Shri Arvind Kumar, DG STPI, while addressing as Chief Guest at TiECON Mumbai 2025, greeted the dignitaries on the dais and emphasized on India's digital transformation, highlighting the role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in inclusive economic growth.
Mr. Kumar appreciated the event’s theme, "Dhanda First" stating that it creates momentum among startups and investors, establishes a clear narrative, and ensures impactful discussions. He highlighted India's remarkable digital and economic transformation, crediting DPI for enabling financial inclusion and equal opportunities, with technologies like UPI benefiting small vendors and daily wage earners.
He underscored India’s growing reputation as a trusted global technology and economic partner, noting that the Bharat@2047 vision aims for a $35 trillion economy.Stressing the need for inclusive economic progress, he emphasized social security, pensions, and employment as critical aspects of sustainable growth.
Speaking on India’s startup ecosystem, Mr. Kumar said the country has always been a hub for entrepreneurship, and the current wave is an extension of this legacy. He highlighted government-backed funding initiatives like GENESIS and NGIS for Tier 2 & Tier 3 startups, along with efforts to encourage global market participation.
He stressed that investments in AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors are crucial for sustaining long-term growth. To support deep-tech innovation, he urged a shift from short-term gains to patient capital, J-curve investments, advocating an "Invest & Forget" (IAF) approach.
Mr. Kumar pointed out that 50% of startups now originate from Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities, with increasing contributions from women-led startups. He highlighted STPI’s 67 centers, 59 in smaller cities, providing mentorship, funding, and global exposure to startups.
He also invited TiE Mumbai members to collaborate with STPI, citing the successful launch of "Leap Ahead" in partnership with TiE Delhi NCR, which offers ₹1 crore in startup funding.
Concluding, Mr. Kumar emphasized three pillars of a successful startup journey—Passion, Persistence, and Partnership—and urged entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors to support deep-tech startups and long-term investments to drive India’s innovation-led future
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology|Ashwini Vaishnaw|Jitin Prasada|S Krishnan|Arvind Kumar|Nand Kumarum|Krishan Kumar Singh|TiE Mumbai|
