As the highly anticipated second edition of 'Startup Mahakumbh' approaches, set to take place at Bharat Mandapam from April 3 to 5, Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), announced that nearly 3,000 startups will be participating this year, a significant increase from the 1,500 that took part last year.

Sanjiv Singh stated, "This year's Startup Mahakumbh is bigger and better than before. We have set up pavilions in an area twice the size of last year's event. Nearly 3,000 startups will be involved, and we will also host masterclasses. Delegates from 64 countries are expected to attend."

He also mentioned a grant challenge initiated by various corporate entities, offering a total of  500 million .in grants to selected startups, along with mentorship opportunities.

The event will be inaugurated by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, aiming to further contribute to India's economic growth and showcase the country's evolving narrative to a global audience. Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada will deliver a special address during the opening ceremony.

The scale and diversity of participants at this event will provide a unique platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and forge lasting relationships. With a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and collaboration, Startup Mahakumbh aims to lay the groundwork for the next wave of entrepreneurial success.

This year, tribal entrepreneurs will also take the spotlight, with participation from over 45 startups, including those incubated at IIM Calcutta, IIM Kashipur, and IIT Bhilai.

Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner at Rukam Capital and a member of the Startup Mahakumbh Organizing Committee, praised the government's support, stating, "The government's backing has been crucial in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, and we aspire to play a key role in organizing the 'World's Biggest Showcase of Innovation' - Startup Mahakumbh."

Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner at Accel and another member of the organizing committee, remarked, "The second edition of Startup Mahakumbh will be a game changer, returning with a bolder and more ambitious vision and agenda. These events highlight the significance of public-private partnerships in driving India to the forefront of the global startup ecosystem."

Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Co-founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Info Edge and a member of the organizing committee, added, "The startup industry is inherently competitive, and forums like this help us adopt best global practices and drive innovation to build capital for businesses that can transform not just India, but the world."