Startup
Expo
Where Ideas Ignite & Futures are Built
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
“It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen.” – Scott Belsky
“Chase the vision, not the money. The money will end up following you.” – Tony Hsieh
Countdown to Expo
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
11th - 14th August 2025 | MIT World Peace University, Pune
Step into four electrifying days of innovation, networking, and opportunities at Startup Expo 2025.|
Join entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers as we build the future together.|
About Startup Expo 2025
Organised by the E-Cell at MIT World Peace University, Startup
Expo 2025 is a pioneering platform bringing together over 60
startups daily, more than 20 investors, and thousands of
students, corporates, and enthusiasts to celebrate
entrepreneurship and innovation.
From product showcases and live pitches to mentorship and
networking, Startup Expo is your gateway to connect with the
brightest minds shaping tomorrow’s world.
About MIT-WPU
MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) stands as a beacon of transformative education rooted in peace and innovation. With over 65,000 students across disciplines such as engineering, medicine, pharmacy, management, and design, MIT-WPU is committed to holistic development, practical learning, and fostering global impact.
Expo Highlights
Startup Showcases
Daily exhibitions of cutting-edge products and solutions by participating startups.
Panel Discussions
Conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals across diverse sectors.
Roam Around Interviews
Live broadcasts featuring entrepreneurs sharing their startup journeys.
1-Minute Pitch Decks
Concise and impactful pitches to investors and the audience.
Networking Sessions
Connect with industry leaders, potential collaborators, and fellow innovators.
Mentorship Programs
Guidance and insights from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals.
Workshops
Participate in hands-on sessions to build essential entrepreneurial skills.
What Do We Offer ?
For Students Section
Why Students Should Attend
Network with Entrepreneurs
Build connections with
founders, professionals, and
investors.
Gain Insider Knowledge
Explore industry trends, research advancements,
and future
opportunities.
Explore Internship Opportunities
Discover internships at top
startups for real-world
experience.
Seek Funding
Pitch your projects or
research ideas to potential
investors.
For Startups Section
Why Startups Should Join
Pitch to Investors
Showcase your venture to a
panel of leading investors and
VCs.
Showcase Ingenuity
Display your cutting-edge
solutions to a diverse audience.
Recruit Talented Interns
Find skilled students to
join your growing team.
Refine Your Ideas
Receive expert
feedback to enhance
your strategy and
product.
Get Feedback
Test your products with potential buyers
and iterate
effectively.
For Investors Section
Why Investors Should Attend
Discover New Ventures
Explore diverse startups across sectors
ready for strategic
investment.
Invest in Promising Startups
Find bootstrapped and seed-funded
startups with high growth
potential.
Network with Industry Leaders
Connect with venture capitalists,
founders, and industrialists.
Diversify Your Portfolio
Add high-potential startups
to strengthen your
investment mix.
Our Speakers
Sahil Puri
Former Chief of Staff, Nothing
Sahil Puri
Sahil Puri is a seasoned brand and product strategist with expertise in consumer tech and digital marketing. Currently Chief of Staff at Nothing, he previously led CMF design there. He has held key roles at Meesho, Noise, and Flipkart, focusing on brand positioning and growth. An IIM Indore alumnus, Sahil blends strategic insight with design to build impactful brands.
Sehnaaz Sheikh
Senior Brand Manager
Sehnaaz Sheikh
Sehnaaz Sheikh, a luxury brand strategist with experience across global fashion and interiors. She has worked with brands like Macro and co-founded Truedotin, a top influencer marketing agency. She also lead MGLuxm, mentoring future luxury professionals.
Mohit Rathod
Co-Founder, Truly Desi
Mohit Rathod
Co-founder who played a key role in the rapid expansion of Truly Desi, a D2C brand in the dairy sector. His management consultancy background has been crucial in strategizing and executing significant company growth.
Tushar Pakhare
Founder and CMO, Startup Maharashtra
Tushar Pakhare
Tushar Pakhare is the Founder of Startup Maharashtra, supporting first-gen Marathi entrepreneurs through funding and networking. He’s the Growth Marketing Manager at Plobal Apps and ex-Head of Marketing at Rapid Innovation, with expertise in performance marketing, Web3, and AI-driven growth.
Sandeep Prasad
Head of Growth, E-Motorad
Sandeep Prasad
Sandeep Prasad is Head of Growth at EMotorad with 14+ years in D2C and e-commerce. He founded SleepyHug and Wink & Nod, and scaled e-com at Livpure and Polycab. He brings deep expertise in strategy, marketing, and growth. Sandeep holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon and Chicago Booth.
Srinivas Sarkar
Founder & CEO, Coupl
Srinivas Sarkar
Srinivas Sarkar is the Co-founder & CEO of Coupl, India’s first neobank for couples, backed by Y Combinator. A Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree and former EY consultant, he is also a BITS Pilani alum. Srini is passionate about building fintech products across the US–India corridor.
