BML Munjal University (BMU), a Hero Group initiative, concluded Propel Pitchfest23 on April 27-28, 2023. Hosted by BMU's Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC), the event claimed to bring together young entrepreneurs from across India to showcase their ideas and network with influential industry experts, investors and others. 

According to a statement, the Pitchfest was complemented by the first edition of the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social (EIS) conference, which explored how entrepreneurship can be a force for positive social change.

The collaboration between Pitchfest and EIS was aimed to unlock the potential of growth-stage start-ups across various verticals. More than 300 start-ups from across India participated in Pitchfest23. The grand finale on April 28, 2023, saw a panel of investors evaluating the 14 shortlisted start-ups based on their live pitches and their ability to address social barriers through social enterprise and social innovation. 

The top 14 ideas across segments like sustainability, e-mobility, manufacturing, and automation under the pre-revenue and revenue track received an opportunity to incubate their venture at Propel Incubator, BMU. The event also emphasised women-founded start-ups this year. The Pitchfest had partnered with 10 Angel Investors network, early-stage venture capitalists, and had support from HSBC. 

Rishikesha Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore along with other guests, graced the event with their presence and released the proceedings of the conference. He emphasised the importance of such events in achieving entrepreneurial success, citing BMU's role in developing students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. He also highlighted that combining academic conferences with startup events that share similar themes is a fruitful idea. Moreover, he shared the eight Steps of Innovation: Building a Systematic Innovation Capability with the audience. 

Speaking at the event, Davinder Singh, CEO of ACIC-BMU Foundation, said, “In its 4th successful edition, Propel Pitchfest23, a platform provided by Atal Community Innovation Centre, Propel Incubator at BMU continued the legacy of encouraging new ideas and innovations. We are quite impressed by the spirit of the youth of India. This is a platform dedicated to providing budding entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their ideas and connect with potential investors, partners, and mentors. By conducting events like Pitchfest23 and EIS, BMU is fostering collaboration between policymakers, academia, and industry to help startups grow and succeed. Congratulations to all the participants, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”