Central India’s Biggest Innovation Carnival ‘Navonmesh 2025’ Concludes on a High Note at Scope Global Skill University

The much-awaited ‘Navonmesh 2025’, Central India’s largest innovation carnival, successfully concluded on March 27, 2025, at Scope Global Skill University (SGSU), Bhopal. Organized by the Atal Incubation Centre at Rabindranath Tagore University (AIC-RNTU), one of India’s leading incubation centres, the three-day event held from March 25 to 27 brought together a vibrant confluence of students, entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders. The carnival aimed to drive innovation, promote entrepreneurial thinking, and provide a platform for emerging technologies, business ideas, and strategic dialogue.

The event attracted over 1,600 participants, with 440 individuals shortlisted to present their ideas across various tracks. These included competitions and showcases for school students, college innovators, budding entrepreneurs, and startups. Over 60 cutting-edge innovations were exhibited, ranging from mobile-based renewable energy solutions and multi-utility legged robots to autonomous systems and AI-powered assistants. These demonstrations highlighted the creative potential of India’s youth and their ability to address real-world challenges through technology and design thinking.

Among the most dynamic aspects of the event were “First Cheque: Startup Pitching,” where 15 early-stage startups presented their ideas to prominent investors, and “PlanX: Business Plan Battle,” in which teams competed by pitching their business concepts to industry experts. The event also hosted engaging panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions that delved into key themes such as industry-academia collaboration, the integration of emerging technologies in education, and fostering entrepreneurship as a viable career choice.

One of the major attractions of Navonmesh 2025 was the keynote session featuring Aman Gupta, Co-founder of boAt and a popular figure from Shark Tank India, in conversation with Dr. Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi. Another highlight was a standalone address delivered by Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Swiggy, who shared valuable insights on innovation, business scaling, and startup culture. The presence of dignitaries such as Shri Inder Singh Parmar, Minister of Higher Education & Technical Education, Madhya Pradesh; Shri Chaitanya Kashyap, Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Madhya Pradesh; Dr. Bharat Sharan Singh, Chairman, MP Private University Regulatory Commission; Shri Santosh Chaubey, Chairman, AISECT; Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Chancellor of SGSU; Dr. Nitin Vats, Director of AIC-RNTU; Dr. Abha Rishi, Executive Head of MP Startup Center; Prof. R.P. Dubey, Vice Chancellor of RNTU; and Dr. Vijay Singh, Vice Chancellor of SGSU, further reinforced the event’s stature and vision. Their participation emphasized the importance of collaboration between government bodies, private enterprises, and academic institutions in nurturing scalable and sustainable innovation.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the book ‘Big Country, Little Business’ authored by Shri Santosh Chaubey, Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, and Dr. Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi. The book explores India’s journey through the startup ecosystem and its growing culture of entrepreneurship. In his remarks, Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Executive Vice President of AISECT, stated that Navonmesh 2025 highlighted the growing importance of innovation-driven education and entrepreneurial adaptability in today’s dynamic job market. He stressed how technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital transformation are reshaping industries and driving the need for future-ready learning frameworks that equip students with creativity, critical thinking, and agility.

Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to nurturing startups was evident through the reaffirmation of its startup policy. Shri Chaitanya Kashyap, Minister of MSMEs, announced the state’s goal to emerge as the leading startup hub in the country within the next two years. The event concluded with recognition and awards for winners across different tracks, with cash prizes up to ₹5 lakhs presented to celebrate innovation, effort, and entrepreneurial vision.

‘Navonmesh 2025’ stood as a testimony to Central India’s growing reputation as a cradle for innovation and entrepreneurship. The event not only celebrated achievements but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and investments that will support startups and build a resilient, future-ready workforce. With over 30,000 students mentored, 500+ startups supported, and investments of more than ₹80 million, AIC-RNTU continues to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. As the curtains came down on this spectacular carnival, participants and stakeholders alike echoed a shared optimism for a vibrant, innovation-led future.