New Delhi, October 2024.

As the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024 approaches, IMC today announced the second edition of the Aspire, the flagship start-up program introduced in the last edition. The program was a success last year with over 400 startups participating and showcasing their innovations in various sectors in technology. The eighth edition of India Mobile Congress is scheduled to take place from 15th-18th October, 2024 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, co-hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

For the upcoming edition of Aspire, IMC has partnered with Telecom Centres of Excellence India (TCOE), Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC) and TiE Delhi-NCR, with over 900 startups expected to showcase and take part in engaging discussions on categories including 5G use cases, AI, Deep Tech, Electronics, Enterprise, Green Tech, Industry 4.0, Security, Semiconductors, Smart Mobility, Sustainability and Telecommunications equipment. Out of these, more than 400 startups are expected to showcase the need for and importance of AI and Deep Tech. The event will also host fireside chats with startups founders, keynotes, and panel discussions where successful unicorn founders will share their personal stories, insights, and valuable advice on entrepreneurship.

The key highlights of the program will include a 5G & 6G Hackathon by WTSA and TCOE along with discussions on interesting topics like Investment Insights for Early-Stage Ventures, Capitalizing on International Market Opportunities, Protecting Your Digital Assets. Building on the last year success stories, Aspire will also witness the 2^nd edition of the STPI LEAP AHEAD and an investor speed dating session.

Through Aspire, IMC aims to enable more than 500 one-to-one meetings with around 200 investors lined up. The event is set to feature dedicated networking opportunities, including 1:1 Investor and Industry Mentor Networking zones with over 40-50 mentors, where startup founders can engage in personalized conversations and seek expert feedback from experienced mentors in their sectors. Additionally, five Master Class sessions are also being organized around topics like AI, cloud, security among others and live pitch sessions with over 21 startups, which will help provide a platform for high-potential startups to present their ideas to investors.

Along with these, reverse pitching will allow investors, incubators, and accelerators to introduce themselves, helping founders select the best fit for their venture. The 1^st edition of the Aspire program was a major success, where three startups named Nayan Tech, ParkMate and Wisedrive were selected further for funding investments, out of the six pitches conducted.

Additionally, IMC will host Angel Ally Tours to guide them through startup stalls showcasing innovations across various categories. IMC will also collaborate with 50 select startups for their large-scale visibility propagation within the IMC ecosystem.

Ramakrishna P., CEO of India Mobile Congress said, “The Indian start-up ecosystem, the shining armor of Indian economy, has elevated the prestige of the country in the global front through astonishing innovations and contributions across sectors. India now boasts over 1.28 lac startups becoming the third largest startup economy in the world. With its vast global attendee and exhibitor base, alongside a thriving telecom ecosystem present at India Mobile Congress 2024, Aspire will be a prime platform to provide seamless market access for these startups.Now, it is the opportunity for the industry, academia and the government to collaborate to harness the full potential of the ecosystem and foster a sustainable economy.”    

Some of the key investors present from the Indian startup ecosystem at IMC 2024 will include names like IAN Alpha Fund, Trifecta Capital, YourNest Venture Capital, Titan Capital, SeaFund, Re Capital, Merak Ventures, July Ventures, JioGenNext (RIL Ventures), Inflexor Ventures, ICICI Venture, IAN Alpha Fund, Faad Capital, Chandigarh Angels Network, Anthill Ventures, Ankurit Capital, Anicut Capital, Advantedge Founders, 3Lines VC and others.

This year’s IMC will also highlight subjects like Quantum technology and Circular Economy along with spotlight on 6G, 5G use-case showcase, cloud & edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, satcom and electronics manufacturing.