Kolkata, July 12, 2026: Innovation met tradition as Startup Carnival 2026 – Pujo Edition, presented by Techno India Group and AIC Techno, and curated by Make Calcutta Relevant Again (MCRA), successfully concluded at Offbeat CCU. Bringing together entrepreneurs, startup founders, policymakers, industry leaders, brands, and Durga Puja organisers, the event created a unique platform to reimagine Bengal’s biggest cultural celebration as a thriving ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The event was graced by Prof. Manoshi RoyChowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group, whose vision for entrepreneurship and innovation has been instrumental in nurturing one of eastern India’s most vibrant startup ecosystems. Addressing the gathering, she highlighted the immense entrepreneurial potential embedded within Bengal’s grandest festival.
“Durga Puja is much more than a festival… it is Bengal’s largest startup ecosystem, where an idea grows through innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. When tradition meets fresh thinking, we don’t just celebrate culture; we create opportunities that inspire millions,” said Prof. RoyChowdhury.
The programme began with the AIC Techno Open House, an interactive session that introduced aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to the incubation ecosystem at AIC Techno. The session offered valuable insights into startup incubation, mentorship, funding opportunities, and the support available to founders seeking to transform ideas into scalable ventures.
Leading the discussion were Mr. Meghdut RoyChowdhury, Chief Mentor, AIC Techno, Dr. Rohini Sharma, COO, AIC Techno, Pauline Laravoire, Vertical Head – Social Innovation, and Skannd Tyagi, Vertical Head – Emerging Technology. The panel engaged directly with participants, answering questions on entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, innovation strategy, and venture building.
Reflecting on the journey of establishing AIC Techno, Meghdut RoyChowdhury shared, “We chose to believe in Bengal, and today that belief has turned into reality with the launch of the Atal Incubation Centre at Techno India. This milestone reflects years of perseverance, collaboration, and a shared vision to build a stronger innovation ecosystem for the state.”
Speaking about the centre’s mission to empower innovators, Pauline Laravoire emphasised the importance of creating opportunities through access, exposure, and collaboration. “Opportunities have always existed in Bengal… the real challenge has been access, exposure, and the right support. AIC Techno aims to bridge that gap by providing a platform where ideas, mentors, and entrepreneurs come together to build ventures that create lasting social impact,” she shared.
The event was further elevated by the presence of Shri Sajal Ghosh, Hon’ble Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, who joined as the Keynote Speaker. A distinguished public leader and organiser of one of Kolkata’s renowned Durga Puja celebrations, he shared his perspective on the evolving relationship between innovation, entrepreneurship, and Bengal’s festival economy. He highlighted how collaborative thinking, technology, and community participation can strengthen Durga Puja while unlocking new opportunities for businesses and local communities.
“Durga Puja is more than a celebration… it is one of the biggest platforms for branding, innovation, and business growth. A great product alone isn’t enough; the way you present, promote, and connect with people is what truly creates lasting impact,” he stated.
A major highlight of Startup Carnival 2026 was the fireside chat titled “Decluttering Durga Puja: Building a Smarter Festival Ecosystem.” As Durga Puja continues to grow in scale, the discussion explored how technology, brands, civic planning, and community stakeholders can collaborate to create a more efficient, sustainable, and engaging festival experience.
Moderated by Arnab Basu, Founder of The Greatest Show On Earth (GSOE), the panel featured Kabir Azhar, Director, Aminia, Debraj S. Roy, CHRO & CMO, Motovolt Mobility, and Vinayy Bahety, Principal Consultant, Avore Electric. The conversation focused on smarter mobility, sustainable practices, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions that can reshape the future of one of the world’s largest public festivals.
Another key attraction was Pitch Your Pujo, an exclusive networking platform that connected Durga Puja committees directly with senior leaders from some of India’s leading brands. Designed to facilitate meaningful conversations and long-term collaborations, the session enabled organisers to explore sponsorships, festival activations, food partnerships, branding opportunities, and innovative engagement strategies ahead of the festive season.
The session featured Promita Saha Khan, Vice President, Karukrit Advertising, Samrat Sengupta, VP Brand Building, UltraTech Cement, Sandipan Nair, Regional Marketing Head (East), Dalmia Cement, Shantanu Banerjee, GM Marketing, Dollar Global, and Suparna Mucadum, Head of Marketing & Brand Custodian, Keventer, who shared valuable insights into building impactful partnerships between brands and community-led celebrations.
Throughout the day, Startup Carnival 2026 – Pujo Edition showcased how Durga Puja extends far beyond being a cultural celebration, emerging as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration. With the participation of over 50 Durga Puja committees, the event provided a platform to pitch ideas before leading brands, opening doors to sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and innovative collaborations for the upcoming festive season.
With inspiring keynote addresses, thought-provoking panel discussions, meaningful networking opportunities, and a strong focus on innovation, Startup Carnival 2026 – Pujo Edition reaffirmed Techno India Group’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and building platforms where ideas, culture, and industry converge to create lasting impact.