The StartUp Mumbai Challenge, an initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the city, has been launched as part of the Mumbai Festival 2024. This collaboration between Turbostart and the United Nations India is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission Life and India’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Named ‘Forever Planet’, the challenge focuses on nurturing early-stage startups in sectors such as sustainability, entertainment, media, sports, and lifestyle enhancement. It goes beyond being a mere competition by providing selected startups with robust support, funding, mentorship, and market access through Turbostart’s extensive network.
Participants in the challenge will have the opportunity to be mentored by notable businessmen including Anand Mahindra, Ronnie Screwvala, Vikas Agnihotri, Kaustubh Dhavse, and Harsh Jain, as well as the chance to secure funding of up to $500,000.
Girish Mahajan, the minister of tourism and rural development, emphasized the significance of the StartUp Mumbai Challenge, stating that it will position Mumbai as a global center for innovation and sustainable development. He called upon budding entrepreneurs to contribute their transformative ideas towards a sustainable future and join the entrepreneurial journey to establish Mumbai as a worldwide hub of innovation.
Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mumbai Festival Advisory Committee and of Mahindra and Mahindra, expressed his support for the initiative’s dedication to nurturing environmentally impactful startups. He emphasized the importance of fostering an ecosystem where these startups can thrive and meaningfully contribute to sustainable innovation.
Kaustubh Dhavse, Joint Secretary of the Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the initiative’s reflection of their vision for positive environmental impact and the power of partnerships between the public and private sectors to shape a greener and more sustainable future.
Harsh Jain, CEO & Co-Founder of Dream11 & Dream Sports, praised Mumbai as one of the largest start-up hubs in India, offering unlimited opportunities for entrepreneurs. He highlighted the pivotal role that technology can play in addressing global climate challenges and expressed his satisfaction at seeing startups receive the support they need to turn innovative ideas into scalable solutions.
The StartUp Mumbai Challenge is an integral part of the larger Mumbai Festival, a nine-day celebration of the city’s rich cultural diversity. The festival aims to showcase various events, performances, and immersive experiences that highlight Mumbai’s vibrant identity.
As the StartUp Mumbai Challenge takes flight, it sets the stage for a transformative journey towards innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. With key stakeholders on board, this initiative promises to contribute to Mumbai’s status as a dynamic force in the global entrepreneurial landscape. The challenge opens doors for promising startups to thrive and make a lasting impact on the world, showcasing Mumbai as a city of limitless possibilities and a beacon of sustainable development.
