The Startup Maha Kumbh 2025 concluded on April 5 with high energy and a shared vision for India’s entrepreneurial future, bringing together the country’s top startup talent, influential policymakers, and forward-looking investors.
Amid the buzz and innovation, one key presence stood out at the very heart of the event was the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which played a defining role as a strategic presenting partner.
More than just a participant, GeM’s presence wasn’t merely symbolic; rather, it proved to be catalytic in shaping conversations and connections throughout the three-day event.
Empowering Startups Through Public Procurement
At the bustling GeM Pavilion, over 2,500 startup queries were answered, and more than 1,000 new vendors were registered on the platform.
Entrepreneurs actively participated in a variety of formats—including one-on-one mentoring sessions, group workshops, and live demonstrations, all of which highlighted how public procurement can serve as a powerful growth lever for startups.
Building on this engagement, GeM’s outreach, centered around the theme ‘Unlocking Opportunities for an Atmanirbhar Bharat’, went far beyond simple showcasing.
Instead, it sparked meaningful, strategic dialogues with startup founders, venture capitalists, incubators, and key government stakeholders.
Through these interactions, GeM delivered a clear and consistent message: today, selling to the government is not only a viable path it is a scalable and transformative opportunity for India’s emerging businesses.
Panel Discussions & Strategic Insights
One of the major highlights of the event was GeM’s dynamic panel discussion series, which consistently drew large and engaged crowds.
These thought-provoking sessions covered a wide spectrum of topics from ‘Charting India’s Growth Story’ and ‘Boosting State Procurement Through Startups’ to ‘Emerging Technology as a Service’.
Each discussion provided unique insights, bringing together a diverse mix of perspectives from ministries, GeM leadership, and industry experts.
Together, they explored the evolving role of startups in public procurement and innovation-led governance.
Adding to the momentum, GeM CEO Shri Ajay Bhadoo delivered a compelling keynote address, urging collaboration and vision.
“Let’s work together and unlock the true potential of public procurement in driving startup growth, inclusive development, and Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said, encapsulating the spirit of the Maha Kumbh and the government’s larger mission.
Recognition & Engagement
GeM showcased over 70 startups at its pavilion, including 30 winners of its flagship ‘Start-o-nauts Challenge’.
These startups received complimentary pods to present their innovations and interact directly with government buyers, opening doors to real partnerships and market access.
In total, GeM hosted more than 1,500 interactive sessions, including policy awareness programs, LMS-enabled training, and onboarding support, turning its pavilion into a nerve center of opportunity.
GeM’s success at the Maha Kumbh echoes India’s growing startup support framework.
From DPIIT’s Startup India initiative and NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission to schemes like TIDE 2.0, SAMRIDH, and Digital India GENESIS, the government continues to nurture grassroots innovation.
With over ₹38,500 crore in public procurement facilitated from more than 30,000 startups, GeM is now central to this vision.
Its performance at Startup Maha Kumbh 2025 reinforced that public procurement, when paired with innovation and digital infrastructure, can transform India’s entrepreneurial landscape.
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