ICICI Bank Inaugurates a Branch in Jammu Location
Jammu: ICICI Bank has set up a new branch at Preet Nagar in Jammu. This branch, the Bank’s fourteenth in the city, is equipped with an ATM.
Shri Vikram Randhawa, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Jammu & Kashmir inaugurated the branch. Ms. Devyani Rana, Vice-President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Jammu & Kashmir, graced the occasion.
The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts and deposits including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits and loans like home loan, personal loan, auto loan, business loan and education loan along with remittance and card services. It also provides locker facility at its premises. It operates from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Monday to Friday and on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month.
The branch also offers Tab Banking facility that provides nearly 100 services at the customer’s place by an employee through a tablet device. The services include opening of accounts and Fixed Deposit (FD), raising cheque book request, generation of e statements and change of address, among others.
ICICI Bank has more than 70 branches, and over 80 ATMs and cash recycling machines (CRMs) in Jammu & Kashmir.
ICICI Bank services its large customer base through a multi-channel delivery network of branches, ATMs, call centres, internet banking and mobile banking.
Paytm Launches MahaKumbh Soundbox for Payment Alerts
Kolkata, 8th April, 2025: Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox technology, has launched the Made-in-India Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox to empower merchant partners with instant payment alerts on a digital screen and real-time transaction tracking. The latest addition to Paytm’s expanding Soundbox range, this 4G-enabled device helps businesses track payments effortlessly, improve transaction visibility, and enhance operational efficiency.
The MahaKumbh Soundbox represents the power of Indian unification—just as the rare pilgrim festival brings millions together, this device seamlessly integrates multiple features into one, enabling effortless transactions for merchants.
Equipped with diverse capabilities, the new Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox comes with a built-in digital screen that provides a clear view of payments, including real-time transaction updates, total collections, and device status. Merchants can now see transactions instantly while also receiving audio alerts, ensuring quick verification even during peak hours when multiple payments are being made. It features Paytm pioneered QR code, allowing customers to scan and pay via all UPI apps and RuPay Credit Card payments through UPI. With a powerful 3-watt speaker, the device delivers clear voice confirmations, enabling merchants to instantly verify payments and reduce errors. Supporting 11 languages, it ensures merchants receive updates in their preferred language. Additionally, its long-lasting 10-day battery and durable, splash-resistant, and temperature-resistant design make it a reliable solution for businesses across retail stores, restaurants, and local markets.
Shri Sanjiv Singh ji, Joint Secretary, DPIIT said, “Startup Mahakumbh has been a landmark event celebrating India’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, bringing together visionaries, innovators, and policymakers to drive India’s digital and financial inclusion forward. In this spirit of innovation, Paytm continues to lead the way in transforming digital payments for millions of businesses across the country. The launch of the Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox is another testament to India’s leadership in fintech innovation—empowering merchants with real-time transaction tracking, seamless payment acceptance, and operational efficiency. I commend Vijay Shekhar Sharma and the Paytm team for their relentless commitment to developing cutting-edge, Made-in-India solutions that strengthen our digital economy and support small businesses nationwide.”
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – Paytm said, “We are proud to have made mobile payments accessible to everyone. As pioneers of Soundbox technology, we introduced instant payment confirmations, bringing trust and ease to merchants. With our new Made-in-India Display Soundbox, we are taking it a step further to help our merchant partners track transactions effortlessly and manage their business with confidence.”
This launch follows Paytm’s recent green innovation of India’s First Paytm Solar Soundbox, aimed at providing sustainable energy solutions to merchants and businesses. By integrating solar-powered infrastructure, the company continues to drive innovation that enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs for its partners. Additionally, Paytm is enhancing digital transactions with its NFC-enabled payment solutions, allowing merchants to accept tap-and-pay transactions effortlessly. This ensures faster, more secure payments and an improved customer experience.
