ winners — the Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025 celebrated India’s boldest innovators. With ₹20+ Cr in grants, 500+ investor meetings, and powerful stories from every corner of the country, this was a milestone moment in India's startup journey.… pic.twitter.com/sPrZ1Y3bbg

— Startup Mahakumbh (@StartupMhakumbh) April 5, 2025

As the curtains fell, a renewed confidence resonated among founders, investors, and policymakers—that the next global breakthrough could emerge from a garage in Guwahati, a lab in Lucknow, or a dorm room in Dharwad. Startup Mahakumbh 2025 bridged ambition with opportunity—leaving the world inspired.