IANS | 21 Mar, 2024
India's startup ecosystem is on a journey of unprecedented innovation
and growth and the rise of entrepreneurs from tier-2 and 3 cities are
shining examples of how inclusive growth can lead to sustainable
development, industry experts said on Thursday, as the three-day ‘Viksit
Bharat Startup Mahakumbh 2024’ concluded in the Capital.
The
country’s biggest celebration of startups saw 1,306 exhibitors, more
than 165 sessions, over 392 speakers, and more than 48,581 business
visitors.
Furthermore, the event was the centre-stage for more
than 3,868 future entrepreneurs, coming together to interact with
investors, and entrepreneurs, along with industry experts via
masterclasses and foster collaboration.
“Over the course of 10
years, we've witnessed a transformation from a few hundred startups to a
vibrant ecosystem of over 100,000 startups, fostering a remarkable
increase in incubators, unicorns, and a thriving digital economy,” said
Arvind Gupta, Head and Co-Founder, Digital India Foundation.
“Our
startups are global pioneers, leveraging technology to solve complex
challenges, ensuring India's position as a leader on the world stage,”
he added.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that
India will become the world leader in AI with its young innovators
emerging as a driving force to take the nation ahead.
Addressing
the ‘Startup Mahakumbh’, the Prime Minister said, “India will have the
upper hand in AI and we will not let the opportunity go.”
From
insightful keynote speeches to interactive workshops, Startup Mahakumbh
offered a dynamic platform for attendees to exchange ideas, forge
partnerships, and gain invaluable insights from seasoned professionals.
"Witnessing
over 3,800 future entrepreneurs come together at Startup Mahakumbh was
truly inspiring," said Madan Padaki, President, TiE Bangalore &
Trustee, TiE Global.
"It was great to see many budding and
ambitious agritech entrepreneurs aiming to improve the livelihoods of
our farmers,” added Vineet Rai, Founder and Chairman, Aavishkaar Group.
Vidhya
Ananthkrishnan, Chief Of Staff, Accel, said that they witnessed an
incredible convergence of ideas, expertise, and opportunities within the
B2B pavilion at ‘Startup Mahakumbh.’