Ahmedabad, March 12, 2026: The Empresario 2026, Annual Startup Summit (3-day) of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad commenced on March 12th at the Institute’s campus. Empresario Startup Summit 2026 is the 15th Annual Flagship Event organised on the theme of ‘NextGen Youth Innovators’. The event will conclude on March 14th 2026.
Empresario Startup Summit is a national platform that brings together startups, new-age entrepreneurs, industry mentors, investors, and the student community to exchange ideas, share entrepreneurial experiences, and gain practical insights into building sustainable enterprises. Initiated in 2012, Empresario has evolved into one of the largest entrepreneurship gatherings, fostering innovation, collaboration and ecosystem engagement.
The summit was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Shri Arjun Modhwadia, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Science & Technology, Forest & Environment, Climate Change, Gujarat. Along with Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, also present on the occasion were Mr. Hiranmay Mahanta, CEO, Innovation Growth Hub (i-Hub); Dr. Dipan Sahu, Assistant Innovation Director, MoE’s Innovation Cell; Ms. Prachi Patwari, Executive Director, Nexus Infratech Pvt. Ltd. & Chairperson (2024–25), GCCI Business Women Committee and Mr. Yatindra Sharma, Convenor, CII Gujarat Startup Task Force & Managing Partner, Invesco Fiscal Services LLP.
In his inaugural address, Chief Guest, Shri Arjun Modhwadia, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Science & Technology, Forest & Environment, Climate Change, Gujarat, stated, “Gujarat is a hub of entrepreneurship and has always encouraged innovations and enterprises. Today is the era of innovators, ideas, incubation and investors and by empowering next-generation of innovators, we can build a vibrant startup ecosystem that contributes to the progress of both the state and the nation. I believe our youths have the potential and the intent to make it big and contribute meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, said, “Today is the time of innovators and innovations. The youths must step forth and tap the opportunities that lie before them. They just have to ideate and the rest will automatically fall in place in the strong entrepreneurship ecosystem that the State & the country is fast creating. EDII remains committed to nurturing next-generation innovators who will drive sustainable growth and create solutions for society.”
Mr. Hiranmay Mahanta, CEO, Innovation Growth Hub (i-Hub), said, “I urge students to keep an eye for opportunities, never hesitate from thinking out-of-the-box and continue innovating. There are government policies and institutions that are highly supportive of innovation and technology at every strata and region of society. Students just need to be passionate about their ideas and keep moving ahead.”
Dr. Dipan Sahu, Assistant Innovation Director, MoE Innovation Cell, said, “India’s youth possesses immense potential and platforms like Empresario provide them with valuable exposure and networking opportunities. They must focus on expanding their horizons, understand emerging market gaps and nurturing their entrepreneurial thinking so that they could become an integral part of the innovation ecosystem.”
Ms. Prachi Patwari, Executive Director, Nexus Infratech Pvt. Ltd. and Chairperson (2024-25) of GCCI Business Women Committee, said, “Young innovators are redefining the landscape of entrepreneurship with bold ideas and perseverance. Institutes like EDII are creating potent platforms for these young innovators, where they can access mentorship, networks and opportunities to grow as a community. I encourage the students present here to dream big and emerge as the achievers of tomorrow.”
Mr. Yatindra Sharma, Convenor, CII Gujarat Start-up TaskForce, & Managing Partner, Invesco Fiscal Serivices LLP, stated, “The startup ecosystem in India is witnessing remarkable momentum, which is largely driven by young entrepreneurs. Several times, good innovations do not see the light of the day on account of hindrances on the way. Events like these must be leveraged upon by students to open up and explore, thus taking their ideas on to the stage of full-fledged ventures.”
As a part of the summit, the institute conducted Tech Business Idea Pitch (BIP) Competition (regional rounds) across multiple states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Goa, Assam, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. These programmes witnessed participation from over 1000 students, out of which 115 young innovators were selected to present their startup ideas in front of the investor panel in the final round at EDII, in the BIG PITCH round during the Summit. The innovators will pitch their ideas before investors, thus garnering investments.
Over the three days, Empresario Startup Summit 2026 will feature keynote addresses, expert talks, panel discussions on innovation-led careers and entrepreneurship opportunities, along with practical masterclasses and workshops for participants. The summit will also facilitate networking opportunities among startups, students, mentors and industry stakeholders, alongside cultural and engagement activities like Talent Show and musical event.
A key highlight of the summit will be a special talk by entrepreneur and startup investor Mr. Aman Gupta on March 13. Also, an important part of the Summit is an exhibition showcasing products of 45 innovators.
The summit is expected to witness footfall of over 1,000 students, startups, faculty members, and key stakeholders.
