Pune Startup Expo Inaugurated by Adv. Ashish Shelar

Pune, 10th April 2025: In today’s era, innovation is the answer to challenges across various fields. However, it requires continuous platforms for innovations to thrive, and these platforms need to be decentralized to bring forth innovations from the grassroots level. The Pune Startup Expo 2025 is a significant and justified initiative, as it promotes inclusive innovations, stated State Minister for Information Technology and Culture, Adv. Ashish Shelar.

The Pune Startup Expo 2025 was organized at MIT WPU’s campus in Kothrud, under the initiative of State Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, with the goal of promoting entrepreneurship as India moves towards development. Adv. Ashish Shelar spoke at the expo’s inauguration ceremony, highlighting the importance of innovation and growth opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.

The Pune Startup Expo 2025 was organized under the guidance of Minister Chandrakant Patil, in collaboration with Destination Co. Working, Pune Business and Infrastructure Group, TDTL, and MIT WPU. Chandrakant Patil, Higher and Technical Education Minister; Dr. Rahul Karad, Managing President of MIT WPU; Dr. R. M. Chitnis, Vice Chancellor of MIT WPU; Prof. Dr. Siddharth Chakrabarty, Dean of MIT WPU; Amruta Deogaonkar and Mandar Deogaonkar, Convenors of the Expo; and Amit Andre, Director of Data Tech, were present on the occasion.

The best 24 startups were awarded prizes by Adv. Ashish Shelar and Dr. Rahul Karad. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in direct discussions and presentations with investors, fostering potential collaborations and growth in the startup ecosystem.

Adv. Ashish Shelar said, “The Indian Constitution guarantees equal opportunities and protection to every citizen. In line with this, the Pune Startup Expo is a commendable initiative that provides a platform for innovations from both urban and rural areas.” He emphasized the need for decentralizing innovations to provide equal opportunities and protection to all. “Young innovators from urban and rural areas should have access to platforms and investors. Such an expo will support grassroots innovations, provide them with a broader space, and showcase their practical applications, ultimately contributing to the dream of a developed and self-reliant India.” He further noted that Pune’s ecosystem plays a vital role in fostering such entrepreneurial initiatives.

Chandrakant Patil mentioned that the concept of startups truly came to the forefront during the COVID-19 crisis. He also highlighted that Destination Co. Working serves as a bridge between the corporate sector and work-from-home models. He further stated that the idea of the Startup Expo emerged from the intellectual exchange of around 150 professionals working at Destination Co. Working and has now become a reality.

Chandrakant Patil mentioned that most ordinary citizens tend not to think beyond their jobs. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi realized that to make India a wealthy nation, its citizens must also prosper. Innovations play a crucial role in achieving this goal. To foster this, the government introduced a new education policy focusing on practical learning, closely linked to industry needs. The policy also prioritizes education in native languages, which has led to a surge in startups and research in 2025. Globally, India ranks first in women-led startups and second in men-led startups, promoting employment opportunities, savings, and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Rahul Karad said MIT always supports new educational concepts, including the Startup Expo. He mentioned initiatives like the Indian Student Parliament that help students express their innovative ideas and energy.

Mandar Deogaonkar said the initiative provides a platform for startups and students to showcase their skills, present innovations, and gain guidance for growth. Mandar Deogaonkar and Amit Andre also shared their thoughts, while Dr. Gargi Kulkarni anchored the event.