Indore, June 20, 2026
SAGE University Indore successfully concluded the second edition of its flagship national startup conclave, SAGE Startup Spark 2.0, bringing together innovators, startup founders, investors, industry leaders, academicians, and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the country. The two-day conclave emerged as one of Central India’s leading platforms for innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and opportunities for future change makers.
The event commenced with Maa Saraswati Vandana and the traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony, marking the beginning of two inspiring days dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation, and transformative ideas.
Welcoming the participants, Ms. Sakshi Bansal, Managing Director, The SAGE Group, encouraged young minds to embrace innovation, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship as catalysts for personal growth and nation-building.
The first day featured an inspiring keynote address by Mr. Jatin Ahuja, Founder & Managing Director, Big Boy Toyz (BBT), who shared valuable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey and highlighted the importance of vision, resilience, and execution in building successful ventures.
The conclave hosted insightful panel discussions featuring renowned experts from the startup and investment ecosystem, including Mr. Amit Jain (Ashika Global Family Office Services), Mr. Jimish Kapadia (Growth Sense Venture Fund), Dr. Sandeep Kochhar (Life Strategist & TEDx Speaker), Mr. Ankur Jain (Founder, Sunstone), and Mr. Anay Mashruwala (Venus Engineering Works). Discussions focused on startup growth, investment readiness, business scaling, and future opportunities for entrepreneurs.
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) – MSME, a significant initiative aimed at promoting innovation, intellectual property awareness, and entrepreneurial support.
The second panel discussion brought together distinguished women leaders, including Ms. Sakshi Bansal, Ms. Ritika Ahuja (COO, Big Boy Toyz Ltd.), Ms. Sakshi Agrawal (Director, PATH Foundation), and Ms. Pooja Arambhan (Founder, IIV Health). The session explored women leadership, startup growth, healthcare innovation, and emerging entrepreneurial opportunities.
On the second day, participants gained insights into emerging technologies and future business opportunities. Mr. Manish Dabkara, Chairman & Managing Director, EKI Energy Services Ltd., delivered a keynote session on “Green Entrepreneurship & Carbon Economy: India’s Next Billion-Dollar Opportunity,” emphasizing sustainability, clean energy, and carbon markets as major drivers of future economic growth.
Another engaging discussion focused on Artificial Intelligence, Manufacturing, and Future-Ready Business Transformation, where industry experts explored the impact of AI, automation, Industry 4.0, and digital transformation across sectors.
A special highlight of the conclave was the panel discussion titled “From Idea to Soonicorn – Building High-Growth Startups for the Future of Asia,” which provided valuable insights into scaling startups, attracting investments, and leveraging global opportunities.
Throughout the event, participants actively engaged in Startup Pitching and Idea Pitching Competitions, presenting innovative solutions across sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, HealthTech, FinTech, E-Commerce, Sustainability, and Social Innovation. Industry experts and investors evaluated the ideas based on innovation, feasibility, market potential, and social impact.
The conclave concluded with the announcement of winners across various categories, recognizing outstanding startups, innovative ideas, and women-led ventures. Participants were awarded cash prizes, certificates, and special recognitions for their achievements.
Addressing the gathering during the valedictory session, Ms. Sakshi Bansal reaffirmed SAGE University’s commitment to nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-academia collaboration. She emphasized that today’s students possess the potential not only to seek employment but also to become job creators and future leaders.
Held under the visionary guidance of Dr. Sanjeev Agrawal, Hon’ble Chancellor, SAGE University Indore and CMD, The SAGE Group, and the dynamic leadership of Ms. Sakshi Bansal, Managing Director, The SAGE Group, SAGE Startup Spark 2.0 successfully established itself as a powerful platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and future-focused learning.
The conclave delivered a strong message that India’s youth, empowered by technology, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global startup ecosystem.
SAGE Startup Spark 2.0
Where Ideas Meet Opportunity. Where Innovation Finds Its Voice. Where the Future Takes Shape.