Sneha Basu Roy
VC & Startup Patnerships, Google
Sneha Basu Roy
Holds a key role at Google India, focusing on VC & Startup partnerships with an emphasis on the edtech ecosystem. Her extensive experience across digital strategy, product, and sales at Google is invaluable.
Nidhi Sudhan
Co-Founder, CDF
Nidhi Sudhan
Co-founder of Citizen Digital Foundation, focusing on AI Ethics, AI & Tech Governance, Equitable AI, and Post-truth Media. She advocates for responsible technology development and its positive societal impact.
Raksheet Jain
Co-Founder, Aignosis
Raksheet Jain
Co-founder of Orbo AI, specializing in advanced AI and computer vision solutions. He brings deep technical expertise in areas like hyper-spectral imaging and the practical deployment of AI-based systems.
Dhananjay Yadav
Co-Founder & CEO, Neosapien AI
Dhananjay Yadav
Co-founder and CEO of Neosapien, an innovative company focused on wearable technology, notably recognized for its AI-powered products. With extensive global experience, he has a strong track record in scaling technology startups.
Dhruva Modak
Level Designer, Ubisoft India Studios
Dhruva Modak
This is Dhruva, a Level designer working at Ubisoft India. I've worked on multiple AAA games including Assassins Creed. Apart from it, I was a state badminton coach for U-11 to U-17 players representing Maharashtra state at All India National championships.
Rajesh R Dembla
Angel Investor and Entrepreneur
Rajesh R Dembla
A seasoned serial entrepreneur and active angel investor, founder of Zoozle.in. His platform aims to democratize online retail by empowering small and micro-distributors, leveraging his significant experience in e-commerce.
Yogesh Thite
Founder, Entie
Yogesh Thite
Entrepreneur and investor who founded Entie, a platform designed to connect startups with suitable investors and co-founders. He also leads Entie Angels and consults early-stage startups on fundraising.
Anil Arya
CFO, Wakefit
Anil Arya
Anil Arya is a seasoned finance leader with 30 years of experience in consumer-focused roles. He is known for driving growth through business ownership, compliance, and ethical financial practices. Passionate about technology, he champions automation and AI to boost efficiency and value creation.
Our Investors
Brendon Faroz
Regional Manager- Western region
Indian Angels Network
With more than half a decade worth of experience in startup ecosystems he is thriving as the Regional Head of Indian Angels Network. He was also a part of CBA Startups and Piper Serica Angel funds.
Nikhil Thite
CMO
Entie
He is a startup reviver. He has helped multiple startups revive over the last decade and he has even helped cofound two startups. Currently, he is a CMO for Entie, offering multiple services such as market strategy, brand consulting and even growth marketing.
Rohit Rathi
Proprietor Of Rohit’s Supply And Logistics
Director of PositiEv
A Pune based entrepreneur prominently known for founding and operating "Rohiet’s Supply And Logistics." He is the co-founder of ‘Kartavya’, a non-profit that originated during covid to provide for those in need. He has invested in multiple businesses and is currently also working as the Director of PositiEv.
Khushi Agarwal
Investment Analyst Trainee
247VC
She is a healthtech and biotech expert, a go-to person for D2C brands and startups to scale with sharp storytelling and GTM insight. She is currently an Analyst at 247VC, a SEBI-registered AIF CAT 2 seed-stage fund.
Amit Ghule
Founder
SimpleForge
He is a founder-turned-venture capitalist with almost a decade of experience in startup fundraising and venture building. The founder of SimpleForge who has pioneered robotic 3D Printed Construction technology and has domain expertise in Robotics, 3D Printing, Medical Devices, and Oil & Gas.
Saurabh Gandhe
Senior Vice President of Engineering
DeepIntent
He is currently VP of Engineering & MD (India) at DeepIntent with almost two decades of experience in software development and tech leadership. He is driving innovation at DeepIntent while actively contributing to open-source projects like Prebid.JS.
Jitendre Nene
Chief Growth Officer
Primus Techsystems
He is the current Chief growth officer at Primus Techsystems and is responsible for partnerships, alliances and acquisitions. Having over a decade of experience working in the startup industry, he now leverages experience and network.
Dravya Jain
Investment Associate
Windrose Capital
Dravya Jain is an Investment Associate at Windrose Capital, Pune. She began her career at KPMG in risk advisory before moving into venture capital. At Windrose, she focuses on deal evaluation, portfolio management, and investor relations, contributing to investment decisions and performance tracking.
Yashodhan Naik
Director
Iravan
He founded Navifly, a drone aviation startup, leading its development from concept to launch in India and Ireland, with backing from the Irish Aviation Authority and Boeing. He combines technical depth with customer insight to deliver efficient, user-centric products. His background spans drone electronics, super-capacitor research, and EV conversion.
