Mumbai Launches ‘Forever Planet’ StartUp Challenge Elevating City’s Innovation Hub Status

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Mumbai Festival's Start-Up Mumbai Challenge at BSE on 25th Jan 2024

The StartUp Mumbai Challenge is in harmony with the esteemed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Mission LiFE, which advocates Lifestyle for the Environment, aligning seamlessly with India’s dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This influential challenge is energized by Turbostart and enjoys the backing of the United Nations India.

Mumbai, January 25, 2024: Today, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) witnessed the grand inauguration of the StartUp Mumbai Challenge under the theme ‘Forever Planet,’ as part of the Mumbai Festival 2024. The event garnered significant excitement from the city’s dynamic entrepreneurial community, culminating in a bell-ringing ceremony at BSE and solidifying Mumbai’s position as a burgeoning innovation hub. Aligned with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Mission LiFE and India’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals, the challenge aimed to propel early-stage startups, focusing on sustainability, entertainment, media, sports, and lifestyle enhancement.

Powered by Turbostart, the challenge emphasized eco-friendly living and environmental preservation, reflecting a bold move toward nurturing startups crucial for Mumbai’s growth. Ten startups and entrepreneurs showcased groundbreaking ideas during the grand finale, contributing to the festival’s goal of establishing Mumbai as a global innovation center.

Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, affirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable ideas, acknowledging startups as catalysts for positive change. The event, graced by key dignitaries, including Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mumbai Festival Advisory Committee, celebrated startups with noble visions to enhance the world.

Supported by the United Nations India, the StartUp Mumbai Challenge aligned with environmental goals, fostering businesses contributing to a planet-friendly future. The panel discussion, ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Sustainability: Thinking Beyond ROI,’ featured prominent mentors and explored India’s evolving entrepreneurship landscape.

The three winners of the StartUp Mumbai Challenge, Xovian Aerospace, Kabadiwala, and Livprotec, were celebrated, with the panel emphasizing the importance of understanding consumers, building strong teams, and a clear problem-solving focus.

Shri Kaustubh Dhavse, Joint Secretary and OSD to the Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the government’s role as an enabler, offering dynamic policies to support startups. The event showcased Mumbai’s evolution as the startup and unicorn capital of India.

The Mumbai Festival, guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, continues to elevate Mumbai’s potential as a global innovation and entrepreneurship destination. The StartUp Mumbai Challenge, a testament to this success, concluded with a symbolic bell-ringing ceremony at BSE, signifying the triumph of the startup movement in Mumbai.