Media Release
Udupi, Aug 25: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, hosted the prestigious Manipal Start-Up Expo 2025 in Manipal on August 25. The flagship event proved to be a resounding success, showcasing India's most innovative minds and breakthrough technologies while fostering meaningful connections across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Flagship event brought together start-ups, MSMEs, student innovators, and ecosystem enablers to accelerate entrepreneurship
Participating in the inaugural of the Manipal Start-Up Expo 2025, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), vice chancellor of MAHE highlighted MAHE’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. He shared that the MAHE is set to invest Rs 365 crores this year in research and development. “At MAHE, the entire journey—from ideation to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the maturation of a startup ecosystem—is supported under one roof. We offer comprehensive validation trials, including clinical trials for implantable devices, reflecting our deep investment in cutting-edge research and translational outcomes,” he stated.
He further emphasized MAHE’s role as a key consortium partner alongside IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, Philips, MIT, KMC, and Manipal Hospitals in an ambitious AI-driven initiative focused on cardiac disease prevention, treatment, and research. “The era of organic growth is behind us. Today, we stand at the threshold of accelerated progress, and it is imperative that we all come together to drive this transformation forward,” he added.
Speaking at the inaugural Apurva Shrivastava, incubation officer, BIRAC, said, "The Manipal Start-Up Expo exemplifies the kind of collaborative ecosystem that BIRAC strives to foster across India. The convergence of innovative startups, academic excellence, and industry partnerships witnessed here today represents the future of biotechnology entrepreneurship in our country. MAHE's comprehensive approach from research to commercialization aligns perfectly with our national mission to transform India into a global biotech hub."
The expo featured a power-packed lineup of keynote sessions that captivated attendees. Dr K Mohan Velu, scientist G, DEBEL/DRDO, delivered an enlightening address on "Innovation of Biomedical Devices in Defense," highlighting cutting-edge developments in defense healthcare technology. Dr Rajkumar Aland, senior vice president, Bioplus Life Sciences Private Limited, presented comprehensive insights on "Nutraceutical Dosage Forms -- Development & Challenges," sharing industry expertise and future opportunities. Sankeern Pai, business development head, Hangyo Ice Creams Private Limited, explored "Beyond the Scoop: Fostering Innovation and Sustainability in a Traditional Industry," demonstrating how traditional sectors can embrace innovation for sustainable growth.
Dr Manesh Thomas, CEO, Manipal-GoK Bioincubator, underscored the impact of the expo: "Today's expo has demonstrated the power of bringing together diverse stakeholders in one platform. The quality of innovations presented, the depth of discussions, and the enthusiasm of our student innovators reaffirm our belief that Karnataka, and particularly the Manipal ecosystem, is emerging as a significant contributor to India's startup story. The partnerships formed today and the investment discussions initiated will have a lasting impact on our entrepreneurial landscape."
A highlight of the event was the comprehensive panel discussion exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence across multiple sectors. Industry experts, academicians, and thought leaders engaged in meaningful dialogue about AI's role in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, business operations, educational methodologies, and research advancement, providing attendees with valuable insights into future technological trends.
M-GOKB, a Technology Business Incubator established by MAHE and supported by Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Government of Karnataka, and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, served as the driving force behind this successful initiative.
The expo was organized jointly by the Manipal-Government of Karnataka Bioincubator (MGOKB), Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator (MUTBI), MIDAS (Medical Instruments, Devices and Allied Services) DST MAHE HUB, Innovation Center, MCHP (Manipal College of Health Professions), MCOPS (Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Science), and DBMS (Department of Basic Medical Sciences) MAHE. The initiative was further strengthened through active organizational collaboration with TiE Mangaluru, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), GCSE - Saraswat Chamber, POWER Group Manipal, and the State Bank of India.