On January 19th, BITS Pilani students, alumni, and industry leaders gathered in Bengaluru for a day filled with engaging discussions, groundbreaking ideas, and invaluable networking opportunities. The event served as the curtain-raiser for LaunchPad 2025, the eagerly awaited annual E-Summit of BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, scheduled for March 21-23.
The Bengaluru meet-up revolved around the theme “Sustainability and the Role of AI in Startups,” showcasing the community’s commitment to addressing global challenges with innovative solutions.
The day featured impactful keynote sessions, enlightening panel discussions, and a business plan competition exclusively for BITSian startups, celebrating the entrepreneurial prowess within the BITS Pilani network.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Inspiring Keynote Sessions
o Ananya Singhal, Co-Founder of Rigi, captivated the audience with an insightful session on harnessing the power of AI to revolutionize businesses and drive growth.
o Mridula Goel, a renowned faculty member at BITS Pilani, provided a thought- provoking perspective on implementing sustainable strategies to ensure enduring success for startups. - Dynamic Panel Discussions
o The first panel, focusing on Top Trends and Challenges in the AI Workspace, featured insights Mr. Shourya Agarwal, Founder of Flam, Mr. Priyesh Srivastava, Co-Founder and CTO of OnFinance, and Mr. Akhil Singhal, Co-Founder and CEO of Questt. They addressed the latest developments in AI, emerging workplace trends, and the challenges faced by professionals in the field.
o The second panel, focused on Sustainability, brought together industry experts and BITSian entrepreneurs to explore innovative solutions for a greener future. Mr. Himanshu Sharma, associate VP of Theia Ventures, Ms. Supriya Sharma, Director of Global Engagement and Growth, and Videhi Shah, VC fellow at Kalaari Capital, shared insights into sustainable practices that drive long-term success in startups.
o The third panel delved into AI in Startups, where thought leaders discussed the latest advancements and their transformative impact on entrepreneurship. Mr. Rohit Agarwal, Co-founder of Portkey.ai, and Mr. Chockalingam M., the Technical Director of Nasscom.ai, delivered a compelling talk on leveraging AI to transform businesses and enhance scalability. - Exclusive B-Plan Competition
Startups founded by BITSians competed to showcase their innovative business models, demonstrating creativity and entrepreneurial flair. - Networking with Top Investors
Esteemed investors from Arkam Ventures, Antler, All in Capitals, Naadia Ventures, Growth Hub, and other leading firms engaged with attendees, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and investment opportunities. - Interactive Workshops and Panels
Participants benefited from hands-on workshops and practical advice on integrating AI in startups and building strategies for sustainable growth, guided by seasoned professionals. - Momentum for LaunchPad 2025
The Bengaluru meet-up set the stage for LaunchPad 2025, equipping attendees with the knowledge, inspiration, and connections needed to shine at the main event in March.
About LaunchPad 2025
LaunchPad is the flagship entrepreneurial summit of BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, uniting startups, students, and industry leaders to foster innovation and collaboration. The event features:
- Pitchers Pilot, a high-stakes pitching competition.
- Startup Expo, showcasing cutting-edge ventures.
- Guest Talks by renowned entrepreneurs.
- Workshops designed to inspire and educate participants.
Last year’s summit attracted 10-15 startups at the expo, secured significant sponsorships, and facilitated investments of over ₹1 crore during the pitching rounds.
The Bengaluru event laid a solid foundation for LaunchPad 2025, energizing participants to create meaningful change in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. With the countdown to March 21-23 underway, excitement is building for this year’s summit.
Stay tuned for updates on LaunchPad 2025 and join us in celebrating the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship!
