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We're grateful to Ms. Apeksha Harsh for leading a series of immersive workshops at the Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival, set in a beautifully natural space on Paper Shaper’s creative and eco-friendly cardboard installations, reflecting our commitment to sustainability at this #NatureInspiredFestival. Through Found Poetry, participants uncovered poetry in unexpected places, stringing words into verses from signs, pages, and prompts. In Nature Comes Alive, they embraced nature journaling and creative writing, blending mindfulness with artistic expression. And in Reimagining Tales, they reimagined classic stories, giving Humpty Dumpty a fresh adventure of their own making. Creativity thrives where art, design, and nature intersect, and Apeksha’s workshops beautifully captured this synergy — fostering storytelling, imagination, and sustainable artistic expression. Thank you, Apeksha, for sparking creativity and imagination at the Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival! We look forward to many more collaborations that celebrate storytelling, sustainability, and artistic expression. Somaiya Vidyavihar University | Somaiya School of Design | Maker Mela | Darwin India | Department of Science & Technology, Government of India | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) | Maharashtra State Innovation Society #riidl #SSD #SIIF #SomaiyaVidyaviharUniversity #Storytelling #Sustainability #MakerMela #DarwinForUs #Nazariya #Impact #Innovation #BeeHives #SkillTraining #Workshops #Creativity #PoetryInMotion #NatureJournaling #CreativeExpression

We're excited to announce that riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University is partnering with TiE Mumbai for TiEcon Mumbai 2025! This year's edition is set to be bigger and better than ever, harnessing the momentum of businesses that are not just navigating but thriving through disruption cycles. With over 120 unicorns, 600+ soonicorns, and a dynamic SME ecosystem, startups in India have reached a critical inflection point. This sector now employs 60 lakh people directly and 7x indirectly, having raised $200+ billion in external funding. At this juncture, startups and traditional industries are merging into a powerful force that will propel India toward its $10 trillion GDP milestone. TiEcon Mumbai 2025 will explore this confluence and the opportunities it creates. March 12, 2025 Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai DM us if you’d like to participate for the exhibit, and we’ll guide you through the details. Department of Science & Technology, Government of India | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) | Maharashtra State Innovation Society | Startup India | Indian Startup News | YourStory Media | Inc42 Media | The Better India | AliAtik Majeed #riidl #SomaiyaVidyaviharUniversity #TiEconMumbai2025 #TiEMumbai #Partnership #Startups #Networking #Business #StartupNews #Entrepreneurship #Investors #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #DhandaFirst #Innovation?#TechForGood?#DigitalTransformation?#BuildingTheFuture

We’re thrilled to announce that riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar University has partnered with GITEX EUROPE 2025, Europe's most dynamic and collaborative tech and startup event! GITEX EUROPE will unite the tech ecosystem in Europe, featuring over 40,000 attendees, 2,000 exhibitors, 1,000 startups from 100+ countries, and 500 visionary speakers. With cutting-edge conference themes and unparalleled networking opportunities, this event is set to drive the future of Europe’s digital economy. Let’s shape Europe’s digital future together at GITEX EUROPE 2025! May 21-23, 2025 Messe Berlin, Germany DM us if you’d like to participate, and we’ll guide you through the details. Department of Science & Technology, Government of India | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) | Maharashtra State Innovation Society | Startup India | Indian Startup News | YourStory Media | Inc42 Media | The Better India | GITEX GLOBAL Largest Tech & Startup Show in the World #riidl #SomaiyaVidyaviharUniversity #GITEXGlobal #GITEXEUROPE #Partnership #Startups #Networking #Business #StartupNews #Entrepreneurship #Investors #AIEverythingEurope #GITEXImpact #ExpandNorthStar #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #DeepTech

We were honored to host Shantanu Deshpande, Founder & CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, as a Keynote Speaker at Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival. Every conversation with him is a masterclass, spanning industries, ideas, and innovations. His deep understanding of entrepreneurship at scale has shaped countless journeys, inspiring millions. From insightful answers to audience questions to making the inauguration truly unforgettable, his presence was exceptional. Under his leadership, Bombay Shaving Company has transformed the personal care industry, building a brand that resonates with millions of households across India. His journey reflects that true impact goes beyond numbers — it lies in innovation, growth, and creating lasting value. As a gesture of appreciation for our dignitaries, we strengthened our commitment to sustainability by partnering with Earth4Ever Conservation Foundation to plant trees in their honor. We captured this commitment in a framed token of appreciation, symbolizing our shared responsibility toward a greener future. Moments like these remind us that meaningful impact is built through vision, leadership, and the drive to create lasting change. Somaiya Vidyavihar University | Somaiya School of Design | Maker Mela | Darwin India | Department of Science & Technology, Government of India | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) | Maharashtra State Innovation Society | Bombae by Bombay Shaving Company #riidl #SSD #SIIF #SomaiyaVidyaviharUniversity #KeynoteSpeaker #Inauguration #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #MakerMela #DarwinForUs #Nazariya #Impact #Innovation #Sustainability #NatureInspiredFestival #BeeHives #BombayShavingCompany #StartupEcosystem

