Him-CONNECT Pitching Sessions & Knowledge Sharing Workshop

Welcome Address & Setting the Context and Objectives of the Event

Speakers: TERI and MoEFCC

Special Address: Challenges and Opportunities in the Himalayan Region: Role of National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS)

Speaker: Ms Namita Prasad, Joint Secretary, MoEFCC

Session 1: What Investors Look for Before Investment

Fireside Chat with Angel Investors

• Mr Addison Appu, Partner, Thinkuvate
• Mr Prateek Choraria, Director, Specialty Flocks India

This interactive fireside chat will provide valuable insights into the key factors angel investors consider before making an investment decision. The session will explore aspects such as market potential, scalability, revenue models, team capability, technology differentiation, and risk assessment. Investors will share real-world experiences, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical advice on improving investment readiness. Designed to help innovators and start-ups refine their pitches and business strategies, the session will offer actionable guidance on aligning technological innovation with investor expectations and building commercially viable, scalable ventures.

Session 2: India’s Incubation Ecosystem and Opportunities to Leverage

• Mr Ashutosh Pastor, Vice President – Incubator, Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, IIT Delhi
• Dr Alok Nikhil Jha, Coordinator Research and Innovation, IIIT Delhi
• Mr Chandrabhan S Nathawat, Head Innovation and Incubation Center, Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad
• Prof Satvasheel Power, Associate Professor, IIT Mandi

This session will explore the evolving landscape of India’s incubation ecosystem and the diverse opportunities it offers to innovators and start-ups. Leaders from premier academia, start-ups, and incubation centers will share insights on how incubators support early-stage ventures through mentorship, technical guidance, networking, market linkages, and access to funding.

Session 3: Creating a Strong Value Proposition for Technology Products

Speaker: Mr Ashish Jain, CEO, The Startup Board

In today’s competitive innovation landscape, a strong value proposition is critical to transforming technology into a successful market offering. This session will focus on how innovators can clearly articulate the unique value of their technology products—highlighting problem-solution fit, competitive advantage, customer relevance, and measurable impact.