The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit held from December 9 to 11, 2024 at the Jaipur Exhibition Convention Center marked a pivotal moment for the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra ModiThe event brought together startups, investors and policy makers to discuss the future of business in Rajasthan. The aim of the summit was to position the state as a leader in digital transformation and investment opportunities.
The three-day summit featured various activities including thematic sessions, panel discussions, and an MSME conclave. was one of the standout features iStart Startup Pavilionwhich showcased 20 innovative startups. Launched in 2017, iStart is Rajasthan’s premier program that aims to support startups through incubation, mentorship, funding and procurement opportunities up to Rs 25 lakh without a tender process. It is one of India’s largest startup initiatives available in every district and is open to startups from all states. With more than 5,100 registered startups – including over 1,700 women-led enterprises – iStart has approved investments of over Rs 35 crore to support these entrepreneurs. The program also offers mentorship benefits specifically targeted at school startups and has conducted more than 1100 programs aimed at nurturing young entrepreneurs.
Some of the startups at the pavilion got a unique opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Modi who emphasized the importance of nurturing entrepreneurship in India. he said, “Every investor in the world is excited about India“Highlighting the growing economic stature of the country.
In his keynote address, Modi emphasized that this is the century “Technology and data-driven“Noting how India has demonstrated the power of democracy, demography and data. He commented on the democratization of digital technology, showcasing platforms like UPI and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) as examples of how digital infrastructure can benefit all sectors of society.
Modi also addressed the development potential of Rajasthan: “Rajasthan is growing but also reliable… Another aspect is added to Rajasthan’s ‘R’ factor,” He said.
Thematic session on digital transformation
The main part of the summit consisted of thematic sessions “Digital Transformation: Shaping the Future of Startups“. The series consisted of four engaging discussions highlighting different aspects of digital innovation.
Addressing the audience at Rising Rajasthan 2024, Archana SinghThe Secretary and Commissioner, Department of IT and Communication, Government of Rajasthan acknowledged the role of iStart in promoting innovation in the state. “Through our hub-and-spoke model, we have been catering to the needs of startups,” she said.
A key session was conducted by Ajay DataCEO of Data Ingenious, such as industry leaders Vijay Shekhar Sharma From Paytm and Ritesh Aggarwal From OYO Rooms. They explored how startups can use digital technology for business growth. Emphasizing India’s evolving role on the global stage, Sharma said, “The world is looking to each of us to solve the world’s problems. West is not the best; The former is the new best.“
Ritesh Aggarwal This sentiment echoes when addressing budding entrepreneurs: “In the end what matters is not the college degree; What matters is how much you want it.” He further noted that companies across industries are using technology to disrupt their markets but warned that such changes will take time: “It will not exceed one year; We should give it 10 years.“
In another insightful discussion, Amit JainCo-founder and CEO of GirnarSoft (CarDekho), shared his vision for the competition: “We do not discuss competition in any meeting. The goal is always to better yourself.” He urged entrepreneurs to avoid waiting for perfection before launching their products. Anurag JainCo-founder and COO of GirnarSoft (CarDekho), talks about navigating failure in entrepreneurship: “The journey is never easy but you need to have milestones against which you measure yourself.”
Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore, The Minister for Industries & Commerce, IT&C, Skills & Entrepreneurship for Rajasthan highlighted the innovative steps taken to support small businesses in his address on Rising Rajasthan 2024. he said, “First we must invest in our dreams; Then we have to invest in our team.” Rathore also emphasized collaboration as a means of creating new opportunities.
MSME Conference
On December 11, the summit concluded with an MSME conclave that focused on empowering micro, small and medium enterprises as important contributors to economic growth. The conference served as a platform to discuss the challenges faced by MSMEs and find solutions for their development. A session was conducted under the MSME Conclave Shraddha SharmaFounder and CEO, YourStory Media.
The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit not only showcased the state’s potential but also reinforced its commitment to becoming a key player in India’s startup ecosystem. With initiatives like iStart and focus on digital transformation, Rajasthan is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. As Prime Minister Modi aptly put it during his inauguration: “This is just the beginning; Together we will build a prosperous future for Rajasthan.“