Hardeep Singh
In a remarkable convergence of literature and entrepreneurship at Balrampur Garden, Lucknow on Gandhi Jayanti, the Startup LitFest 1.0 went off smoothly at the National Book Fair in Balrampur Garden, Lucknow, drawing an eclectic crowd of book lovers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts of the startup ecosystem. Organized by Ali Hasan and Hardeep Singh both founders of StartupTrak and powered by InvestUP in association with National Book Fair Lucknow, Navachar Incubation Centre, Stufit, Innovation Hub, Trade Mitra, and Skyracle Technologies, the festival aimed to celebrate the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship through the lens of literature, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences in the fast-evolving business landscape
A Platform for Discussion and Innovation
The Startup LitFest featured power-packed sessions focusing on business, economy, and strategies for enhancing the startup ecosystem. The event was designed not only to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs but also to cultivate a thriving community that fosters innovation and creativity.
Key Highlights of the Event:
Special Guests and Notable Speakers:
The event saw a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:
- Jayant Krishna, Former CEO, ED & COO, NSDC PM’s Skill India Mission, Group CEO-UKIBC Founding CEO- Fast India Senior Fellow CSIS.
- Hasan Yaqoob, Chairman of the E-commerce Council. Co-Chair-ASSOCHAM UP Member Al Committee- IT Dept. GoUP Advisor to DDMA GOUP.
- Prof. Mohd Ossama, Incubation Manager BNCET/Ex TPO/HOD, Mentor Advisor, etc., Writer of 15+ Books.
- Vandana Sharma, AKTU Innovation Hub, 12+ Years in startup ecosystem, enabler, and mentor.
- Ritesh Saxena, AGM, Invest UP, Ex AKTU Innovation Hub, part of UP startup story, mentor.
Their insights on the startup ecosystem and the role of literature in fostering entrepreneurship resonated with attendees.
Engaging Panel Discussions
The event featured a panel discussion, offering valuable perspectives from industry leaders.
Attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a spirit of collaboration and networking that is essential for the growth of the startup ecosystem.
The Startup LitFest 1.0 featured engaging sessions that captivated attendees with insightful discussions led by industry leaders. Among the notable speakers were Sudhanshu Rastogi, CEO of ASR Ventures, Furquan Ahmed Founder & CEO of Marine Group Startup Consultant & Investor, Shivendra Singh Chauhan, CEO of Bhramos Technologies, Ankita Kishore, CEO of The Yotribe and Prof. Mohd Ossama, Incubation Manager BNCET/Ex TPO/HOD, Mentor Advisor, etc., Writer of 15+ Books.
Startup Pitch Program
One of the highlights was the Startup Pitch Program, where 3 innovative startups showcased their business ideas to a jury panel comprising industry veterans like Sudhanshu Rastogi, CEO of ASR Ventures, Furquan Ahmed Founder & CEO of Marine Group Startup Consultant & Investor, Abhishek Tiwari Managing Director at Abhitech IT Solutions and Hasan Yaqoob Chairman of the E-commerce Council. Co-Chair-ASSOCHAM UP Member Al Committee- IT Dept. GoUP Advisor to DDMA GOUP. This segment provided a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to gain exposure and feedback from experienced investors.
Book Releases and Networking Opportunities
The event also included a book cover release by Kanak Rekha Chauhan, Founder and Director of Metaphor, highlighting the contributions of emerging authors and thought leaders in the startup world. Notable releases included:
“3S’s Of Startup” by Amit Tripathi
“The Realty Beneath” by Shivendra Singh Chauhan
The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with authors, business leaders, coaches, aspiring authors, consultants, graduate students, executives, and entrepreneurs eager to share ideas and connect. Panel discussions provided a platform for successful entrepreneurs to share their stories and insights, encouraging attendees to engage and build their networks. The festival’s commitment to fostering collaboration within the startup community was evident, culminating in a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Ali Hasan, Organizer of Startup LitFest reinforcing the importance of such gatherings in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
A Call to Action
As the Startup LitFest 1.0 came to a close, organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants and guests, emphasizing the importance of continuing the conversation around innovation and entrepreneurship. The event successfully bridged the gap between literature and business, creating an environment where ideas could flourish and connections could be made.
