02 May Greentech Innovation Hour: A set toward sustainable future

On April 17, 2025, the Greentech Innovation Hour was held at the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), Pune. This event was a collaborative initiative between AIC-IIITH Foundation and AIC Pinnacle Entrepreneurship Forum, two leading Atal Incubation Centers, with the aim of catalyzing innovation and collaboration in the Greentech sector.

Event Highlights:

• Elevator Pitch Contest: Startups had the opportunity to pitch their Greentech solutions, with the best pitch receiving a cash prize of INR 30,000.
• Expert Panel Discussion: Industry leaders and ecosystem experts discussed trends, challenges, and opportunities in Greentech, providing valuable insights for founders and aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Networking Sessions: The event facilitated direct interactions between startups, mentors, and corporate leaders, fostering connections that are critical for early-stage ventures.

The event was supported by the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and featured participation from CIE IIIT Hyderabad, EPAM Systems, and other ecosystem partners.

Anasua and Abdul from the AIC-IIITH team organised the event in collaboration with Shruti Raj, from AIC Pinnacle.

Impact on AIC-IIITH’s Outreach:

1. Regional Expansion and Brand Visibility

• By co-hosting a flagship event in Pune-a major innovation hub outside its home base in Hyderabad, AIC-IIITH significantly extended its geographic reach and brand recognition among startups and stakeholders in Maharashtra and western India.
• The event’s association with AIC Pinnacle, a prominent Pune-based incubator, allowed AIC-IIITH to tap into new networks and showcase its expertise in supporting tech-driven social enterprises, especially in climate and Greentech sectors.

2. Ecosystem Collaboration

• The collaboration demonstrated AIC-IIITH’s commitment to ecosystem building beyond its immediate geography, positioning it as a national thought leader in Greentech and social impact innovation.
• Engaging with local entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners in Pune helped AIC-IIITH foster cross-incubator partnerships and identify new opportunities for joint programs and future outreach.

3. Pipeline Development

• The event served as a platform for AIC-IIITH to identify promising Greentech startups for its incubation and acceleration programs, thereby enriching its pipeline and expanding its impact footprint.

Benefits for Participating Startups:

1. Exposure and Validation

• Startups gained a unique opportunity to present their solutions before a curated audience of investors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs, receiving immediate feedback and validation for their ideas.
• The elevator pitch contest, with its cash prize, incentivized founders to refine their business models and storytelling, a crucial skill for fundraising and growth.

2. Access to Networks and Resources

• The networking sessions enabled startups to connect with mentors, potential partners, and investors, opening doors to future collaborations, funding, and market access.
• Direct engagement with both AIC-IIITH and AIC Pinnacle teams provided startups with insights into available incubation, mentoring, and funding opportunities across both centers.

3. Learning from Experts

• The expert panel discussions offered actionable insights on navigating the Greentech landscape, regulatory challenges, and scaling sustainable innovations, equipping founders with knowledge to overcome sector-specific hurdles.

4. Increased Credibility

• Participation in a high-visibility event co-hosted by two respected Atal Incubation Centers enhanced the credibility of startups, which can be leveraged in future investor and customer interactions.

Conclusion

The Greentech Innovation Hour in Pune was a strategic collaboration that strengthened AIC-IIITH’s outreach in western India and delivered tangible value to participating startups. By combining resources and networks with AIC Pinnacle, AIC-IIITH not only expanded its influence but also empowered Greentech startups with exposure, mentorship, funding opportunities, and critical industry connections-accelerating the journey from idea to impact.