Parul University hosts India’s Largest Startup Carnival: Vadodara Startup Festival 6.0 to Power Outcome-Driven Innovation

Vadodara-based Parul University successfully hosted the sixth edition of the Vadodara Startup Festival (VSF 6.0), reaffirming its position as one of Gujarat’s leading hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship. The three-day festival transformed the university campus into a dynamic convergence point for investors, students, corporates, policymakers, and innovators, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for collaboration, ideation, and business growth.

VSF 6.0 witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 30,000 visitors across three days. The festival brought together more than 200 startups, 50+ expert speakers, 25+ investors, and 100+ industry participants, creating meaningful engagement between emerging entrepreneurs and key ecosystem stakeholders. Through 150+ one-on-one mentoring sessions, founders received valuable guidance, while 75+ ecosystem partners extended incubation and support services. The flagship initiative, Startup Nivesh 2.0, played a pivotal role in attracting over ₹10 crore in funding, positioning VSF 6.0 as a powerful platform for business opportunities and entrepreneurial growth.

A major highlight of the festival was Startup Nivesh 2.0, which connected high-potential startups with visionary investors through open pitching sessions, structured one-on-one meetings, and live expert feedback. Founders also benefited from mentoring and incubation support provided by the Parul Innovation & Entrepreneurship Resource Center (PIERC), which played a crucial role in guiding early-stage ventures. Beyond funding, VSF 6.0 delivered a comprehensive, outcome-driven experience—helping entrepreneurs scale ideas into viable businesses through curated pitches, mentorship programmes, masterclasses, exhibitions, and high-energy competitions.

The event was graced by the presence of Shri Bipin Talati, IAS, Commissioner of Technical Education, Government of Gujarat, as the Honorary Guest, who visited the startup exhibition and interacted with founders. The festival also featured distinguished speakers including Lt. Gen. A. Arun (Retd.) and Mr. Dayakar S. Murthy, Director – Strategic Partnership, National Entrepreneurship Network, Wadhwani Foundation. Industry leaders and startup pioneers from organisations such as Gopal Snacks Limited, Solnce Energy, Booz Mobility, ZebraLearn, along with leaders associated with SINE, IIT Bombay, Paytm, and Fun2Do Labs, shared insights from their entrepreneurial journeys, inspiring participants with strategic perspectives and real-world experiences.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Dr Parul Patel, Vice-President, Parul University, said, “The festival is more than an event—it is a movement that connects ideas with opportunities. Seeing students and startups gain mentorship, exposure, and funding reinforces our mission to empower the next generation of innovators.”
Echoing this sentiment, Jay Sudani, CEO, PIERC, added, “Vadodara Startup Festival 6.0 perfectly demonstrates how ideas can be transformed into impactful ventures. The interaction between founders, access to knowledge, and creation of opportunities strongly reflects PIERC’s commitment to supporting early-stage startups and guiding them towards sustainable development.”

Vadodara Startup Festival 6.0 stood as a powerful testament to how innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship thrive when talent, mentorship, and opportunity converge. By connecting startups with investors, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners, the festival not only celebrated ideas but actively transformed them into scalable ventures. With high-impact programmes, strategic support from PIERC and Parul University, and a strong collaborative ecosystem, VSF 6.0 has further cemented Vadodara’s emerging status as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship—motivating the next generation of founders to think bigger, act bolder, and create lasting impact.