India’s Startup Scene in 2025: The Biggest Summits and Where to Be

Startup culture in India isn’t just thriving—it’s exploding. With more founders, investors, and tech thinkers entering the ecosystem, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for innovation. Whether you’re seeking funding, mentorship, or new markets, these major startup summits offer the perfect launchpad.

Startup Mahakumbh – April 3–5, 2025 | New Delhi

Hosted at the iconic Bharat Mandapam, Startup Mahakumbh is poised to be India’s biggest entrepreneurial gathering of the year. More than 100,000 attendees, 2,900+ exhibitors, and 750+ speakers are expected to fill the venue. What sets this event apart? It brings in startups from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, creating space for rising voices often overlooked in mainstream circuits.

Organized by a power consortium—FICCI, NASSCOM, TiE, and others—it’s more than just a conference. It’s a movement. Expect booths, workshops, demo sessions, and panel discussions that cut across industries and funding stages.

Bharat Startup Summit – May 17–18, 2025 | Delhi

This two-day event at Yashobhoomi Expo Centre is tailor-made for new founders. It offers direct access to investors, accelerators, and franchise opportunities. Sectors covered range from healthcare and technology to fashion and consumer goods, making it a diverse arena for cross-sector collaboration.

The summit also welcomes first-time entrepreneurs and is ideal for those testing new ideas or seeking franchise models. It’s hands-on, focused, and fast-paced—perfect for entrepreneurs looking to make the most of 48 hours.

Entrepreneur 2025 – September 23, 2025 | New Delhi

Back at Bharat Mandapam, Entrepreneur 2025 shifts focus to high-level strategy. With over 2,000 business leaders, this summit attracts top-tier minds from India and the Asia-Pacific region. Expect conversations about future trends, cross-border investments, and the next wave of tech disruption.

It’s less about showcasing products and more about vision. Ideal for founders ready to scale or pivot into new territories.

Global Startup Summit – July 5, 2025 | Gurgaon

This one-day power summit zones in on global investment trends and scaling strategies. Think global VCs, M&A experts, and ecosystem enablers discussing how Indian startups can go international.

Networking opportunities here are more curated and focused on startups already generating traction or preparing for Series A and beyond.

TechSparks 2025 – September 10–12, 2025 | Bengaluru

Organized by YourStory, TechSparks is one of India’s most trusted startup events. It blends energetic pitches, curated networking, and deep-dive panels. If you’re a tech founder or developer, this is where you’ll meet early adopters, angel investors, and potential co-founders.

Expect lively pitch sessions, hands-on mentorship rooms, and a strong presence of VCs and incubators. It’s a high-energy experience with a heavy focus on tech innovation and market disruption.

Bengaluru Tech Summit – November 19–21, 2025 | Bengaluru

A broader tech showcase, this summit emphasizes AI, IoT, and biotech. More than 20 countries will be represented, offering international exposure for Indian startups seeking investment or partnership deals.

It’s ideal for startups in deep tech or those looking to align with government initiatives and global research institutions.

Local Networking: Regional Events Not to Miss

While mega-summits make headlines, regional events offer targeted value—especially for early-stage startups.

• Startup Mixer (May 31, 2025 | Sector 4, Delhi NCR)
  An informal evening for founders and angel investors. Think idea exchanges over coffee and pitch chats with real feedback.
• Global Startups Club (GSC) | Hyderabad (September 13–15, 2025)
  Built for idea-stage entrepreneurs, this platform emphasizes prototyping, collaboration, and grassroots innovation.
• Startup-Investors Forum | New Delhi (Date TBA)
  Organized via platforms like startupindia.gov.in, this forum aims to bridge the gap between capital and execution. Expect intimate, invite-only sessions for curated deal-making.

Special Focus: Fintech and AI-Specific Summits

Some events focus tightly on cutting-edge sectors that are rapidly shaping the future.

• Fintech Festival India – May 7–9, 2025 | Delhi
  Explores the fast-growing universe of AI banking, blockchain, and digital finance. Founders can pitch solutions or connect with policy makers and legacy institutions.
• Global Fintech Fest – October 7–9, 2025 | Mumbai
  Covers financial inclusion, sustainable finance, and evolving regulatory frameworks. It’s a must-attend for fintech disruptors aiming to build ethically and at scale.
• Global Artificial Intelligence Summit & Awards (GAISA) – April 11–12, 2025 | New Delhi
  Hosted by AICRA, GAISA is India’s biggest AI-specific event. Expect keynote addresses from AI pioneers, live demos, and awards for innovation. It’s where tech meets recognition.