Paytm innovates based on customer needs, introducing features like UPI statement downloads (PDF & Excel), UPI Trading Blocks for direct stock trade payments without pre-funding, and the ‘Receive Money QR Widget’ for instant payments without opening the app. It also enables users to check UPI-linked bank account balances on the Paytm app and supports UPI, UPI Lite for small payments, RuPay Credit Card linking on Paytm UPI, cards, and net banking for seamless transactions. Expanding globally, it now facilitates UPI payments in the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Britannia Announces WiseBite Initiative for Snacking
New Delhi, 08 April 2025: On World Health Day, Britannia announces the launch of WiseBite, an initiative focused on empowering consumers toward wiser, more balanced snacking habits. Snacking is a part of daily life, providing energy and enjoyment throughout the day. With evolving food choices and increased awareness about balanced eating, WiseBite brings attention to cravings, informed choices, and sustainable habits, thereby encouraging a mindful snacking approach.
Dr. Balaji Jaganmohan, Consultant Physician & Diabetologist, Apollo Sugar Clinics Bangalore, speaks about the need for mindful snacking, “In today’s fast-paced lives, snacking often becomes an unconscious habit rather than a considered choice. Paying closer attention to what we eat between meals and understanding the how and why behind those choices can bring more intention and balance to our daily routines. Awareness around cravings, portion sizes, and nutritional balance plays a key role in shaping habits that support long-term well-being. Choices between healthy and unhealthy options might predispose an individual to the risk of developing chronic metabolic diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension and obesity.”
Built on three core principles—knowing your cravings, picking right, and building lasting habits—WiseBite offers individuals varied options to approach snacking mindfully. The initiative encourages individuals to take small, intentional steps to bring more awareness to everyday snacking. This includes pausing before reaching for a snack to check in with actual hunger cues, choosing options that are both satisfying and balanced, being fully present while eating—using portion control and avoiding distractions. These simple, sustainable shifts can help make snacking a more conscious, enjoyable, and fulfilling part of the day.
Speaking about the program, Siddharth Gupta, General Manager – Marketing, Britannia said, “The way we snack is evolving, creating an opportunity to encourage mindful choices. With WiseBite, the goal is to equip consumers with simple, relatable information that empowers them to make informed decisions. It’s about simplifying the journey toward mindful snacking in a way that feels relevant and doable in today’s fast-paced lifestyles”
WiseBite is Britannia’s commitment to encouraging mindful snacking habits. By providing consumers with accessible information backed by scientific research, the initiative seeks to demystify everyday snacking choices and equip individuals with practical suggestions to make informed decisions
WiseBite is designed to make snacking a more intentional and enriching part of everyday life. By fostering awareness and good decision-making, it encourages individuals to develop habits that align with their personal needs and lifestyle, ensuring that every bite is both satisfying and purposeful.
Tech Entrepreneurs Nikhil and Nishant Rathi’s Major Exit
Mumbai, 08 April 2025: Web Werks India Pvt Ltd, a leading data center provider in India, founded by Nikhil & Nishant Rathi, has been fully acquired by Iron Mountain (NYSE: IRM) in one of the largest transactions in India’s data center industry. The founders of Web Werks secured an investment of $150 million during the joint venture’s formation in 2021, followed by an additional $170 million in 2023. With their successful exit, the Rathi brothers have demonstrated their expertise in building and delivering exceptional value to India’s digital and data center ecosystem.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone for the company, solidifying its legacy as a key enabler of India’s digital economy. As part of the transition, Web Werks will now operate under a new brand identity while continuing to serve its enterprise clients without disruption.
“Nishant and I have been working around the clock for 25+ years to build Web Werks data center. I am incredibly proud of what the entire team has achieved – making it one of the biggest acquisitions in Indian Data Center history. What started with just 40 people and three data centers at 1MW capacity has grown into a team of over 200 with 162 MW of capacity. Since then, we have blitzscaled to a capability of 162+ MW, a total of 6 live data centers in major cities and a family of 200+ people. I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey as I look ahead to the next chapter,” said Nikhil Rathi, Co-Founder, Web Werks and NeoSOFT.
