AI and Heritage Shine at Harvard Startup Competition

LogicFlo AI and P-TAL Emerge as Winners, Showcasing India’s Diverse Entrepreneurial Spirit

Harvard’s Inaugural Startup Pitch Competition: A Celebration of Indian Entrepreneurship
The India Conference at Harvard 2025 marked a significant milestone with its inaugural Startup Pitch Competition, held on February 16. This event celebrated the dynamic landscape of Indian entrepreneurship and innovation, providing a platform for founders to present their groundbreaking ventures to a distinguished panel of investors, industry leaders, and mentors.

A Rigorous Selection Process Leading to Exceptional Finalists

From over 160 applications submitted by Indian founders worldwide—including regions like North America, the UK, and India—seven finalists were meticulously selected. These startups addressed a diverse array of challenges, from artificial intelligence advancements to women’s health solutions, climate technology, and agricultural innovations. Prior to their presentations, all finalists received mentorship from Anand Daniel, a partner at Accel, renowned for his role in scaling successful ventures in India.

The Competition Structure: Showcasing Visionary Solutions

The competition unfolded over two intensive rounds:

• First Round: Founders articulated the problems they aim to solve, detailed their solutions, demonstrated traction, and highlighted team strengths.
• Second Round: The top four teams presented their business models, go-to-market strategies, and long-term visions to a panel of esteemed judges, including Abhinav Shashank (Founder & CEO, Innovaccer), Akriti Dokania (Partner, Ridge Ventures), and Ritesh Malik (Founder, Innov8).

Winners Who Shined: LogicFlo AI and P-TAL

After compelling presentations and insightful Q&A sessions, two startups emerged victorious:

• First Prize ($12,000): LogicFlo AI, founded by Udith Vaidyanathan and Arun Ramakrishnan, is developing AI agents tailored for life sciences organizations. Their technology aims to empower knowledge workers by automating routine tasks, thereby enhancing cognitive and decision-making processes.
• Second Prize ($5,000): P-TAL, led by Aditya Agrawal, is revitalizing traditional Indian metals like brass and copper. They offer functional and aesthetic products handcrafted by India’s only UNESCO-recognized artisans, bringing these timeless materials into modern homes and kitchens.

Diverse Finalists Reflecting India’s Innovative Landscape

The other notable finalists included:

• OnFinanceAI: Founded by Anuj and Priyesh Srivastava, this startup offers an AI agent designed specifically for compliance officers and department heads, streamlining complex regulatory workflows.
• Morpho AI: Co-founded by Ayna Arora and Andrew Spielberg, Morpho AI focuses on automating the invention, design, and deployment of new machines and robots.
• xPub: Led by Kalyan Gautham, Pallavi Bansal, and Gregory Schweickert, xPub deploys local language models to automate sales documentation, starting with RFP responses.
• Spike AI: Founded by Deepesh Kumar and Shrestha Pratik, Spike AI provides an intelligence layer for marketing automation, transforming marketing into a growth engine.
• Unpause: With founders Nitya Dintakurti, Balaji Teegala, and Prashant Jha, Unpause is developing smart technologies aimed at improving the quality of life for menopausal women.

A Testament to India’s Bold Entrepreneurial Ambition

The overwhelming response to the competition underscores the boldness and ambition of Indian entrepreneurs. The caliber of innovation presented reflects a world-class standard with high-impact potential, signaling a bright future for India’s startup ecosystem.