National Startup Conclave AKTU 2026 Wraps Up with Over 250 Delegates
The two-day national conclave, 'Savishkar Startup Sangam 2026', successfully concluded at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) in Lucknow on Sunday. The event drew a significant crowd, with over 250 delegates participating from across India. Attendees included a diverse mix of student innovators, industry experts, and investors, all gathered to foster entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
Keynote Address Highlights Youth Entrepreneurship
In his keynote address, Devdutt Joshi, the national joint organising secretary of the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad), delivered an inspiring message. He emphasized that "the youth of India is no longer just standing in the job queue but is becoming the one providing a new direction and employment to society." This statement underscored the conclave's focus on empowering young minds to drive economic growth through startups.
Interactive Sessions with Leading Companies
The conclave featured a series of interactive sessions with representatives from prominent companies and institutions, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities. Participants engaged with experts from:
- Meta
- Physics Wallah
- IIM Lucknow Incubation Center
- I-Hub UP AKTU
- Rational AI
- VoxAura Labs
- Drone Lab
- Edubook
- House Aesthetics
- BumShum
- AM Skills E-Academy
- Dextora AI Education
- Right Left AI
These sessions aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, offering practical guidance for budding entrepreneurs.
Focus on Rural and Small-Town Innovators
Ghanshyam Shahi, the zonal organising secretary of ABVP for East Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the potential of students from smaller communities. He noted, "Students from small towns and rural areas have very realistic and transformative startup ideas." This emphasis on inclusivity showcased the conclave's commitment to nurturing innovation beyond metropolitan hubs, ensuring a broader impact on India's startup ecosystem.
The event served as a platform for collaboration, idea exchange, and mentorship, reinforcing AKTU's role in promoting technological and entrepreneurial advancements in the region.
