Media Release

Udupi, Feb 4: The Manipal Entrepreneurship Summit (MES) 2025, organized by MAHE and executed by E-Cell MIT, is scheduled to take place from February 6 to 8. Now in its eighth edition, this flagship event of MAHE promises to be a landmark gathering, inspiring innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit among students.

This year’s theme, ‘Fuelling future founders,’ underscores the summit’s mission to empower and support student entrepreneurs. Through mentorship, guidance, and a dynamic startup ecosystem, MES aims to transform ideas into successful ventures.

Key highlights of MES 2025

MES 2025 will bring together some of India’s most prominent entrepreneurs and business leaders. The inaugural ceremony, followed by exciting sessions, will be held at the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal campus.

• Inauguration and keynote session (Venue: MIT Campus): The summit will be inaugurated on February 6, from 2:00pm onwards by Dr Arokiaswamy Velumani, founder of Thyrocare, along with MAHE officials. The inauguration will be followed by a keynote session by Dr Velumani.
• Guest session (Venue: MIT Campus): Ashneer Grover, a well-known figure in the startup ecosystem, will participate in an engaging fireside chat with students and entrepreneurs on February 6, from 4:00 pm onwards.
• Influencers’ conclave (Venue: MIT Campus): Influencers such as Raj Shamani (founder of House of X and podcaster of the year) and Iqlipse Nova (co-founder of BigBrainCo.) will energize the audience with their insights on February 8, from 6:00 pm onwards.
• Fireside chat (Venue: MIT Campus): Key figures like Dinesh Pai, vice-president of Zerodha, and other experts within this field will share their expertise on February 7 from 6:00 pm onwards.
• Panel discussions: Panels will explore critical areas like DeepTech (Feb 6, 6:00 pm @ MIT Campus), HealthTech (Feb 7, 9 am @ KMC, Campus), Family Businesses (Feb 7 @ 2:30 pm @ MCNS Campus), and InfoTech Conclave (Feb 7, 5:00 pm @ MIT Campus), featuring distinguished personalities from each domain.

The innovation mela: A vibrant startup expo

The flagship event, innovation mela, will showcase over 120 startups, research projects, patents, and innovations. This dynamic expo will offer a platform for founders to present their ideas and products to a diverse audience, including students, mentors, and investors.

Representatives from leading venture capital firms such as Leo Capital, Z3Partners, 2 am VC, Huddle Ventures, and Astir Ventures will attend, making the event a prime opportunity for funding, investments, and mentorship.

Competitions and specialized events

MES 2025 will also host national-level competitions for aspiring entrepreneurs. Pitch Tank - MAHE’s own version of Shark Tank, Case Maze, and Reroute & Resurge aim to spark creativity and foster entrepreneurial thinking, offering a total prize pool of Rs 4 lac.

A transformative experience

Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor of MAHE, stated that, "We are confident that MES 2025 will continue to inspire and cultivate successful entrepreneurs who will make a meaningful impact on the world. It is truly exciting to witness so many young individuals stepping up to create change, and we eagerly look forward to the innovative startup ideas that will emerge from this summit."

Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, vice chancellor of MAHE, added that, "MAHE has always encouraged its students to think beyond the ordinary and innovate. MES 2025 serves as a remarkable platform to showcase our students' entrepreneurial spirit and the unwavering support we provide in nurturing it."

Cdr Dr Anil Rana, director of MIT, Manipal, aptly described MES as, "A transformative platform that empowers students to think beyond limits, turn ideas into ventures, and become job creators."

MES 2025 offers students a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, validate their ideas, and gain invaluable insights into entrepreneurship. By facilitating networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, the summit seeks to establish a sustainable and innovative startup ecosystem that nurtures and supports student entrepreneurs.

With its dynamic lineup of speakers, engaging events, and unparalleled opportunities, MES 2025 is poised to be a landmark event in the journey of future founders.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable academic track record, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant research contributions, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life and for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.