Aniket Tapre
Founder & CEO
Ampersand
He is a distinguished entrepreneur, seasoned investor, and respected advisor with over three decades of experience in technology and innovation. Currently, he is the Founder and CEO of Ampersand, a firm dedicated to providing growth advisory, bridging capital, and M&A services to companies.
Shraddha Munot
Partner
PrimePlex Ventures
A passionate entrepreneur with ventures spanning social impact, finance, and consumer products. She founded Panchi NGO, Primeplex Ventures, and Froodelite, a D2C brand promoting clean consumption.
Ritesh Munot
Partner
PrimePlex Ventures
A seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years in the 925 sterling silver wholesale trade and 6 years in the gold and diamond jewellery sector. As co-founder of Berrymint, a premium lifestyle brand, he brings innovation and a passion for elegance, wellness, and modern aesthetics beyond conventional business norms.
Ronak Kothari
Partner
PrimePlex Ventures
He is the co-founder of Primeplex Ventures, a multi-asset and angel investment firm active across diverse sectors. He also founded Tijori by Aakaar Ventures, a brand crafting copper, brass, and bronze products that fuse traditional Indian artistry with modern utility.
Tushar Shetty
CEO
Ideas to Impact Hub
He is a tech investor and ecosystem enabler with over a decade of experience and a strong focus on building solutions for Bharat. He is leading Ideas to Impacts Hub and is actively involved with initiatives like SEAP (Software Exporters Association of Pune), where he contributes to fostering innovation and startup growth.
Chetan Wagh
CEO
iTechSeed India Growth Ventures Pvt Ltd
A strategic leader with over 28 years of global experience across roles such as CEO, CDO, Advisor, and P&L Owner in services-led businesses. Known for driving customer service excellence, business development, and solution delivery in dynamic markets.
Wadhwani Foundation
About Wadhwani Foundation
The Wadhwani Foundation is a global non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating economic development in emerging economies through entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation. Founded by Dr. Romesh Wadhwani, the foundation focuses on empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation to create sustainable economic growth.
Wadhwani Foundation
About Chirag Thakker
Designation- Managing Partner
Company- Alpha Seed Network
Mr. Chirag Thakker is currently driving Alpha Seed Network, a syndicate of Angel Investors, to invest in Early-Stage Startups. He has worked with high-growth startups such as Infibeam, CarWale, UpGrad, Paysense, Livspace, and Emeritus. With over 15 years of experience in startups, his credentials reflect a deep understanding of the ecosystem.
Wadhwani Foundation
About Suketu Sangvi
Designation- Co-founder & CEO
Company- Finarcadia Holdings Private Limited
Suketu Sangvi is a distinguished co-founder, investor, and author with over 32 years of experience at the intersection of finance and technology. A rank-holding Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, and Mumbai University topper in computer systems, he began his career in investment banking in India and went on to work in global financial hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai. He has co-founded multiple tech start-ups and a regulated asset management company (Essdar Capital Group), which successfully exited in 2012.
Wadhwani Foundation
About Vimal Panjwani
Designation- Founder & CEO
Company- AgriVijay
Mr. Vimal Panjwani is proficient in leadership skills with over a decade of experience in the business industry post his Btech in the field of Bioinformatics and an MBA in the field of AgriBusiness Management. Currently the Founder and CEO AgriVijay, he has been helping to empower farmers for a tomorrow with renewable energy and a fight against climate change.
Wadhwani Foundation
About Jiju Raman
Designation- Business Head - Fintech & consumer services
Company- Experian India
Mr. Jiju Raman is a seasoned business leader with over 23 years of diverse experience spanning platforms, data, content, and media. Currently serving as Business Head – Consumer Services at Experian Credit Information Company India, Mr. Raman has been instrumental in driving financial inclusion by forging impactful partnerships that empower consumers to understand their credit scores and build strong credit behavior.
Our Sponsors
Previous Partners
FAQ
Q) What happens in the event??
Startup Expo 2025 is a major event that typically features a variety of activities aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, leadership and networking among startups, investors, and industry professionals.
Q) When is the Event for this year??
The Startup Expo 2025 event is scheduled to take place from August 11th to August 14th.
Q) What do the attendees get??
Attendees of Startup Expo 2025 gain access to valuable networking opportunities, insights from industry experts, exposure to innovative products and services, potential investment opportunities, and the chance to participate in workshops, panel discussions, and pitch sessions.
Q) Is there any Registration Fees??
No, there is no registration fee for attending Startup Expo 2025.
Have More Questions?
Have a question or need assistance? We are here to help. Reach out to us via email or give us a call
Get In Touch
Feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries or collaboration opportunities regarding our StartupExpo 2025