Speaking about the sale, Nishant Rathi, Co-Founder of Web Werks and NeoSOFT, added, “While this marks an exciting new chapter for Web Werks, our commitment to fostering growth in the technology sector remains strong. Nikhil and I will continue to lead NeoSOFT and build NeoSOFT & NeoNXT platforms – driving initiatives that will propel businesses to leverage the best of digital & AI. We also look forward to lending our expertise and partnering with investors, entrepreneurs & VCs, and committed to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and growing the data center industry both in India and globally. The India story is alive and well and we are just one of the few examples of what dedication, customer centricity and a belief can do.”
Founded in 1996 by Nikhil and Nishant Rathi in a bedroom, Web Werks has grown into a powerhouse in India’s digital infrastructure space. Over nearly three decades, the company has established itself as a highly trusted provider of high-density, hyperscale, and AI-powered data centers, with best-in-class reliability and efficiency. At the time of sale, Web Werks operated six Tier-3, carrier-neutral data centers in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, with construction on another in Chennai already underway.
The journey of Web Werks is a testament to the vision, resilience, and adaptability of its founders. What began as a small web hosting company evolved into a leader, keeping pace with India’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem. Founded by Nikhil and Nishant Rathi when they were only teenagers, the company navigated the early days of dial-up internet, working tirelessly to scale from serving small businesses to enterprise-level solutions. Through industry shifts—from the dot-com boom to the cloud and AI revolutions—Web Werks has consistently stayed ahead of the curve, cementing its role in shaping India’s digital future.
As they look ahead, the Rathi brothers are eager to reinvest their time and expertise into India’s tech landscape. Their unwavering belief in the country’s potential fuels their commitment to helping shape the next phase of India’s digital evolution. “No story is complete without India,” said Nikhil. “We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved, but the best is yet to come. We’re excited about what lies ahead, and we’ll continue to be part of India’s story for years to come.”
Free Uber Shuttle Rides for Mumbai Indians’ Fans Today
April 8, 2025 – Mumbai: Mumbai Indians made a winning return to Wankhede, with the MI Paltan showing up in full force. As fans gear up for the second home game on April 7, Uber Shuttle — the official mobility partner — is making match day travel even easier.
After an overwhelming response to the first game, Uber has expanded its free, air-conditioned Shuttle service for Mumbai Indians’ fans. Fans across Mumbai can now ride in comfort — and cheer louder — with seat-reserved Shuttles to and from Wankhede stadium.
On every home match day, fans can skip traffic, parking woes, and last-minute ride searches and ride in style with Uber Shuttle. Snehashish Nag, Head of Strategy, Uber Shuttle, said, “The response from MI Paltan has been phenomenal. With expanded routes, Uber Shuttle is making it easier than ever for the fans to get to Wankhede — comfortably, reliably, and for free.”
To further encourage fans to leave their private vehicles behind, Uber has also rolled out exclusive, limited number match-day promo codes for discounted ‘Uber Premier’ rides to and from the stadium. While booking the ride with Wankhede as the end or start point, fans can use the promo code ‘MIPALTAN’ and get a discount of 18% up to INR 100 per ride.
Just like the stadium dons the team’s blue and gold on every match day, the Uber app will support the Mumbai Indians team too – the vehicle icons will go blue and have the team logo alongside, as a celebration of the most successful team franchise and its loyal legion of fans.
Uber Shuttle is running operations in Delhi and Kolkata and is currently being piloted in Mumbai as a daily commute option connecting residential neighborhoods to commercial districts.
How to book your free Uber Shuttle ride to Wankhede:
- Open the Uber app and choose Wankhede as your pick-up or drop-off location
- Tap the Shuttle icon
- Choose your preferred route & time slot, and tap ‘Confirm’ Uber Shuttle
- Reserve your seat in advance – no standing, always air-conditioned, always on time
Note: Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to book early and ride like champions.
