The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur successfully hosted Uttishtha’25, its flagship entrepreneurship summit, marking two days of insightful discussions, dynamic competitions, and startup showcases.
Organized in collaboration with FIED, IIM Kashipur and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, the event brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and students, creating an ecosystem of innovation and collaboration.
The second day of Uttishtha’25 commenced with the Expo Inauguration, featuring Agri-Startups, MSMEs, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The expo provided a crucial platform for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their business models, interact with potential investors, and receive mentorship. Attendees explored cutting-edge innovations across various industries, solidifying Uttishtha’25 as a premier event for fostering entrepreneurship.
With over 10,000 attendees, participation from 200+ Agri-Startups, MSMEs, and FPOs, and 2,000+ business schools, the summit emerged as one of the most impactful entrepreneurship events in the region.
Uttishtha’25 was graced by a distinguished panel of guests, including:
- Deepak Murari, Joint Director, Directorate of Industries, Uttarakhand
- Santosh Kumar Sinha, Deputy General Manager, SIDBI
- Deepak Kumar Pandey, Assistant Director, Higher Education Department, Government of Uttarakhand
- Shyam Kapri, Assistant Dean (Training & Placement), Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun
- Khalid Wani, Founder & Director, KWCG
- S.K. Verma, Deputy Director, Technical Education Department, Government of Uttarakhand
- Amit Kumar Dwivedi, Professor & Director – Government Project Department & Regional Director – Northern Regional Office, EDII
- Devendra Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, KVS Premier Group
- Pankaj Yadav, Chief General Manager, NABARD
The summit also featured school engagement activities, inspiring young minds to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills. Career counseling sessions, MBA insights, and science fairs introduced students to diverse opportunities in business and entrepreneurship. Enthusiastic participation was seen in drawing, poster-making, essay writing, stick-building, and fancy dress competitions, encouraging students to showcase their talents.
The energy and enthusiasm were at their peak during the prize distribution ceremony, where winners of competitions such as Udaan, Hult Prize, B-Plan, and Social Entrepreneurship contests were felicitated. These competitions provided aspiring entrepreneurs with a platform to pitch their ideas and receive valuable feedback from industry experts.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Safal Batra, Director of FIED at IIM Kashipur, remarked, “Uttishtha’25 has once again reinforced IIM Kashipur’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The overwhelming response from entrepreneurs, students, and industry leaders underscores the growing relevance of startup ecosystems in shaping the future of business. We are proud to provide a platform where ideas transform into actionable business solutions.”
