Overview
The DU Startup Summit 2026 serves as a dynamic meeting ground for the startup ecosystem where ideas, investment, mentorship, and collaboration converge.
Over two days, participants will gain hands-on exposure to entrepreneurship, venture funding, innovation practices, and startup growth strategies through panel discussions, expert sessions, networking opportunities, and interactive engagements.
The summit is designed to inspire the next generation of founders while strengthening India’s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
1. Startup Ecosystem Insights
Gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and industry leaders about navigating the startup journey.
2. Investment & Funding Perspectives
Learn about venture capital trends, fundraising strategies, and investor expectations from leading investment professionals.
3. Networking Opportunities
Connect with founders, investors, mentors, and ecosystem builders to explore collaborations and partnerships.
4. Innovation & Entrepreneurship Exposure
Discover how innovation-driven ideas can be transformed into successful and scalable businesses.
5. University–Startup Collaboration
Explore opportunities for collaboration between academic institutions, startups, and industry partners.
Event Agenda
9:00 – 10:00
AM Entry & Registration Participant Entry & Welcome Desk
10:00 – 11:00
AM Political Leaders Keynote
Addresses
Mangal Prabhat Lodha – Minister, Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship (Maharashtra) ( - Mansukh L. Mandaviya – Union Minister, Youth Affairs, Sports,
Labour & Employment
11:00 – 12:00
PM Leadership & Innovation
Session (with Q&A) - Prataprao Jadhav – Minister of State, Health & Family Welfare of
India - Abhijit Vemuganti – Founder, Swipe (YC S21) -Shashank Jha – Founder, Reslink | Ex-President, eDC, IIT Delhi - Prakhar Dixit , Ai Safety specialist - Delhi University Professor , Miranda House -Kartikey Diwakar , Founder Dekhta India ( Moderator )
12:00 – 1:30
PM VC & Investment Panel -Vanshika Giri – Associate Investments, LVX Venture Pvt Ltd
- Monce C. Abraham – Director, THEV
Moderator: Dr. Amit Sehgal, Director, Sharda Launchpad Federation
During VC
Panel Startup Pitch Round 5 Selected Startups - 2 Minutes per Pitch - Buzzer Round Q&A
1:30 – 2:00
PM Musical Performance Singing Performance
2:00 – 3:00
PM Lunch Break Networking Break
3:00 – 4:30
PM Shark Tank India
Panelists
Interactive Investor Panel
4:30 – 5:00
PM Founder Keynote Session Shaily Mehrotra – Founder & CEO, Fixderma India Pvt Ltd
5:00 – 6:00
PM Artist Performance Inder Sahani – Standup Comedian
Why Sharda LaunchPad?
Powering youth entrepreneurial dreams through
Full Access to Top-of-the-Line Resources
Including cloud computing and storage credits, developer platforms, and payroll software in addition to drop-in office space and legal advice.
COE and Industry Exposure
A network of more than 150 corporates to exchange expertise and experiences, speeding up the learning curve.
Global Networking Opportunities
To mingle with great minds across the globe by cohabitating and sharing ideas worth spreading through Inter-University Incubation Approach.
Financial Support
Providing funds of upto INR 40Lac to budding entrepreneurs, letting them focus on the development of their ideas without other worries.
Expert Industry Mentors
Opportunity to be Guided by 1200+ Global Mentors and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from leading corporates.