The second day of Sportspreneur 2025 at Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University brought a surge of innovation and investment in India’s sports startup ecosystem. The day kicked off with a panel discussion on “Investing in Sports Startups.” This session featured angel investors, venture capital representatives, and incubator leaders who shared insights on the growing potential of sports entrepreneurship.
Following this, an expert session focused on the “Use of Technology in Sports.” This discussion highlighted how AI and IoT are transforming athletic performance, fan engagement, and sports infrastructure. A notable attendee was Shri M Nagarajan (IAS), the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of GSRTC. He was present as the Chief Guest and was honoured by Dr Ragin Shah, Provost of SSIU.
In his address, Shri Nagarajan stressed the importance of nurturing innovation from a young age. He stated, “The seeds of the startup ecosystem must be sown as early as Standard 6.” He called for better mentoring in the sports sector, advocating for a collaborative effort to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem.
He praised the university’s role as a pioneering ‘Startup University’ and its initiative to create a dedicated platform for sports startups. During the event, he held a closed-door meeting with selected startups and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) to facilitate direct engagement between investors and entrepreneurs.
Shri Rishabh Jain, the President of Swarrnim Startup and Innovation University, expressed that the future of sports lies in entrepreneurship. “Sportspreneur 2025 is our effort to foster a culture where innovation meets opportunity—starting from school to startup stage,” he noted.
The afternoon featured the second round of Startup Pitches, where shortlisted ventures presented their ideas to investors. Eight startups displayed their work in an on-campus exhibition. Many HNIs showed interest in 5 to 6 ventures, asking the Swarrnim Incubation Centre to arrange follow-up meetings for further discussions.
The event coincides with India’s consideration as a potential host for the 2036 Olympics. This prospect adds to the excitement around the synergy of sports, innovation, and enterprise in India. Sportspreneur 2025 seeks to nurture budding sports entrepreneurs through a range of activities, including pitch sessions with potential seed funding of up to Rs 5 lakh, live product demonstrations, workshops on sports technology, branding sessions, and networking opportunities.
The event wrapped up with a valedictory ceremony and awards for outstanding pitches, followed by closing remarks and high tea. Sportspreneur 2025 has made a significant impact on India’s sports startup ecosystem, uniting stakeholders like players, coaches, suppliers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Through discussions, pitch sessions, and investor engagement, the event created a collaborative space to enhance innovation and enterprise in sports.
Swarrnim Startup and Innovation University is dedicated to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship across various fields, including Engineering, Architecture, Design, and Management. It aims to inspire students to unleash their creative potential and become leaders in their respective industries. As India’s first university focused on startups, Swarrnim is committed to preparing students for success in the world of business and innovation.