Puja Shree: Reviving Vedic Wisdom for Harmony
New Delhi, India – APRIL 2025 – Faith is the soul of civilization, passed down through sacred mantras and rituals. In a world rushing forward, traditions risk fading. Puja Shree stands as a guardian of the past, a bridge to the future, and a guiding light for the present—reviving Sanatan Dharma with Duty, Devotion, and Discipline.
More than a brand, Puja Shree is a movement. It calls for a return to authenticity, devotion with purity, and a reconnection with timeless wisdom. With meticulously crafted puja samagri, divine yantras, and ritual essentials, Puja Shree empowers spiritual seekers worldwide.
“Spirituality is not just about rituals; it is about intention, precision, and authenticity. At Puja Shree, we are committed to reviving the sacred wisdom of our ancestors, ensuring that every offering—whether at home or in a temple—embodies true devotion. In a fast-moving world, we remind people to pause, connect, and embrace faith in its purest form.”
– Rajiv Tiwari, CEO & Founder, Puja Shree
DUTY. DEVOTION. DISCIPLINE. THE PILLARS OF PUJA SHREE.
Duty (कर्तव्य): The Sacred Responsibility
A lamp must always be lit in the temple of tradition. Ensuring that every product aligns with the highest Vedic standards is a duty, but so is educating future generations and preserving the spiritual richness of our culture.
Devotion (भक्ति): The Essence of Spiritual Fulfillment
Bhakti (devotion) is not just in performing rituals but in feeling their power. Whether through a whispered mantra, an offering of incense, or disciplined anushthan (spiritual observances), Puja Shree fosters spiritual fulfillment in its purest form.
Discipline (अनुशासन): The Path to Purity
Without discipline, there is no purity. Even the most learned can falter, as seen in the story of Ravana—who, despite his mastery of scriptures, succumbed to his own indiscipline. At Puja Shree, every product and practice upholds this fundamental truth: authenticity and reverence lead to spiritual elevation.
“We are witnessing a spiritual renaissance where people are yearning for deeper meaning and profound faith connections. Puja Shree is more than a puja product brand—it is a movement to reinstate devotion’s lost essence, guiding individuals toward purity and ensuring future generations inherit the wisdom of our traditions.”
– Shashank Arya, Co-founder, Puja Shree
WHERE TRADITION MEETS TECHNOLOGY
Puja Shree harmonizes faith and convenience. By integrating ancient Vedic wisdom with modern accessibility, it makes sacred, Shastra-compliant offerings available to seekers worldwide—because devotion should never be compromised.
“The world of devotion and e-commerce are converging in remarkable ways. At Puja Shree, we leverage technology to make authentic, Shastra-compliant puja offerings accessible globally. Faith should never be compromised by convenience—we bring the two together seamlessly.”
– Ravi Gupta, Co-founder & CMO, Puja Shree
De Beers Group Ensures India’s Leading TV Anchors Dazzle
As cricket fever sweeps the nation, India’s leading women cricket anchors are taking centre-stage from the pitch to the spotlight —accessorized with the brilliance of natural diamonds. From the pitch to the studio, these presenters are bringing a touch of glamour to the game, enhancing the energy and elegance of the cricketing experience.
De Beers Group has partnered with JioHotstar and Star Sports for the ongoing Tata IPL, seamlessly blending the energy of cricket with the timeless allure of natural diamonds. Eleven celebrated anchors from across feeds will showcase exquisite natural diamond jewellery while presenting the matches, adding a touch of brilliance to the game and creating a sparkling connection between sport and elegance.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, these anchors will also celebrate the cricketing highlights through a segment called ‘Real Diamonds of the week’ — a fitting tribute to cricketing stars who, much like diamonds, symbolize brilliance, resilience and timeless legacy.
