New Delhi : The 15th edition of FIIB’s flagship Meraki 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 business leadership. This year’s event, held at FIIB’s New Delhi campus from February 12-14, was hosted under the Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (CIET). Meraki has evolved over the years into a significant industry-focused event that nurtures budding ventures and future business leaders.
For 15 years, FIIB Meraki has been investing in student-led ideas that are not only profitable but also drive high social impact. Rooted in innovation and sustainability, Meraki aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), ensuring that the businesses we recognize create a better future for all.
Since its inception in 2012, Meraki has witnessed participation from some of the most esteemed institutions in the country, including IISc Bangalore, IIT Kharagpur, SRCC, IIT BHU, and many others. This year, the 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.
Reflecting on the continued evolution of Meraki, Ms Radhika Srivastava, President & CEO, FIIB, stated:
“Meraki is more than just a competition—it’s a movement that fosters innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Over the past 15 years, we have seen remarkable ideas take shape, and many have gone on to become successful businesses. At FIIB, we believe in providing a robust platform for young entrepreneurs, equipping them with the right skills, mentorship, and opportunities to transform their vision into reality. The passion and commitment displayed by this year’s participants reaffirm our belief that the future of entrepreneurship in India is bright.”
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.The competition’s esteemed panel of judges, comprising industry veterans and investors, played a pivotal role in assessing the feasibility and potential impact of the business plans. Judges included Dr. Deepak Pandit (Chair Professor – Innovation & Entrepreneurship, School of Management at 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), and Dr Sorabh Bajaj, PhD (Consultant & Assistant Professor, FIIB). Their collective insights and feedback provided invaluable learning experiences for participants.
Over the years, Meraki has recognized more than 50 promising ventures, many of which have scaled into thriving businesses. 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 extends beyond competition day, as alumni have successfully launched ventures, secured strategic partnerships, and played a role in shaping India’s startup landscape.
Beyond the financial rewards, participants lauded the mentorship and networking opportunities provided at Meraki. A member of the winning team from TGP Bioplastics expressed:
“Meraki has pushed us to refine our business strategy, think critically, and present with clarity. The mentorship we received was truly game-changing.”
As FIIB continues to champion innovation and entrepreneurship, the success of Meraki 2025 sets the stage for even greater engagement in the coming years. With expanded mentorship programs, increased investment opportunities, and a growing network of successful alumni, Meraki remains a cornerstone of FIIB’s commitment to educating the next generation of business leaders.
