The Entrepreneurship Cell of the IIT Kanpur continued its mission to empower India’s growing startup ecosystem with the Hyderabad chapter of its flagship national startup pitching competition — UpStart 2025. The event, held at TEC Hitech City, brought together over 13 promising startups, alongside angel investors, venture capital firms, and industry leaders, marking another milestone in the nationwide UpStart Nationals series.
Empowering Entrepreneurs Across India
The Hyderabad edition followed the successful launch of UpStart 2025 in Delhi-NCR on 11 October 2025 and the subsequent Bengaluru chapter on 8 November 2025. The next leg of the event is scheduled for Mumbai on 6 December 2025, leading up to the Grand Finale at IIT Kanpur on 25 January 2026.
The competition, categorised as an Indian Business Model showcase, provides a powerful platform for entrepreneurs to present their ventures to seasoned investors. Each participating startup receives a 10-minute pitching opportunity before a jury of investors and venture capitalists. Shortlisted startups undergo multiple rounds of screening, followed by an intensive four-week mentorship program led by industry experts, aimed at refining their business models and scaling strategies before the finals.
Mentorship, Funding, and a National Platform
A spokesperson from the IIT Kanpur Entrepreneurship Cell reflected on the event’s purpose, stating:
“Today’s event further supplements our vision of extending an olive branch towards the Indian startup ecosystem. Mentorship and critical funding are the catalysts of a successful startup journey, and from the innovation showcased here, we’re confident that UpStart 2025 is driving meaningful change.”
The Hyderabad chapter saw active participation from investors and venture capital firms, including Navikarna Ventures, Hyderabad Angels, GMR Group, Impel Ventures, BM Capital Family Office, Caspian Equity, sucSEED Ventures, and ah! Ventures, among others. The event not only served as a pitching arena but also as a networking and mentorship hub, enabling founders to engage with seasoned investors and mentors directly.
Building on a Legacy of Impact
UpStart 2025 builds on the momentum of its highly successful 2024 edition, which facilitated over INR 2 crore in on-spot funding and drew participation from top venture capitalists nationwide. This year’s competition has expanded its reach to four cities, enhancing accessibility for startups across India’s innovation hubs.
The program offers prizes worth INR 18 lakh, along with access to incubation, acceleration, on-spot funding, mentorship, media exposure, and investor networking. Sectors highlighted at UpStart 2025 include fintech, health tech, deep tech, Web3, and cybersecurity, reflecting India’s rapidly diversifying innovation landscape.
A Vision for the Future
Speaking at the launch, representatives from the Entrepreneurship Cell reiterated their long-term vision:
“India is at the cusp of a startup revolution. As entrepreneurs step up to drive innovation and economic growth, IIT Kanpur is committed to empowering them with resources, guidance, and visibility at the crucial early stages of their journey. Through UpStart, we aim to ensure that conviction and determination translate into measurable outcomes.”
Following Hyderabad’s vibrant session, attention now turns to Mumbai, where registrations remain open. The finale at IIT Kanpur on 25 January 2026 promises to be a convergence of India’s brightest entrepreneurial minds, featuring a Startup Expo, Investors & Incubators Conclave, and Networking Dinner, setting the stage for India’s next generation of innovators.
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