Summary:
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GeM to Play a Central Role at Startup Mahakumbh 2025
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INR 37,000+ Cr Worth of Startup Deals Already Secured on GeM
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GeM Pavilion to Onboard Startups in Real-Time During the Event
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Startup Runway & Womaniya Initiatives Empower Innovators and Women Entrepreneurs
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Targeting 1 Lakh+ DPIIT-Registered Startups on GeM Platform
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INR 5.3 Lakh Cr GMV Expected in FY25
Startup Mahakumbh to Spotlight Startup-Government Synergy Through GeM
The Startup Mahakumbh 2025, set to take place from April 3 to 5 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, is shaping up to be a landmark event for India’s startup ecosystem. A key highlight of the event is the pivotal role being played by the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) — a platform that has revolutionized public procurement in India.
According to Ajay Bhadoo, CEO of GeM and a 1999-batch IAS officer, Startup Mahakumbh is a golden bridge between innovative startups and various government departments seeking cutting-edge solutions. The GeM will host a 150 sq. mt. pavilion to onboard startups in real-time, giving them fast-track access to India’s largest public procurement platform.
GeM’s Massive Impact on Startup Procurement
Since its inception in 2016, GeM has transformed from a bold experiment into a cornerstone of India’s digital governance. With over INR 1.5 Lakh Cr saved for the public exchequer, the platform has dismantled red tape, cut out middlemen, and drastically improved transparency.
“GeM is kind of a startup experiment of the government,” Bhadoo noted, highlighting its growth from INR 422 Cr GMV in FY16 to a projected INR 5.3 Lakh Cr in FY25.
So far, startups have secured over INR 37,000 Cr worth of business through GeM. Importantly, 38% of the overall GMV on the platform comes from Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) — a testament to the inclusive ecosystem that GeM fosters.
Startup Runway: Boosting Visibility of Disruptive Ideas
To address the needs of innovative startups that do not fit into traditional procurement categories, GeM introduced Startup Runway in 2019. This initiative enables DPIIT-registered startups to showcase their offerings under 14 specialized sub-sectors, ensuring that government buyers can discover and procure unique solutions.
“Startup Runway is our answer to ensuring that innovation finds the right market within the government,” Bhadoo emphasized.
Empowering Women and Underserved Entrepreneurs
Apart from the Startup Runway, GeM’s Womaniya initiative enables women-led enterprises to list and promote their products exclusively. Both programs reinforce GeM’s commitment to inclusive, tech-enabled procurement, and support the participation of marginalized seller groups.
Public-Private Collaboration to Drive Innovation
Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to host over 3,000 startups and 50,000+ business visitors from across India and abroad. The event will focus on sector-specific innovation, public-private collaboration, and expansion of startup opportunities beyond metro cities.
GeM’s participation aligns perfectly with this vision, as the platform aims to onboard 1 Lakh+ DPIIT-recognized startups, thereby democratizing access to the INR 5 Lakh Cr+ government procurement market.
Conclusion: A New Era of Transparent & Inclusive Procurement
With its ever-expanding digital infrastructure, real-time onboarding processes, and sector-specific storefronts, GeM is not just a procurement platform — it’s a catalyst for startup growth and a symbol of India’s commitment to transparent, inclusive governance.
As Startup Mahakumbh 2025 draws near, GeM’s proactive role reaffirms its dedication to empowering Indian startups, MSEs, and women entrepreneurs — enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic journey.