Meraki 2025: Celebrating 15 Years of Innovation and Impact

The 15th edition of FIIB’s flagship Meraki 2025 Student Business Plan Competition brought together some of the brightest entrepreneurial minds from across India, reinforcing its reputation as a premier platform for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship and fostering business leadership. This year’s event, held at FIIB’s New Delhi campus from February 15, was hosted under the Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (CIET). FIIB Meraki has evolved over the years into a significant startup competition in India, nurturing budding ventures and future business leaders. The competition not only provides financial support but also offers startup mentorship and exposure to industry experts, enabling student entrepreneurs to refine their strategies and scale their operations effectively.

A Legacy of Impact and Innovation

For 15 years, FIIB Meraki has been investing in student entrepreneurs, supporting ideas that are not only profitable but also drive high social impact. Rooted in innovation and entrepreneurship, Meraki aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), ensuring that the businesses recognized create a better future for all. Over the years, Meraki has recognized more than 50 promising ventures, many of which have scaled into thriving businesses, making an impact in India’s startup ecosystem.

The competition has awarded over ₹50 lakh in fellowships to support high-potential student entrepreneurs and has evaluated business models aligned with 11 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, driving meaningful impact across industries.

The legacy of Meraki 2025 extends beyond competition day, as alumni have successfully launched ventures, secured strategic partnerships, and played a role in shaping India’s startup ecosystem. Ms. Radhika Shrivastava, President & CEO of FIIB, reflected on the event’s legacy:

“We are proud to see Meraki evolve over the past 15 years. It has become a critical launchpad for ideas that are not only innovative but also impactful, nurturing the next generation of business leadership.”

Meraki 2025: 15th Edition at a Glance

This year, the Student Business Plan Competition witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 800 teams applying and 16 teams making it to the final round. Participants presented cutting-edge business models across various domains, with a strong emphasis on sustainability through the SDG Track, aligning with UNSD goals 4, 5, 8, and 9. From technology-driven startups to social enterprises, the competition served as a launchpad for transformative ideas poised to make a lasting impact.

Meraki 2025 awarded a total prize pool of ₹4 lakhs to the most promising startups, evaluated based on creativity, feasibility, and long-term impact. Five groundbreaking startups were recognized from over 100 student teams, with guidance from a 10+ distinguished panel of industry leaders, academics, and startup mentors.

Guidance from an Esteemed Panel of Judges

The competition was evaluated by an esteemed panel of industry veterans and investors, who provided invaluable feedback and strategic guidance. Judges included:

• Dr. Deepak Pandit (Chair Professor – Innovation & Entrepreneurship, School of Management, BML Munjal University)
• Mr. Hetal Sonpal (Author, Investor, Sales & Strategy Leader)
• Mr. Puru Vashishtha (Co-founder & Chairman, Wishfin)
• Mr. Kartik Mehta (VP – Investments, WaterBridge Ventures)
• Prof. Indrajit Lahiri (Senior Banking Advisor & Professor of Practice, FIIB)
• Dr. Sorabh Bajaj, PhD (Consultant & Assistant Professor, FIIB)

Their collective insights and feedback provided invaluable learning experiences for participants, reinforcing Meraki 2025’s role as a leading startup competition in India.

Industry Insights: Words from the Experts

Dr. Deepak Pandit, Chair Professor of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at BML Munjal University, noted:

“The innovation and clarity in these business plans are truly remarkable. Each idea reflects deep research and a clear understanding of market needs.”

Hetal Sonpal, Author and Sales & Strategy Leader, emphasized the importance of such platforms, stating:

“Competitions like Meraki 2025 are essential in nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing a stage for student entrepreneurs to showcase and refine their ideas.”

Puru Vashishtha, Co-founder & Chairman of Wishfin, highlighted the SDG Track focus:

“Integrating sustainability into business models is not just a trend but a necessity. Meraki’s SDG Track encourages entrepreneurs to think responsibly.”

Kartik Mehta, VP – Investments at WaterBridge Ventures, added:

“The diversity and quality of ideas presented here are a testament to the business leadership and innovation thriving in our country.”

Recognizing Excellence: Winners and Awards

Meraki 2025 witnessed an impressive array of innovative business ideas, reflecting the creativity and ambition of young entrepreneurs from across the nation. The diversity of pitches ranged from technology-driven solutions to impactful social enterprises, each uniquely addressing real-world challenges. The competition provided a platform for transformative startup mentorship, challenging conventional thinking and fostering business leadership.

And the Winners Are:

➡️ General Track Winner: PicaPool, IIT Hyderabad
➡️ SDG Track Winner: TGP Bioplastics, Raja Ram Bapu Institute of Technology, Maharashtra
➡️ 1st Runner Up: Jalraaj, Buddha Institute of Technology, Gorakhpur (SDG)
➡️ 2nd Runner Up (Tie):
• Moksh Solid Water, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bangalore (SDG)
• OncoALERT, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai (SDG)

The remarkable ideas presented not only showcased student entrepreneurs’ spirit but also highlighted a commitment to sustainability and societal impact, setting a high benchmark for future editions of Meraki 2025.

About CIET

At the heart of FIIB’s commitment to nurturing future business leadership, CIET is one of three Centers of Excellence dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship, responsible management, and behavioral insights. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, CIET – Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology empowers enterprising individuals with specialized training, startup mentorship, and enhanced case-writing skills.

With a focus on ideation, design thinking, and social entrepreneurship, CIET cultivates an ecosystem that transforms passion and ideas into impactful actions. It serves as a catalyst for technological advancement and effective solutions, paving the way for sustainable business growth and India’s startup ecosystem.

Impact on India’s Startup Ecosystem

Meraki 2025 has contributed significantly to India’s startup ecosystem by nurturing student-led startups that are not only innovative but also socially impactful. The competition’s focus on the SDG Track reflects its commitment to sustainability, inspiring young entrepreneurs to create business models that address pressing societal challenges.

The 15th edition demonstrated the potential of student entrepreneurs to drive change, proving that with the right startup mentorship, they can scale their ideas into successful businesses. As FIIB continues to invest in these young minds, it solidifies its role as a pivotal player in shaping the future of India’s startup ecosystem.