Startup LitFest 1.0: Celebrating Innovation and Entrepreneurship Through Literature
Lucknow: In a remarkable convergence of literature and entrepreneurship at Balrampur Garden, Lucknow on Gandhi Jayanti, the Startup LitFest 1.0 went off smoothly at the National Book Fair in Balrampur Garden, Lucknow, drawing an eclectic crowd of book lovers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts of the startup ecosystem.
Organized by Startup Trak and powered by Invest UP in association with National Book Fair Lucknow, nne, Navachar Incubation Centre, STUFIT, Innovation Hub, TRADE MITRA and Skyracle, the festival aimed to celebrate the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship through the lens of literature, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences in the fast-evolving business landscape
A Platform for Discussion and Innovation
The Startup LitFest featured power-packed sessions focusing on business, economy, and strategies for enhancing the startup ecosystem. The event was designed not only to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs but also to cultivate a thriving community that fosters innovation and creativity.
Key Highlights of the Event:
Inauguration and Opening Remarks:
The festival was opened by Manoj Singh Chandel, the organizer of the National Book Fair and Editor of Trade Mitra Magazine. His opening remarks set the tone for a day filled with inspiration and dialogue.
Special Guests and Notable Speakers:
The event saw a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:
Jayant Krishna , Former CEO, ED & COO, NSDC PM’s Skill India Mission, Group CEO-UKIBC Founding CEO- Fast India Senior Fellow CSIS who not only gave away an ocean of knowledge on the startup bent of mind and relevant literary references but he also talked in detail about why India is at the right position to fuel start-ups but not without a clearcut strategy can success be achieved.
Prof. Mohd Ossama, Incubation Manager BNCET/Ex TPO/HOD, Mentor Advisor etc., Writer of15+ Books.
Vandana Sharma, AKTU Innovation Hub, 12+ Years in startups ecosystem, enabler, mentor
Ritesh Saxena, AGM, Invest UP, Ex AKTU Innovation Hub, part of UP startup story, mentor
Hasan Yaqoob, Director at GA Inmobi Group and Chairman of the E-commerce Council. Co-Chair-ASSOCHAM UP Member Al Committee- IT Dept. GoUP Advisor to DDMA GOUP
Abhishek Tiwari, Managing Director at Abhitech IT Solutions. Indian Institute of Management-Lucknow
Sudhanshu Rastogi, CEO of ASR Ventures Pvt. Ltd. Vision Startup Accelerator.
Furquan Ahmed Founder & CEO Marine Group Startup Consultant I Investor
Their insights on the startup ecosystem and the bottlenecks along with the role of literature in fostering entrepreneurship resonated with attendees.
Engaging Panel Discussions
The event featured multiple panel discussions, offering valuable perspectives from industry leaders.
Startup Pitch Program
One of the highlights was the Startup Pitch Program, where three innovative startups showcased their business ideas to a jury panel comprising industry veterans like Sudhanshu Rastogi, Hasan Yakoob, Abhishek Tiwari and Furqaan Ahmad. This segment provided a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to gain exposure and feedback from experienced investors.
Book Releases and Networking Opportunities
The festival also served as a platform for book releases, featuring emerging authors and thought leaders in the startup domain. The event included book cover release by Kanak Rekha Chauhan, Founder and Director of Metaphor Literature Festival, highlighting the contributions of emerging authors and thought leaders in the startup world.
Notable releases included:
“3S’s Of Startup” by Amit Tripathi
“The Realty Beneath” by Shivendra Singh Chauhan
Attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a spirit of collaboration and networking that is essential for the growth of the startup ecosystem.
The Startup LitFest 1.0 featured engaging sessions that captivated attendees with insightful discussions led by industry leaders. Several noted players from the startup space shared their experiences and perspectives on the critical role of innovation in driving business success. Ankita Kishore, CEO of The Yotribe, contributed to the discourse with her insights on the skin care industry and the entrepreneurial journey.
The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with authors, business leaders, coaches, aspiring authors, consultants, graduate students, executives, and entrepreneurs eager to share ideas and connect. Panel discussions provided a platform for successful entrepreneurs to share their stories and insights, encouraging attendees to engage and build their networks. The festival’s commitment to fostering collaboration within the startup community was evident, culminating in a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Ali Hasan, Organizer of Startup LitFest, alongside Dr. Shujat Haider, CMD of Stufit, reinforcing the importance of such gatherings in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
A Call to Action
As the Startup LitFest 1.0 came to a close, organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants and guests, emphasizing the importance of continuing the conversation around innovation and entrepreneurship. The event successfully bridged the gap between literature and business, creating an environment where ideas could flourish and connections could be made.
