Around 70 startups, seeking investments totaling nearly Rs 1,500 crore, participated in the second edition of ASSOCHAM Investor Connect. This event aimed to bolster India’s innovation-driven startup ecosystem by bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and policymakers. Out of over 450 startups that applied, 200 were shortlisted after a rigorous evaluation process aligned with investors’ investment priorities.
A notable aspect of this year’s event was the significant increase in the participation of young innovators, whose representation rose to about 30 percent from the previous 15 percent in the inaugural edition. This surge reflects the escalating entrepreneurial ambitions among India’s youth. Dr. Priyanka Shukla, CEO of MY Bharat under the Department of Youth Affairs, emphasized that India’s entrepreneurial landscape extends well beyond major cities.
During the event, Dr. Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, highlighted the importance of fostering stronger partnerships among startups, industry players, and investors to shape the next wave of technology-driven enterprises. He emphasized that startups focusing on solving real-world issues, developing intellectual property, and establishing sustainable businesses with robust governance structures would be pivotal in propelling India’s innovation-led growth.
Dr. Ambika Sharma, Assistant Secretary General of ASSOCHAM, reiterated the chamber’s dedication to creating an ecosystem where promising startups not only gain access to capital but also receive mentorship, market connections, and strategic alliances. The focus remains on expanding support to Tier II and Tier III cities and towns, fostering collaborations that convert innovation into scalable ventures.
Moreover, the event witnessed the participation of 28 prominent investors who engaged with the shortlisted startups through tailored one-on-one pitching sessions across various sectors, including defense tech, space tech, advanced manufacturing, climate tech, cybersecurity, fintech, SaaS, consumer tech, EV and mobility, health tech, clean tech, agritech, and IT/ITeS.