Innovation, impact, and collaboration took center stage at the Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival on its second day, as groundbreaking ideas and thought-provoking conversations shaped the experience. The Somaiya Angel Network was officially launched with a keynote by Samir Somaiya, Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, providing a platform for selected startups and makers to pitch their ideas to angel investors. The morning continued with an engaging "Mumbai Matters" panel, exploring how Samaaj (civil society), Sarkaar (government), and Bazaar (business philanthropy) can unite to build a thriving, inclusive city. The discussions reinforced that the future of Mumbai isn’t just a topic—it’s a shared mission. Entrepreneurial energy soared at the Kumbhathon Startup Festival, a unique platform for startups to pilot solutions at the Kumbh Mela, with a keynote delivered by Prof. Ramesh Raskar, MIT Media Lab. Strengthening our commitment to sustainability, we partnered with Earth4Ever Conservation Foundation to plant trees on behalf of our dignitaries—an initiative that contributes to restoring green cover, reducing carbon footprints, and combating climate change. Paper Shaper further enhanced the festival’s sustainability focus by designing lightweight, durable cardboard installations that blended creativity with eco-consciousness. Bringing history closer to the audience, the Museum on Wheels by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai, featured an extraordinary exhibition on Ancient Sculptures & Civilizations from India, Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and Rome, offering a unique and interactive journey through time. In celebration of groundbreaking ideas and exceptional talent, we recognized the best innovators and honored the top-performing participants across various hackathons, competitions, and challenges through a prize distribution ceremony, applauding their contributions to innovation and impact. As evening set in, the festival transitioned into an inspiring space with the Under 25 Summit, where creators shared their journeys, student talent took the stage, and musical performances brought the festival to a spectacular close for the day. A big thank you to our partners, sponsors, mentors, jury, and all stakeholders for making this festival truly special. While these two days were filled with innovation, collaboration, and creativity, Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival is more than just an event — it’s a movement. The conversations sparked here will continue throughout the year, shaping change and driving impact, with the manifesto guiding the way forward. Somaiya School of Design | Maker Mela | Darwin India | Department of Science & Technology, Government of India | Maharashtra State Innovation Society | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) #riidl #SSD #SIIF #SomaiyaVidyaviharUniversity #NatureInspiredFestival #BeeHives #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Impact #Startups #Sustainability

The city woke up to a spirit of innovation, where ideas turned into action, and entrepreneurship wasn’t just discussed — it was lived. The air was filled with the pulse of changemakers, the energy of bold conversations, and the passion to build businesses that create real impact. The day began with the launch of Somaiya Angel Network, connecting startups with a dynamic pool of angel investors, setting the stage for game-changing opportunities. Adding to the momentum was the Kumbhathon Startup Festival, where Prof. Ramesh Raskar from MIT Media Lab delivered a visionary keynote, reimagining the Kumbh Mela as a living lab for urban innovation. From HealthTech to Sustainability, startups pitched their ideas to an evaluation panel, unlocking pathways to pilot projects that can transform real-world challenges at one of the world’s largest gatherings. Beyond the entrepreneurial drive, the festival embraced the essence of the city with a compelling panel on Samaj Sarkar Bazar, exploring why Mumbai Matters — an insightful discussion on the intersection of governance, business, and society that shapes the very fabric of the metropolis. Sustainability wasn’t just a talking point — it was at the heart of every experience. The festival was a return to the roots, celebrating craftsmanship, grassroots innovation, and the spirit of artisans shaping the future with tradition and technology. Even the presence of a Nariyal Vendor symbolized the deep connection between simple, conscious living and meaningful sustainability. As the evening unfolded, the festival came to life with an electrifying energy — powerful discussions, inspiring performances, and a crowd that stayed engaged till the very end with the Under 25 Summit. This wasn’t just another festival — it was a movement, a revolution of ideas, action, and purpose. The hives at the festival came together to set the manifesto for 2025, laying the foundation for meaningful change in the year ahead. This wasn’t just a two-day celebration that ended — it was the start of real impact, a space where innovation met culture, grassroots met global, and sustainability wasn’t an afterthought but a commitment honored at every step. Somaiya Vidyavihar University | Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival | Somaiya School of Design | Maker Mela | Darwin India | Department of Science & Technology, Government of India | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) | Maharashtra State Innovation Society | Startup India | Samir Somaiya | Amrita Somaiya #riidl #SSD #SIIF #SomaiyaVidyaviharUniversity #NatureInspiredFestival #BeeHives #Entrepreneurship #Impact #Startups #MakerMela #DarwinForUs #Nazariya #DIYBio #Research #DesignCulture #MakersGonnaMake #MakerMovement #Sustainability

Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival Day 1 was an inspiring celebration of innovation, impact, and sustainability. From breathtaking artistic performances to thought-provoking discussions, the day showcased groundbreaking ideas and creative expressions that redefined the future. Sustainability remained at the heart of the festival, with powerful storytelling, immersive experiences, and dynamic collaborations that highlighted the importance of conscious creation. The evening ended on a high note, as an energetic drum performance brought the community together, transforming exhaustion into a moment of rhythm, connection, and celebration. Join us today, 22nd February, for another extraordinary day filled with innovation, creativity, and impact at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai. Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival | Somaiya Vidyavihar University | Somaiya School of Design | Maker Mela | Darwin India | Department of Science & Technology, Government of India | Maharashtra State Innovation Society #riidl #SSD #SIIF #SomaiyaVidyaviharUniversity #NatureInspiredFestival #BeeHives #Mumbai #things2doinmumbai #MakerMela #Darwin #Nazariya #Innovation #entrepreneurship #Impact #Startups #Sustainability

Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival Day 1 was nothing short of extraordinary. Kicking off in the presence of Shantanu Deshpande, Founder & CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, who delivered an inspiring keynote, the day unfolded with mesmerizing performances and groundbreaking ideas. Sand artist Nitish Bharti, beautifully crafted the essence of the Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival community through his art, setting the stage for a soulful blend of storytelling and musical performances. The festival thrived with vibrant energy across innovation showcases, impact hives, and creative experiences, capturing different lenses of transformation. A major highlight was the launch of the Conscious Creators Community, ignited by a powerful keynote from Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder & Chairman,?Hiranandani?Group, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion and the unveiling of the manifesto by Amrita Somaiya. Despite a long and eventful day, the evening brought a renewed sense of energy with a captivating performance by Mumbai Drum Circle, transforming fatigue into a moment of rhythm, connection, and celebration. This was followed by a stunning curated BioFashion show, embracing sustainability and redefining fashion with an eco-conscious touch. The energy, the decor, and the immersive experiences made Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival truly one of a kind. Please join us today, 22nd February, for an incredible lineup of experiences throughout the day, culminating in the Under 25 Summit in the evening, continuing till 10 PM at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai. #riidl #SSD #SIIF #SomaiyaVidyaviharUniversity #NatureInspiredFestival #BeeHives #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Impact #Startups #Makermela #Darwin #Nazariya #Sustainability

Something special is about to unfold — an experience you won’t see coming. Stay with us as we reveal a moment that will leave you inspired. Join us on 21st Feb at 10 AM in Somaiya Vidyavihar University for the inaugural celebration of the Act of Community at Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival, featuring Nitish Bharti, India’s first International Sand Artist. From being a finalist on India's Got Talent to a semi-finalist on Asia’s Got Talent, Nitish has captivated audiences worldwide with his storytelling through sand. His talent even earned a Cannes Festival nomination — a feat unmatched in the world of sand art. Every stroke he creates isn’t just art — it’s a story, a message, and an emotion. Get ready to witness something truly unforgettable. Sand artist Nitish Bharti | Somaiya Vidyavihar University | Somaiya School of Design | Maker Mela | Darwin India | Department of Science & Technology, Government of India | Maharashtra State Innovation Society #riidl #SSD #SIIF #SomaiyaVidyaviharUniversity #SandArtist #NitishBharti #Storytelling #Impact #NatureInspiredFestival #BeeHives #MakerMela #DarwinForUs #Nazariya #InspiringArt #StoryThroughSand

Grateful to Nikhil Gupta for joining us as an Investor at the Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival. Nikhil Gupta is a known face in the Startup Ecosystem, he is an angel investor, an accelerator, an Alternative Investment Fund Manager, mentor & been a wealth manager for close to 3 decades. He serves as a distinguished member on several Investment Committees of Incubators, AICs & communities & works extensively to nurture innovation & entrepreneurship in academia. Nikhil has been a regular in conducting workshops on alternative investments & also on several podcasts to narrate the same. Startups, this is your chance to engage with him, gain valuable insights, and explore potential investment opportunities. Meet him at the Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level! Somaiya Innovation & Impact Festival | Somaiya Vidyavihar University | Somaiya School of Design | Maker Mela | Darwin India | Department of Science & Technology, Government of India | Maharashtra State Innovation Society #riidl #SSD #SIIF #SomaiyaVidyaviharUniversity #NatureInspiredFestival #BeeHives #Sustainability #Sustainable #Startups #StartupCommunity #Impact #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Business #MakerMela #DarwinForUs #Nazariya