Page 7 - EDII Report-137

Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Reports 137

EDII organizes Empresario 2026

Annual Startup Summit on the Theme of

NextGen Youth Innovators

Empresario, the Annual Startup Summit is an exclusive platform that brings together startups,
entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors and the student community to exchange ideas, share
entrepreneurial experiences and gain valuable insights into building sustainable enterprises.
Initiated in 2012, Empresario is a first-of-its-kind platform that has grown to become one of the
largest entrepreneurship gatherings for entrepreneurs and innovators. EDII organized Empresario
2026 during March 12-14, 2026. The three-day Startup Summit was the 15th Annual Flagship Event
on the theme – 'NextGen Youth Innovators'.

On February 12, 2026, the Enterprising Ladakh Calendar was launched by (3rd from L) Ms. Bhanu
Prabha, IAS, Administrative Secretary (Higher Education, Technical Education & Skill Development,
School Education), Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh, along with (2nd from R) Dr. Amjad Ali,
Principal, GDC Zanskar and Enterprising Ladakh team members. The calendar showcases the journey
of the initiative, highlights the impact created under the initiative and features local entrepreneurs
with the products & services developed by them.

1300+

Youth reached out
through awareness
Chief Guest, Shri Arjun Modhwadia, Hon'ble Cabinet Minister, Science & Technology, Forest & Environment, Climate
and training Change, Gujarat; Ms. Prachi Patwari, Executive Director, Nexus Infratech Pvt. Ltd. & Chairperson (2024–25), GCCI
175+ MSME programmes 100+ Business Women Committee; Mr. Yatindra Sharma, Convenor, CII Gujarat Startup Task Force & Managing Partner,
(Udyam)
Products Invesco Fiscal Services LLP and Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII inaugurating an Exhibition during Annual
registrations Startup Summit, Empresario 2026.
developed
procured
An exhibition was also organized at EDII campus to showcase the innovative ideas of over 45 startups
including EDII's Technology Business Incubator's (CrAdLE) Startups, EDII Alumni & Students and
programme beneficiaries. Additionally, the summit also included a pitching round aimed at
FSSAI Enterprising garnering investments for viable ideas. More than 65 startups and students pitched their products
registrations Ladakh centers and services in front of investors.
procured established
54 13 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
as on March 31, 2026 participation from over 800 students, out of which 125 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
Under the Enterprising Ladakh initiative, EDII is committed to fostering entrepreneurship during the Summit. 27 teams were awarded across Platinum, Gold and Silver categories awards. The
through strategic policy support, capacity building and community-driven development. summit facilitated networking opportunities among startups, students, mentors and industry
stakeholders, alongside cultural and engagement activities like Talent Show and musical event.

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