- 15th Empresario Startup Summit at EDII Ahmedabad becomes a powerful launchpad for young innovators and future unicorn builders
- Visionary policies, vibrant incubators and investor networks driving India’s fast-expanding startup ecosystem
- Gujarat emerges as a technology and semiconductor hub as youth-led innovation accelerates the march towards Viksit Bharat 2047
- 115 finalists from across India pitch disruptive ideas before investors after nationwide tech business competitions
- Over 1,000 students, founders and industry mentors converge for three days of innovation, investment and inspiration
NE STARTUP BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAR 12
The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) has set the stage for a vibrant celebration of youth innovation with the 15th edition of Empresario Startup Summit 2026, a three-day national gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and students.
Held on the EDII campus in Ahmedabad from March 12 to 14, the summit revolves around the theme “NextGen Youth Innovators”, highlighting India’s rapidly expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem and the transformative power of youth-led enterprises.
Since its launch in 2012, Empresario has evolved into one of India’s prominent startup platforms, nurturing innovation, fostering collaboration and connecting emerging entrepreneurs with mentors and investors.
The summit was inaugurated by Arjun Modhwadia, Cabinet Minister for Science & Technology, Forest & Environment and Climate Change, Government of Gujarat.
Other dignitaries present included Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII; Hiranmay Mahanta; Dipan Sahu; Prachi Patwari; and Yatindra Sharma.
In his pep talk, Arjun Modhwadia, Cabinet Minister, Science & Technology, Gujarat, said: “Gujarat has always been a cradle of entrepreneurship and innovation. Today we are witnessing an era where ideas, incubation and investors together are shaping a new economic narrative. Our young innovators hold the power to build enterprises that can transform both Gujarat and the nation.”
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is making a decisive push to bring semiconductor manufacturing to the country. Gujarat is emerging as a key destination for this sector, while institutions like Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar are leading cutting-edge semiconductor research.”
“India’s startup ecosystem has grown phenomenally — from barely 500 startups a decade ago to more than 2 lakh today. Platforms like Empresario are nurturing the next generation of innovators who will power the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII added, “Today belongs to innovators. Young minds only need the courage to ideate; the ecosystem is ready to support them with incubation, mentorship and investment. EDII remains committed to nurturing entrepreneurs who will create sustainable solutions for society.”
Hiranmay Mahanta, CEO, Innovation Growth Hub (i-Hub), said, “Students must keep their eyes open to opportunities and never hesitate to think differently. India today has policies, incubators and funding avenues supporting innovation across regions. Passion and perseverance are the real catalysts for entrepreneurial success. Gujarat leads in implementing the policies of the Centre to boost startups.”
Dipan Sahu, Assistant Innovation Director, MoE Innovation Cell, in a morale-boosting talk, said: “India’s youth possess immense potential. Platforms like Empresario expose them to mentors, investors and industry networks. If young innovators identify market gaps and nurture entrepreneurial thinking, they can become the architects of India’s innovation economy.”
Igniting the young minds, Prachi Patwari, Executive Director, Nexus Infratech & Chairperson, GCCI Business Women Committee, said, “Young innovators today are redefining entrepreneurship with courage and creativity. Institutions like EDII create powerful ecosystems where students gain mentorship, access to networks and the confidence to dream big.”
Yatindra Sharma, Convenor, CII Gujarat Startup Task Force added that, “India’s startup ecosystem is witnessing unprecedented momentum led by youth-driven ideas. Many innovations fail to reach the market due to lack of exposure. Events like Empresario allow students to refine ideas and transform them into full-fledged ventures.”
Startup Innovators Speak
Ravindra Raj BM, Founder & CEO – OmSpace Rocket and Exploration Pvt Ltd
“Our mission is to build cost-effective and reliable small satellite launch vehicles for emerging space markets. With more than 20 successful engine fire tests and $3 million in pre-seed funding, we aim to make space access affordable for startups and research institutions.”
Saubhagya Shukla, Founder – Rework (Rengage Technologies)
“India has millions of experienced retirees whose expertise often goes unused. Rework connects them with flexible jobs, consulting roles and mentorship opportunities so that their knowledge continues to benefit society and businesses.”
Anurag Agrawal, Co-founder – HapiHygi Innovations
“Our goal is to transform hygiene standards in public and private washrooms through smart sanitation solutions. Clean and safe washrooms are not just a convenience but a public health necessity.”
Nishant Patel, Founder – Monqura
“We are introducing a 100% natural zero-calorie sweetener derived from monk fruit, designed especially for diabetics and health-conscious consumers. It delivers sugar-like sweetness without harmful side effects.”
Innovation, Investment and Ideas
Before reaching the summit, EDII conducted Tech Business Idea Pitch competitions across multiple states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
From over 1,000 student participants, 115 innovators were shortlisted for the BIG PITCH finals, where they will present their ideas to investors during the summit.
A major attraction will be a special talk by entrepreneur and startup investor Aman Gupta, scheduled on March 13.
The summit also features expert talks, masterclasses, innovation panels, startup exhibitions by 45 innovators and networking sessions for students, entrepreneurs and investors.
With over 1,000 participants expected, Empresario 2026 stands as a powerful platform for shaping the next wave of Indian startups.
