Nagpur’s Next-Gen Visionaries Shine as Viksit Bharat Startup Conclave Marks VED Council’s 30th Anniversary Milestone

NAGPUR | April 11, 2026 – The momentum of innovation reached a fever pitch today as the Viksit Bharat Startup Conclave entered its second and final day at the Incubein Centre, RTMNU. Organized by the Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council to commemorate its landmark 30th anniversary celebrations, the day was dedicated to the next generation of disruptors and the critical mechanics of venture capital. The event, held in partnership with LEMON Ideas and RTMNU Incubein Foundation, served as a testament to VED’s three decades of relentless advocacy for the industrial and economic transformation of Vidarbha.

The valedictory ceremony was distinguished by the presence of Shri Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State (School Education & Home), Government of Maharashtra, who served as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Shri Bhoyar highlighted the government’s role as a dedicated partner in the entrepreneurial journey, urging the youth to view the state as a facilitator for their ambitions. Shri Shrikant Patil, CEO of the Maharashtra State Innovation Society, echoed this sentiment, offering practical guidance on transitioning from creative dreams to registered enterprises and praising the VED Council for creating such a vital bridge for the startup ecosystem as part of its jubilee milestone.

The Dr. Manali Kshirsagar, Vice Chancellor of RTM Nagpur University, spoke on education being the bedrock of all innovation, noting that RTMNU continues to be the launchpad where local talent begins its transformation. The spirit of local success was personified by Shreyas Ugemuge, MD of Vidarbha Infotech, who shared his journey of building a global tech entity from Vidarbha, serving as living proof of the region’s immense potential.
Youthful Innovation: Junior Innopreneurs Take the Stage

The morning session, Junior Innopreneurs, showcased the startling potential of founders aged 6 to 18. Ms. Rina Sinha, President of the VED Council, opened the proceedings by welcoming the young visionaries, some of whom are already managing revenue-generating ventures. She emphasized that fostering an entrepreneurial spirit during formative years is not just a personal milestone but a regional necessity for building a resilient economy—a core mission of VED for the past 30 years.

Adding historical context to the modern movement, Mr. Vilas Kale, Past President and Founder Member of VED, addressed the students on why starting a venture at a young age is currently a massive “boom” for the country’s development and day’s proceedings were further elevated by the presence of Shri. Govind Daga, the visionary Founder of the VED Council.Mr. Deepak Menaria, Founder of Lemon Ideas, further elaborated on the vision behind the Junior Innopreneur initiative, highlighting its role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world problem-solving. The audience was particularly moved by Guest of Honor Mr. Vikram Ghande, who shared his transition from the kitchens of MasterChef India to establishing a landmark café in Nagpur.

The Pitch: Simplistic Ideas, Sophisticated Solutions

The highlight of the morning was a high-octane pitching session featuring the top 10 student teams from across India. The “full house” crowd of school peers and educators witnessed a sophisticated display of innovation, where students presented elegant solutions to everyday problems. Following the pitches, Mr. Mukesh Ashar led a specialized training bootcamp focused on the “Problem-Solution Model,” providing the young attendees with a technical framework to validate their business ideas through design thinking.
Decoding Venture Capital: The Investor’s Lens

The afternoon shifted focus toward scaling and sustainability with a final round of intensive pitches. A cornerstone of this segment was a deep-dive discussion with Mr. Amit Singhal, Partner at Fluid Ventures, who demystified the often-opaque world of startup funding. His session covered the art of approaching investment partners, the specific “DNA” VCs look for in a startup, and essential points for founders to remember during high-stakes negotiations.
The Winner List: Viksit Bharat Nagpur Startup Conclave

The event culminated in an emotional awards ceremony, recognizing excellence across several categories:

Startup Award

1st: Tekas Footcare Pvt. Ltd., Nagpur Utkarsh Pande

2nd: Alert 24, Hyd. Anakapalli

3rd: Cordiform Studios Pvt. Ltd., Pune

Juniors

1st: Golden Years, Amritsar

2nd: Digirakshak, New Delhi

3rd: Smart Sight, Nagpur

Nagpur Startup Award

Shukla Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Popular Choice Award

AI Conditioner, Pune

Innovation Track

1st: Eco Et Technologies Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi Dip Nanda

2nd: Vision Forge Ventures Pvt. Ltd., Sanchore, Rajasthan

3rd: Aycos Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore

The conclave concluded with a collective salute to VED’s 30-year legacy, marking a new chapter where Nagpur stands firmly as a primary growth engine for India’s startup future.

Regard’s

VED Council

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