The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 was more than an event at the Jaipur Exhibition Convention Centre between December 9 and 11. It was a glimpse into the future of innovation and entrepreneurship as it showcased the ambition of Rajasthan to lead India’s digital and startup revolution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event that brought together innovators, investors and policymakers. The speech of Modi was inspiring and especially his remarks about India being at the forefront of technology as well as data-driven growth. He called Rajasthan “rising and reliable” and it is a gesture that the state has a growing potential in the eyes of both investors and entrepreneurs.
One of standout feature was the iStart Startup Pavilion that was launched in 2017 and since then has been a game-changer for entrepreneurial ecosystem of the state. It supports startups with funding, mentorship and procurement opportunities. It is one of India’s most comprehensive startup initiatives equipped with more than 5,100 registered startups including 1,700 led by women. iStart is clearly making an impact and it is mainly focusing on nurturing young entrepreneurs.
The summit also focused on digital transformation equipped with industry leaders like Vijay Shekhar Sharma of Paytm and Ritesh Agarwal of OYO sharing valuable insights. Sharma said that the East is the new best and it is true that India is no longer just a follower, but the country is now a leader in solving global problems. Agarwal suggested to focus on passion and not on credentials.
A notable takeaway from the acknowledgement was that building a successful business takes time. Agarwal pointed out that it won’t happen in a year and need to give about 10 years of time.
The summit wrapped up with an MSME Conclave and it highlighted the importance of small businesses in driving economic growth. It is clear that Rajasthan is not just focusing on startups, but also ensuring that MSMEs get the support that 0they need.
The Rising Rajasthan 2024 overall was a celebration of innovation and a call to action. The state is setting a strong example by supporting startups, strengthening collaboration and embracing digital transformation. It is well on its way to becoming a major player in India’s startup ecosystem with initiatives like iStart.
