The India Mobile Congress (IMC) will stage a major first this year. For the first time, the country’s largest technology and telecom event will host the Startup World Cup India, giving local entrepreneurs a direct pathway to compete for a $1 million prize at the global finale in San Francisco. Organisers announced the decision in an official press statement on September 12, marking a milestone for India’s growing startup ecosystem.
A Global Platform Lands in India
The Startup World Cup, created by Pegasus Tech Ventures, has gained global recognition as a platform that links innovative founders with investors, incubators, and mentors. The competition runs in multiple countries, with winners from each region advancing to a grand finale in San Francisco. The India edition at IMC 2025 will allow local founders to showcase their ideas on an international stage. For Indian entrepreneurs, the opportunity bridges domestic innovation with global visibility and funding.
By bringing the Startup World Cup to New Delhi, IMC signals its intent to position India as a serious contender in global innovation circles. The event aligns with India’s ambition to grow into a $5 trillion economy, driven strongly by digital transformation and technology-led entrepreneurship.
Event Schedule and Venue
The Startup World Cup India will run as part of IMC’s Aspire programme from October 8 to 11 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi. Organisers have designed Aspire to focus on early-stage innovation, offering a dedicated platform for founders to connect with investors, corporates, and policymakers.
The highlight of the startup contest will take place on October 10, when shortlisted ventures will pitch their solutions live. One winner will emerge from the Indian round and secure a ticket to San Francisco for the global finale. The finale attracts startups from over 70 countries, ensuring the Indian champion will share the stage with the world’s most promising innovators.
The Selection Process
Interest from Indian entrepreneurs has already proven strong. More than 300 startups applied to participate in the contest. From this pool, organisers will select 15 to present at the live pitch event. The format ensures intense competition, with founders needing to demonstrate not only innovative ideas but also scalability, market traction, and execution potential.
The contest’s structure provides more than just a cash prize. Participating startups gain access to investors and mentors who can guide them through the next stages of growth. For early-stage founders, such exposure can be as valuable as funding itself.
The Jury Panel
IMC has assembled a distinguished jury for the Indian edition. Tej Kapoor of ICICI Venture, Ashish Kumar of Fundamentum, Alok Mittal of Indifi, and Girish Shivani of YourNest VC bring deep expertise from India’s venture capital landscape. From the government side, Anil Kumar Bhardwaj of the Department of Telecommunications adds a policy perspective. Lt. Gen. SP Kochhar of the Cellular Operators Association of India rounds out the panel with insights from the telecom industry.
This blend of venture capitalists, government officials, and industry leaders ensures that startups receive feedback from multiple angles. The jury will evaluate pitches on innovation, commercial potential, and alignment with industry needs. For participants, pitching to such an audience offers both credibility and critical guidance.
IMC’s Aspire Programme
The Aspire programme within IMC has steadily grown into a vibrant platform for startups. Now in its third edition, Aspire connects early-stage ventures with investors, corporates, and policymakers. Organisers expect over 500 startups and 300 investors to participate this year. The addition of the Startup World Cup amplifies Aspire’s appeal, positioning it as a gateway to global opportunities.
Previous Aspire editions have already facilitated deals, partnerships, and mentorships. By integrating the Startup World Cup, Aspire strengthens its role as a catalyst for India’s innovation ecosystem. The programme also signals IMC’s evolution from a telecom-focused event to a broad-based technology and entrepreneurship platform.
IMC 2025: A Global Gathering
IMC 2025 itself promises to be the largest edition yet. Organisers project more than 1.5 lakh visitors from 150 countries, with over 400 exhibitors and 800 speakers across 100 sessions. The event will cover a wide array of technologies, including 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence, healthtech, greentech, and electronics manufacturing.
By hosting such diverse content, IMC positions itself as not only a telecom showcase but also a hub for the digital economy. Exhibitors range from global technology giants to nimble startups, creating a mix that reflects the interconnected nature of today’s innovation landscape.
Why the Startup World Cup Matters
For Indian startups, participating in the Startup World Cup carries several advantages. First, it provides international visibility. Founders can showcase their ideas to a global investor base, increasing their chances of securing funding beyond domestic markets. Second, the competition fosters cross-border collaboration. Startups can learn from peers in other countries and explore partnerships that might accelerate their growth.
Third, the contest validates the quality of Indian innovation. By competing on equal terms with startups worldwide, Indian founders can demonstrate their ability to solve global challenges. The exposure helps shift perceptions of India from a market for outsourced services to a hub of original innovation.
Finally, the $1 million prize serves as a powerful incentive. While only one startup will take home the award, all participants gain access to investors, mentors, and networks that can unlock long-term opportunities.
Boost for the Indian Startup Ecosystem
India’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly in recent years. With more than 100 unicorns and thousands of early-stage ventures, the country has become one of the world’s most dynamic startup markets. Yet challenges remain. Access to capital, mentorship, and international exposure continue to limit many promising ventures.
The Startup World Cup addresses these gaps. By connecting founders with global investors and mentors, the event helps bridge the divide between local innovation and global markets. For early-stage founders, the ability to showcase their ideas in New Delhi and potentially in San Francisco represents a transformative opportunity.
Role of Government and Industry
Government agencies and industry bodies play a crucial role in nurturing this ecosystem. By supporting IMC and Aspire, the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India signal their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. The presence of senior government officials on the jury also highlights the importance of policy alignment in enabling startup growth.
Industry leaders, including venture capitalists and corporate executives, provide the complementary resources of funding, mentorship, and market access. The Startup World Cup thus becomes a collaborative effort that leverages the strengths of both public and private sectors.
Looking Ahead
As India prepares to host the Startup World Cup for the first time, anticipation runs high. The contest represents more than a competition. It symbolizes India’s emergence as a global innovation hub, where local talent gains recognition and opportunities on the world stage.
For the 15 shortlisted startups, the chance to pitch on October 10 could change their trajectory. For the eventual winner, representing India in San Francisco could open doors to global partnerships, funding, and visibility. For the ecosystem at large, the event reinforces India’s role in shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship.
Also Read – Drone Startups in India Rise with Namo Drone Didi Scheme