Darjeeling Startup Summit

The Darjeeling Startup Summit was held on November 28th, 2023, in Darjeeling, organized by AIC – SMU Technology Business Incubator supported by Atal Innovation Mission Official NITI Aayog. The event marked one of the concluding activities under the banner of India’s G20 presidency, highlighting the commitment to support regional innovation and business initiatives. The summit was graced by the esteemed presence of the Chief Coordinator of G20 India’s Presidency, Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla, IFS, adding global significance to the local entrepreneurial landscape. Mr Shringla has been holding various positions such as India’s Foreign Secretary and also during his tenure as Indian Ambassador to US, he was instrumental in making the event Howdy Modi a grand success. He was also instrumental in India-Bangladesh Joint Boundary Working Group, which finalized India’s Land Boundary during his tenure as High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh.

The event drew in entrepreneurs, innovators, and business enthusiasts, with more than 50 startups from across Darjeeling and Sikkim participating. The summit provided a platform for these startups to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas, fostering a sense of community and shared vision. The conversations at the summit delved into the core issues of entrepreneurship in the Sikkim and North Bengal region, with participants engaging in insightful discussions on overcoming challenges, exploring new opportunities, and creating a conducive ecosystem for startups to thrive.

As India hands over the G20 presidency to Brazil on 1st December, this was one of many events of Startup20 before handing over the baton to Brazil and AIC – SMU Technology Business Incubator left no stone unturned to make its continuity until African Union’s Presidency that would complete one full cycle of Startup20 Engagement group.