Start-Up Connect & Lounge

Where Innovation Meets Opportunity

IEEE MAPCON 2025 proudly introduces its Start-up Lounge, a dynamic and high-visibility platform designed to promote cutting-edge start-ups in the fields of microwaves, antennas, remote sensing, and propagation. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between emerging ventures and key stakeholders by bringing together entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, industry leaders, and policy-makers to catalyze innovation from concept to commercialization.

The MAPCON Start-up Initiative is more than a showcase—it is a strategic effort to build a robust high-frequency infrastructure ecosystem in India. By supporting early-stage deep-tech ventures and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, the initiative aspires to:

• Lay the foundation for innovation hubs and microelectronics clusters in the MHz to THz to optical spectrum.
• Support indigenous start-up growth in various sectors such as defense, healthcare, consumer care, communication and space technologies.
• Act as a strategic bridge between startups and large commercial enterprises.
• Establish MAPCON as a national launchpad for academic–entrepreneurial convergence

Applications are invited from start-ups and early-stage ventures working in domains not limited to:

• Sonar, RF, Microwave, mm-Wave to THz Systems
• Antennas and Electromagnetic Propagation
• Remote Sensing Technologies
• CAD/CAM and Simulation Tools for Semiconductor to System Design
• High-Volume Manufacturing for low-cost High-Frequency Applications (e.g., 3D Printing, 3DHI, packaging, boards, assembly innovations)
• Wireless and Wired Communication Systems
• Photonics, Sensors, and Quantum Technologies
• Space, Defence, Biomedical, and Other Commercial Applications
• Sustainable MHz to THz Technologies and Systems
• AI-assisted MHz to THz system innovations for energy efficiency

• Valid Start-up Registration Certificate from a recognized national or international authority.
• Preference for start-ups incorporated within the last 3 years.
• Primarily open to Indian start-ups; limited international entries may be considered.
• Final selection will be based on a first-come, first-served eligibility-based screening.

• Exclusive Start-up Lounge (to be inaugurated by leaders from Defense, Space, Aerospace & IEEE Presidents)

Showcase your innovation in a dedicated space, free of overlap with core technical sessions. Interact directly with attendees and decision-makers in a relaxed, high-impact environment.

• Product Showcases Throughout the Conference

Selected start-ups will receive booth space to demonstrate their offerings during the entire conference duration.

• Three-Minute Elevator Pitches

Each participating start-up will present a sharp, focused 3-minute pitch to a distinguished jury panel comprising experts from government, academia, and industry.

• Best Start-up Pitch Deck Award

Compete for the title of Best Start-up Pitch Deck @ MAPCON 2025, with a featured slot during the official award ceremony.

• Exposure and Media Publicity

Winning start-ups and runner-ups will be highlighted on the MAPCON website and in post-event media.

• Panel Discussion with Esteemed Guests and Winners

Participate in a curated panel alongside distinguished guests and fellow winners to discuss innovation strategies, start-up journeys, and future pathways.

• Free Pass for 1 representative.

• A 2-hour flagship showcase session on one of the peak conference days
• Panel discussions and investor connect sessions held throughout the conference
• Pre-assigned booth spaces and pitch slots for efficient, seamless coordination

Please submit your expression of Interest Here.

Let’s build the future—one breakthrough at a time.