New Delhi, Mar 17: The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), successfully organised the Investor Connect – Online Edition, a curated virtual platform designed to bring together high-potential startups and leading investors through structured one-on-one pitching interactions.
The Platform received 140 startup applications from across India, reflecting the growing momentum of the country’s innovation ecosystem. Following evaluation by the ASSOCHAM Startup Council, 100 startups were shortlisted, out of which more than 60 startups were selected by the participating investors for the final pitching sessions. Notably, around 20 percent of the applications were submitted by youth innovators, highlighting the strong participation of young entrepreneurs in India’s startup landscape.
The Platform was supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, with the MY Bharat helping amplify the outreach among youth innovators and startup communities across the country. The Platform was also highlighted by Smt. Raksha Khadse, Hon’ble Minister of State, through social media platforms.
Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil (IAS), Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, emphasised the importance of empowering youth-led innovation and creating pathways for young entrepreneurs to translate ideas into impactful ventures.
“India’s youth are playing a crucial role in shaping the nation’s innovation-driven growth. Platforms that connect innovators with opportunities, mentorship, and investment are essential for strengthening India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and enabling young innovators to translate their ideas into impactful ventures,” she said.
Dr. Priyanka Shukla (IAS), Chief Executive Officer, MY Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, highlighted the importance of creating platforms that connect youth with opportunities and innovation ecosystems.
“MY Bharat has been envisioned as a national platform to connect young innovators with opportunities, industry, investment, mentorship, and institutions that can support their growth. Platforms like ASSOCHAM’s Investor Connect play an important role in strengthening this ecosystem by bringing together startups, investors, and industry stakeholders to support the next generation of entrepreneurs,” she said.
Dr. Ambika Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, ASSOCHAM, emphasised that India’s startup ecosystem continues to demonstrate remarkable momentum, supported by strong policy initiatives and the growing energy of young innovators.
“We are witnessing a powerful convergence of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration with initiatives like MY Bharat creating a national platform to connect youth with opportunities and ecosystems. We brought together promising startups and leading investors to bridge the gap between innovation and investment through ASSOCHAM’s Investor Connect. To our investors, we brought promising opportunities; to our startups, access to capital and expertise. The conversations reflected the power of partnerships in driving growth and transforming disruptive ideas into impactful ventures,” she said.
The participating startups represented a wide range of sectors including IT/ITeS, EV and mobility, SaaS, HealthTech, AgriTech, CleanTech, DefenceTech, Manufacturing, SpaceTech, Telecom, and Waste Management, reflecting the diversity and depth of India’s evolving innovation ecosystem.
Participating investors included Piper Serica, IAN Group, Ankur Capital, Speciale Invest, Premji Invest, India Accelerator, Asiana Alternative Investment Fund, IIFL, Pi Ventures, 8X Ventures, Pontaq VC, Campus Angels Network, Chandigarh Angels Network ZECA Capital, Inflection Point Ventures, Jamwant Ventures, Seafund, and Transition VC.
Mr. Manveen Singh Chadha, Additional Director – Startups & Innovation, ASSOCHAM, highlighted that the Platform was designed to create meaningful and curated engagement between founders and investors.
“ASSOCHAM Investor Connect focuses on aligning startups with the right investors based on sector focus and investment thesis. By enabling focused one-on-one discussions, the Platform aims to help founders build relationships, receive valuable feedback, and accelerate their fundraising journeys,” he said.
ASSOCHAM remains committed to strengthening India’s startup ecosystem by creating platforms that foster collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers, enabling innovation-led growth and entrepreneurship across the country.