Adding to the dazzling spectacle, the anchors will be seen wearing exquisite diamond jewellery, including statement neckpieces, cocktail rings, layered bangles, bracelets and classy earrings—each design chosen to enhance their on-screen presence acd attire.
Shweta Harit, SVP, De Beers Group, said, “Cricket and natural diamonds both embody authenticity, excellence and a lasting legacy. Just as the game unites fans across regions and generations, natural diamonds symbolize connections that stand the test of time. This collaboration brings the brilliance of the sport and the timeless allure of diamonds together, making every moment on screen even more memorable.”
Ishan Chatterjee, Chief Business Officer – Sports Revenue, SMB & Creator, JioStar, said, “With record-breaking viewership marking the opening weekend of TATA IPL 2025, cricket continues to unite audiences like never before. This collaboration between De Beers Group and India’s leading women anchors adds brilliance to the game, blending its precision and passion with the timeless elegance of natural diamonds. Just as cricketing icons leave an indelible mark on the field, these presenters shape the narrative with confidence and style, making every moment even more unforgettable.”
With this powerful association between natural diamonds and India’s most-loved sport. The screen is set to dazzle audiences, reinforcing diamonds as the ultimate symbol of excellence, victory, and timeless beauty—both on and off the field.
ZELIO E-Mobility to Expand Dealerships by 2025
Haryana, 8th April 2025: ZELIO E Mobility Ltd., a leading force in India’s electric mobility sector, is accelerating its growth in the electric three-wheeler market with an ambitious expansion of its dealership network. Currently, ZELIO operates 28 dealerships across seven states, and the company plans to increase this number to 100 by the end of May 2025, marking a substantial expansion in its commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions.
ZELIO’s existing dealership presence covers key states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. As part of the expansion, the company will not only deepen its presence in these states but also extend its reach to new regions, including Uttarakhand, Delhi, Assam, and West Bengal. This strategic expansion is aimed at providing enhanced access to sustainable mobility options for consumers across India, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Through this expansion, ZELIO also expects to create between 400-500 new jobs, further contributing to the local economies and reinforcing its position as a prominent player in India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry.
Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Kunal Arya, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ZELIO E Mobility Ltd., said, “E-rickshaws represent a crucial segment in India’s rapidly evolving EV ecosystem, offering essential last-mile connectivity in congested cities and rural areas alike. Our initial success in this segment has demonstrated the enormous potential for growth, which is why we are aggressively expanding our dealership network. With this expansion, we aim to make affordable, environmentally friendly transportation more accessible to the masses while continuing to drive job creation and innovation in the EV space. The demand for sustainable mobility solutions is growing, and ZELIO is committed to leading the way by delivering top-quality, reliable e-rickshaws to meet the needs of today’s commuters.”
The primary focus of this expansion will be on ZELIO’s flagship three-wheeler models, the Tanga Butterfly and Tanga SS, which made their debut in December 2024. Both models were first showcased at the EV India Expo 2024 in New Delhi, receiving widespread acclaim for their performance and design. The Tanga Butterfly and Tanga SS are built for durability, with the former constructed using Mild Steel (MS) and the latter made from Stainless Steel (SS). Both models, Tanga Butterfly and Tanga SS, feature a top speed of 30 km/h and offer an impressive range of 100 km on a single charge, powered by a 1200W motor. To cater to diverse needs, both models offer two battery choices: a 48/60V 140Ah Lead-Acid battery and LFP options of 51V 105Ah or 153Ah, ensuring efficiency and long-lasting performance. The 8-hour charging time ensures that these e-rickshaws are not only efficient but also practical for daily use.
With the dealership expansion, ZELIO anticipates notable growth in its three-wheeler sales, projecting 400 additional units sold by the end of May 2025. The increased availability of ZELIO’s e-rickshaws will further strengthen the company’s foothold in the market, allowing it to tap into the growing demand for electric last-mile solutions.
