Ernakulam, Kerala | Feb 20, 2026: The Nav Kerala Global Startup Summit 2026 will be held on April 10–11, 2026, at the MA Campus, Ernakulam, with structured pre-event engagements scheduled from April 7–9. The venue confirmation marks the formal commencement of large-scale coordination efforts involving industry bodies, investor networks, academic institutions, and policy stakeholders.
Designed as a high-impact economic platform, the summit aims to accelerate Kerala’s next phase of technology-driven growth by integrating startups, investors, enterprises, policymakers, and youth talent into a single execution-oriented ecosystem.
Scale and Strategic Participation
Organisers project:
- 1 lakh+ on-ground visitors and 10 lakh+ total engagements.
- Representation from 25+ countries and 150+ industry sectors.
- Participation from:
- 500+ startups across seed, growth, and scale-ready stages.
- Venture capital firms, angel investors, family offices, and institutional funds.
- Senior government delegations and policy representatives.
- Industry leaders in AI, advanced manufacturing, climate-tech, and digital infrastructure.
Over 100 curated sessions, strategic roundtables, and investment forums are planned, with projected investment discussions exceeding ₹1,000 crore across high-growth sectors.
National Leadership and Ecosystem Participation
The summit is expected to witness participation from senior national leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alongside policymakers and state representatives.
Confirmed dignitaries include:
- Pushyamitra Bhargav, Mayor of Indore.
- M. Nagarajan IAS, Vice Chairman & MD, GSRTC.
- Quaiser Khalid IPS, ADGP, Mumbai.
- Amit Singal, Founding Partner, Indicorn Angels.
Ecosystem leaders and mentors associated with Shark Tank India are anticipated to engage in curated founder–investor interactions, strengthening capital access pathways for emerging ventures.
Global AI Alignment
Delegates from the India Impact AI Summit 2026 are expected to participate, underscoring alignment with global conversations around artificial intelligence, deep technology, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth.
Sectoral Architecture and Thematic Zones
The summit will feature focused zones designed to deliver measurable sector outcomes:
- Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
- Climate-Tech, Clean Energy & Sustainability
- Agri-Tech & Food Processing
- Tourism, Culture & Experience Economy
- Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
- Digital Enterprises & Future Skill Systems
- SMB & Emerging Enterprise Transformation
Each zone will integrate live exhibitions, startup pitching platforms, enterprise–startup matchmaking, policy roundtables, and investment discussions aligned with Kerala’s industrial priorities.
Pre-Event Engagements (April 7–9)
To build momentum, pre-event activities will include:
- Ideathons for students.
- Hackathons addressing real-world business challenges.
- Cultural showcases with participation from 100+ colleges.
- AI masterclasses for students and business owners.
- Workshops led by AWS and Google.
- Interactive sessions with government officials, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Hosting these engagements at MA Campus reflects deliberate integration of academia, industry, and governance, reinforcing youth participation and knowledge-driven collaboration.
Expected Economic and Institutional Impact
Organisers emphasize that the summit is designed to deliver tangible outcomes, including:
- Investment commitments and MoUs.
- Startup funding pathways and enterprise pilot projects.
- Structured job initiatives and hiring drives.
- Policy–industry collaboration announcements.
- Enhanced national and international visibility for Kerala’s innovation ecosystem.
Further announcements regarding confirmed speakers, strategic partnerships, and detailed programme architecture will follow in the coming weeks.
🌐 For participation and media information, visit: www.navkerala.com
