Urban growth often outpaces sustainable planning in India and amid such a scenario the City Champions Summit of Josh Talks has emerged as a much-needed platform for innovation. It is the second edition and held at The Claridges in New Delhi. The event highlighted 16 startups equipped with solutions for greener and more inclusive urban spaces. It is a step to the creative energy that can drive change in Indian cities.
The summit was powered by Josh Talks and Omidyar Network India. It marked the conclusion of a carefully curated accelerator program designed with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. Each startup was chosen from more than 350 applicants and all were eager to make cities more livable, resilient as well as eco-friendly.
Supriya Paul, CEO and Co-founder of Josh Talks, encapsulated the vision to strengthen startups as role models for inspiring transformative change across Indian cities. He said that the City Champions program has reached millions across the nation in just two years and this highlights the importance of celebrating startups as catalysts for a Viksit Bharat. Josh Talks also symbolized its commitment to sustainability by planting 400 trees for each application received.
Programs like City Champions are a timely reminder of the role that startups can play in filling the gaps. The startups bring agile as well as targeted innovations to address specific needs such as renewable energy access and urban climate resilience. Startup Geo Climate Risk Solutions (GCRS) received a Rs 25 lakh grant from Omidyar Network India at the summit.
Shilpa Kumar of Omidyar Network India said that it is important to support the startups while they strive to reshape the cities. Industry leaders such as Rajiv Ranjan Mishra of the National Mission for Clean Ganga were present at the event.