Slice and North East Small Finance Bank Launch Modern Banking Solutions at Startup Mahakumbh
Hyderabad, April 7th, 2025 – slice and North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB), India’s first fintech-bank, unveiled a suite of modern banking solutions at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, held from April 3rd to 5th at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Following the merger of slice and NESFB, the unified entity has launched high-yield banking products and instant credit solutions designed for today’s fast-evolving digital economy and is set to unveil India’s first AI-powered Smart Banking flagship branch.
Startup Mahakumbh served as the perfect platform for the merged entity to engage with entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators, aligning with the event’s vision of shaping a self-reliant, Viksit Bharat by 2047 through next-gen entrepreneurial ventures. With a strong focus on accessibility, innovation, and customer-first banking, the fintech-bank is poised to expand across India—transforming banking not only in metro cities but also in semi-urban and rural regions.
The bank’s latest offerings are designed to empower customers with better returns, greater financial flexibility, and a frictionless digital banking experience:
- Fixed Deposit: Up to 9% interest per annum, among the highest in the country.
- Digital Savings Account: Earn 100% of the RBI repo rate with interest earned daily, maximizing savings efficiency.
- Recurring Deposit: Interest rates of up to 8.5%, supporting easy wealth accumulation.
- Enterprise Development Loans: Tailored credit solutions for small businesses and traders.
- slice borrow: Instant funds of up to INR 5 lakhs, enabling quick financial access.
- slice UPI: Ultra-fast UPI payments for smooth, instant transactions.
Commenting on the launch, a slice | NESFB spokesperson said, “We are proud to present our cutting-edge digital banking solutions at Startup Mahakumbh, reaffirming our mission to make banking more accessible, secure, and rewarding for all. With high-yield deposits, instant credit offerings, and now AI-powered smart branches, we are redefining what inclusive, future-ready banking looks like. Our upcoming AI bank branches are a testament to our commitment to bridging the digital divide while expanding our footprint across India.”
The AI-powered flagship branch is set to offer a seamless, paperless, and customized banking experience with 24×7 access to digital services, self-service kiosks, and instant loan processing. These branches are designed to serve both urban and rural populations, enabling NESFB to extend its digital-first approach across diverse markets.
By integrating strong risk management architecture with innovation, the fintech-bank aims to provide customers with a frictionless, secure, and trustworthy banking experience. These initiatives mark a significant leap forward in India’s banking landscape—driven from the Northeast and powered by a fintech core.
Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025 Honors India’s Innovators at Startup Mahakumbh
New Delhi, India, April 07, 2025 – The third day of Startup Mahakumbh marked the grand conclusion of the Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025—a flagship initiative to design spotlight and support DPIIT-recognized startups tackling real-world challenges through innovation. Held under the Startup Mahakumbh umbrella, the challenge created a national scale effort to empower high-potential founders across ten key sectors with funding, visibility, and investor access.
The Startup Maharathi Challenge was concluded in the presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary DPIIT, Shri Amit Kumar, Deputy General Manager & Regional Manager, ECGC, Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India ACT Grants, Sunali Rohra, Senior Executive Vice President, HDFC, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder & Executive Vice Chairman, Info Edge, Aman Gupta – Co Founder and CMO – boat Lifestyle, actor-entrepreneur Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Rikant Pittie, CEO & Co-founder, EaseMyTrip, and Archana Jahagirdar, Founder & Managing Partner, Rukam Capital. The winning startups were felicitated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Aman Gupta, awarding prizes with a total outlay of INR 20 crores.
Referring to all startup founders at Startup Mahakumbh as “Maharathis,” Hon’ble Union Minister Piyush Goyal urged everyone to dream big. “Startup Mahakumbh last year saw 30,000 visitors. Surpassing everyone’s expectations, this year, around 2,30,000 visitors have attended Startup Mahakumbh. Similarly, next year I want to see Startup Maharathi Challenge receiving 25000 applicants—a giant leap from 2400 entries this year. India has the capacity for exponential growth. I am confident that the winners of today’s Challenge will go back inspired, with the confidence in their own ability to succeed in the future.”
