When Lucknow Became the Startup Hub (July 30–31, 2025 at IG Pratishthan)
I recently had the honor of representing Trustbridge Ventures (TBV) at the CM Yuva Conclave & Expo 2025, held on July 30–31, 2025 at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow ,Organized under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan Mission (CMYUVA), this flagship event brought together aspiring entrepreneurs, government departments, universities, banks, franchise brands, and suppliers — all aiming to build Uttar Pradesh’s startup ecosystem
The Energy Was Electric
Over 10,000 participants thronged the event — from student founders to seasoned changemakers. The atmosphere was charged. There were panel discussions on franchise opportunities, innovation in mobility, manufacturing and services, and mobile business models like “Business on Wheels”
The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath himself, emphasizing that CMYUVA isn’t just a scheme — it’s a commitment to youth self-reliance. Multiple beneficiaries shared live how zero‑interest, collateral‑free loans under the scheme led to real business impact in just days
What This Conclave Taught Me (That No YouTube Video Could)
- One platform for everything: Mentors, funding, suppliers, legal guidance, franchise brands, and government schemes—everything in one place
- Momentum from MoUs: Over 20 leading universities and various government departments inked MoUs to collaborate with new entrepreneurs
- Demo-ready ecosystem: From live machinery displays to manufactured mobile business carts, this was a playground for entrepreneurs to visualize scale as a tangible reality
- Real stories, real results: Stories like a Kanpur baker receiving ₹4.25 lakh to start a luxury bakery, or a Lucknow-based biotech entrepreneur scaling with a clean-product startup — all inspired by the scheme’s quick disbursal and outreach
What This Means for Trustbridge Ventures
At TBV, we build brands from belief—not just marketing. This conclave was a reminder:
- Youth entrepreneurship in UP is no longer marginal. It’s mainstream, strategic, and accelerating.
- Real people with real businesses are being supported, not just ideas.
- Government and startup energy can coexist, and when they do, it fuels real impact.
Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
- Show up, don’t hold back — government schemes like CMYUVA are open, accessible, and streamlined.
- Your execution matters more than your stage. A good idea without strong action remains invisible.
- Networking matters — but structure matters more. Pre-scheduled meetings, panels, and curated expos make all the difference.
Final Thoughts: Not Just a Conclave — a Catalyst
- This wasn’t just an event with banners and selfies.
- It was a live ecosystem in action.
- If you came here with ambition — you left with funding, mentorship, or the clarity to move.
- To the CM Yuva Conclave organizers and Government of UP — thank you for hosting one of India's most impactful entrepreneurship events to date.
About Trustbridge Ventures
We catalyze growth for schools, startups, and small businesses using brand strategy, digital presence creation, and structured outreach. If you're building from scratch and need a clear, powerful growth pathway—let’s talk.