Bengaluru, July 1, 2025: India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 — Asia’s premier digital technology platform — continued to build excitement with a high-energy roadshow held in Bengaluru today. Organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the roadshow underlined Bengaluru’s critical role as a launchpad for innovation, thanks to its vibrant startup ecosystem and leadership in deep-tech domains.
As part of its broader vision, IMC 2025 is placing a strong focus on startups and innovation through its flagship ASPIRE program, designed to connect over 500 emerging companies with top investors, incubators, and international partners through mentorship, live pitching, and networking opportunities.
The Bengaluru roadshow was held alongside the Matrix Global Summit 2025 hosted by TiE Bangalore, a major gathering of industry leaders and innovators focused on deep-tech areas such as generative AI, advanced manufacturing, blockchain, and sustainable industrial technologies.
Government Signals Strong Support for Innovation
Speaking at the event, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, emphasized India’s digital transformation journey:
“With over 1.2 billion mobile subscribers and 1 billion broadband users, we’ve connected 2.2 lakh villages through BharatNet. We’re investing $18 billion more to bring high-speed internet to an additional 40,000 gram panchayats and 15 million rural households. From importing 75% of our mobile devices, India is now exporting devices worth ₹1.8 trillion annually. This is not just ‘Made for India’, it’s ‘Made by India’.”
He also highlighted the impact of the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), which has already supported 120 high-tech startups with nearly ₹500 crore in funding.
“India is now seen as a global digital leader — whether in Japan, Thailand, or ASEAN — and platforms like IMC play a key role in showcasing our capabilities,” he added.
Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of DoT and Chairman of the Digital Communications Commission, noted:
“India Mobile Congress is more than an event; it represents the strategic role of telecom in economic growth, digital inclusion, and national security. From lagging in 4G to keeping pace in 5G, India now aims to lead in 6G. Through initiatives like TTDF, we are reducing risks for startups in a highly regulated global industry.”
Shri Abhijit Kishore, Chairman of COAI, remarked:
“Our theme for IMC 2025, ‘Innovate to Transform’, reflects our belief that technology must create real impact across sectors and borders. IMC will continue to be the platform that shapes India’s digital future.”
Key Announcements: Startup World Cup & Open API Hackathon
IMC 2025 also unveiled two major initiatives aimed at energizing the startup and developer ecosystems:
Startup World Cup 2025 – India Regional: Organized under the ASPIRE program in collaboration with Pegasus Tech Ventures, this prestigious pitch competition will give Indian startups a chance to win a $1 million grand prize at the global finals in San Francisco. The platform will connect founders with top investors, mentors, and global partners.
Open API Hackathon: In partnership with the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, this hackathon invites developers to build real-world applications using live telecom network APIs. The goal is to demonstrate how open APIs can unlock next-gen digital services across fintech, mobility, logistics, and more — features traditionally exclusive to telecom operators.
IMC 2025: What to Expect
Scheduled to take place from October 8–11, 2025, at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi, IMC 2025 is expected to draw over 150,000 visitors from 150+ countries, host 400+ exhibitors, and feature 7,000+ global delegates. The event will include 800+ speakers across 100 conference sessions, and showcase 1,000+ cutting-edge use cases spanning 5G, 6G, AI, IoT, electronics manufacturing, and green tech.
The ASPIRE program alone will connect startups to over 300 investors, incubators, VCs, and accelerators, reinforcing IMC’s commitment to catalyzing India’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape.
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