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said, “We don’t expect this to be a one-time activity. This is just the start. We expect more and more companies to get onboarded.”
“This is the culmination of everyone’s hardwork and our dreams. There has never been a startup challenge organized at this scale by the government or corporates so far. Going by the success of the Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025, I am confident we will be doing hundreds of such challenges in future,” said Shri Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Shri Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India, shared his thoughts on the occasion, “The Grand Maharathi Challenge is special—it shows we don’t just encourage startups from high-tech sectors with words but with true action as well. This is also a free grant to the startup without any equity. We hope this motivates them to build the next generation of startups. We would not have dreamt this 10 years ago. I am happy that this partnership between private entities and government is multidimensional. The response this year is so encouraging. I can now proudly say we are at pole position to be the technology leader globally. “
The Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025 drew an overwhelming response with 2,000+ applications from across India. Through a multi-phase evaluation—spanning expert screening, data checks, and virtual jury rounds—over 240 promising startups were selected. The challenge tackled 11 critical problem statements in frontier sectors like satellite imagery, maritime awareness, cryptography, LLMs on sensitive data, and cybersecurity. With a funding outlay of over INR 20 crore, the initiative offered structured grant support, milestone-linked prize money, and non-monetary incentives including technical mentorship, cloud credits, business guidance, and procurement support.
Highlighting India’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem, nearly 40% of applications came from Tier 2 and 3 cities. Over 80 selected startups were led by women founders or co-founders, while 10 from emerging states like Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Nagaland, and J&K received special recognition—underscoring how India’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving beyond metro hubs and reaching the grassroots.
Amidst vibrant energy, the grand finale of the Futurepreneurs Challenge at Startup Mahakumbh brought together some of India’s most promising student innovators, showcasing AI-powered solutions to pressing local challenges. Ten finalist teams pitched their breakthrough ideas in a rapid-fire format to an audience of investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship graced the occasion to present the award to the winners. With mentorship, funding support, and national exposure, Futurepreneurs proved to be a powerful platform for igniting the next wave of changemakers and creators driving India’s innovation journey.
To accelerate startup growth, top performers in each sector were awarded grants of INR 10 lakh, 5 lakh, and 1 lakh respectively. Beyond funding, all shortlisted startups gained access to curated Speed Dating sessions with investors. Over two days, more than 500 one-on-one meetings were facilitated with 250+ venture capital firms, angel networks, and family offices—each carefully aligned by sector and funding interests.
Union Minister for Industry and Commerce Shri Piyush Goyal also toured the vast exhibition and interacted with various startups.
The event also featured an engaging discussion with actor entrepreneur Sonam Kapoor Ahuja on the topic From the spotlight to Boardroom- Navigating the startup ecosystem.
Startup Mahakumbh showcased a remarkable array of innovations, including an advanced platform to detect deepfakes and extract intelligence from unstructured data, high-performance materials designed for extreme conditions, a globally patented AI-powered traffic vision system for real-time road and safety monitoring, a portable, trunk-fitted energy backup unit solving range anxiety in electric vehicles, solar-powered EV charging stations with IoT-backed remote diagnostics, and a digital business management app for rural and micro women entrepreneurs. These groundbreaking solutions demonstrated the diverse and impactful ways in which startups are addressing real-world challenges across industries.
This year’s edition of Startup Mahakumbh, India’s largest-ever startup gathering, brought together over 3,000 startups, 1,091 investors and incubators, and 10,000+ delegates from across India and 60+ countries and saw a footfall of around 2,30,000 over a span of three days. 211 sessions with 750+ speakers were conducted over 3 days, and a total of 1052 startups benefited through mentoring sessions. This unprecedented scale reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, driving deep-tech innovation, and cementing its position as a global hub for startup-driven solutions.