Himalayan Startup Trek 2024: IIT-Mandi Catalyst’s flagship event from November 15

Investor’s Den – Startups seeking funding will have the opportunity to pitch their ventures to seasoned investors, potentially securing crucial capital.

Mentor Clinics – Startups will have one-on-one sessions with experienced mentors, offering invaluable guidance and feedback on their business ideas.

Startup Showcase – Startups will exhibit their groundbreaking products and business models, connecting with potential investors and industry leaders.

It will also feature investor meetings, masterclasses by industry experts, roundtable discussions, product showcases, and extensive networking opportunities. Startups will have the chance to explore synergies, form strategic partnerships, and receive mentorship to foster growth and innovation.

Startups participating in the challenge will have the opportunity to win Rs 10 lakh in grants, along with additional support of up to Rs six lakh and funding opportunities of up to Rs 50 lakh.

HST Startup Grand Challenge – This startup pitch competition will focus on four thematic areas:

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): Enhancing human-machine interaction through user-friendly technologies.
Build for Himalayas (BFH): Solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the Himalayan region.

Environment and Sustainability (E&S): Solutions that address pressing environmental issues, including climate change, waste management, and water conservation.

Bio-Innovation (BI): Leveraging biological processes for solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Each theme will offer grant money of up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs, distributed among the top three startups in each category.

Speaking about the objective of HST 2024, Dr. Satvasheel Powar, Director Incubation and Faculty-in-Charge, IIT Mandi Catalyst, said, “HST 2024 adopts a multi-stakeholder approach, with problem statements sourced from various industry stakeholders and government bodies. Startups offering technology-based solutions will have an opportunity to co-create and pilot their innovations with these stakeholders.”

HST 2024 is expected to attract a footfall of around 5,000, including over 200 startup founders and entrepreneurs from across the country, more than 50 speakers, investors and senior government officials. The event continues to be a valuable opportunity for ecosystem stakeholders to interact, collaborate, and drive innovation in person.