The India Mobile Congress (IMC) will host the Startup World Cup India for the first time this year, giving local founders a shot at competing for a $1 million prize at the global finale in San Francisco.
According to the official press statement on September 12, the event will run from October 8 to 11 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi. The startup contest is part of IMC’s Aspire programme, which focuses on early-stage innovation.
Organisers said more than 300 startups applied, out of which 15 will be shortlisted to pitch live on October 10. One winner from the India edition will head to San Francisco for the grand finale of the Startup World Cup.
The jury for the Indian leg includes Tej Kapoor of ICICI Venture, Ashish Kumar of Fundamentum, Alok Mittal of Indifi, Girish Shivani of YourNest VC, Anil Kumar Bhardwaj of the Department of Telecommunications, and Lt. Gen. SP Kochhar of the Cellular Operators Association of India.
The Startup World Cup, launched globally by Pegasus Tech Ventures, is known for linking founders with international investors, incubators and mentors.
This will be the third edition of IMC’s Aspire platform, which connects startups with investors and industry leaders. Organisers expect more than 500 startups and 300 investors to take part this year.
IMC 2025 itself is expected to draw more than 1.5 lakh visitors from 150 countries, with over 400 exhibitors and 800 speakers across 100 sessions. The event will feature technologies ranging from 5G and 6G to artificial intelligence, healthtech, greentech and electronics manufacturing.
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