18TH VISHWA VOKKALIGA SAMMELANA – BUSINESS FORUM
VPA BUSINESS FORUM GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Goal:
To foster a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs, business leaders, startups, investors, and industry experts to exchange insights, forge strategic global partnerships, and accelerate cross-border business growth.
Objectives:
- Empowering Tech Entrepreneurs & Startups:
- Inspire and empower entrepreneurs with actionable insights, success strategies, and emerging business trends.
- Enable founders to pitch innovative ideas to industry experts, mentors, investors, and accelerators.
- Facilitate discussions to mentorship, funding opportunities, fundraising strategies, and go-to-market approaches.
- Business Networking & Collaboration:
- Facilitate high-impact networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.
- Enable meaningful connections through structured networking sessions with startups, investors, corporate leaders and ecosystem enablers.
- Expert Panels & Fireside Chats:
- Host engaging panel discussions with seasoned entrepreneurs and business experts on market trends, challenges, and opportunities.
- Feature industry leaders discussing startup growth, market entry strategies, and investment trends.
- Encourage interactive Q&A sessions, real-world case studies, and industry deep dives.
- Keynote Speakers & Thought Leadership:
- Host thought leaders and visionary speakers to share experiences, disruptive ideas, and leadership lessons.
- Inspire entrepreneurs with success stories from tech giants and rising startups.
- Global Networking & Market Expansion:
- Explore opportunities for cross-border trade, joint ventures, and startup ecosystem collaborations.
- Facilitate global expansion by connecting potential partners, investors, for scaling businesses across borders and navigating regulatory challenges.
Agenda:
| DATE | TIME | SESSION ROOM | SESSION NAME | DETAILS |
| TBD | TBD | Main Event Hall | Business Forum Welcome and Introduction | Introduction and Kick off Business Forum |
| TBD | TBD | Main Event Hall | Keynote Speaker | **Topic pending** |
| TBD | TBD | TBD | Business panel Fire chat – 1 | **Topic pending** |
| TBD | TBD | TBD | Business panel Fire chat – 2 | **Topic pending** |
| TBD | TBD | TBD | Startup Entrepreneurs Business pitch | Startups pitch |
| TBD | TBD | TBD | Business panel Fire chat – 3 | **Topic pending** |
| TBD | TBD | TBD | Entrepreneurs Networking & Cocktail Event | Networking, Cross border Entrepreneurship |
| TBD | TBD | TBD | Young Entrepreneurs Business pitch | Creative Ideas Pitch |
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS CONTEST
Empowering Young Innovators to Dream, Create, and Transform Ideas into Impact with STEM and AI.
Objective: To inspire and empower youth to solve real-world problems using STEM, including the latest advancements in AI technologies. The program encourages creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking while providing mentorship and opportunities for participants to share their ideas.
Eligibility: 15–22 years old. Individual or team participation (teams of up to 4 members allowed).
Fuel your future! Elevate your college and career prospects.
Join the Youth Entrepreneurs Contest—where ambition meets opportunity, helping high school students shine in college applications and college students build standout resumes!
TOP contestants will be invited to an in-person pitch/poster presentation at the VPA convention
Judges: A panel of investors, STEM experts, and entrepreneur mentors
Awards & Recognition: Winners and Finalists will be celebrated and recognized at the VPA Convention
Outline Submission Deadline: 06/01/2025 Email: businessforum@myvpa.org
Pitch Submission Deadline: 06/25/2025 Email: businessforum@myvpa.org
More Details & Guidelines – https://docs.google.com/document/d/10T2hpLvnRMM0tgOHuQzLMvlk2YCb4mdl/edit
Live Pitch Presentation Framework: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1GvUWWx-ADrQdzQ5jFYspdKbkFWwcEFyI/mobilebasic
Registration Link –
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZvrM0cdEVcou7i2tVqyiGHA12S6sYgsiGYcShvAwdN0-sxw/viewform?usp=sharing
STARTUP ENTREPRENEURSHIP
We invite ambitious startup entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative ideas at our Business Forum Pitch Session. This is your chance to present to a panel of investors, industry leaders, and potential global partners, gaining valuable exposure and feedback.
Key Goals:
- Pitch to top investors and venture capitalists
- Gain visibility and networking opportunities
- Receive expert feedback to refine your business strategy
- Explore cross-border partnerships for global expansion
Summary & Guidelines –
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ataM4CWtBlrzHtnmlrejJh7kQFkw93ZS4v_UA5BMYdk/edit?usp=sharing
Registration Link –
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hHG_oi_75mGAHa_jLqkExjzEc-QwzM_JEtIJas1HeeI/edit
ENTREPRENEURS GLOBAL CONNECT
The VPA Vishwa Vokkaligara Sammelana Entrepreneurs Business Connect is an event to promote networking, collaboration, and growth among VPA entrepreneurs worldwide.
Key Goals:
- Create an environment where entrepreneurs can connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and potential partners to drive growth and innovation.
- Entrepreneurs share experiences, insights, and strategies to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.
- Unite VPA entrepreneurs around the world, building a strong network that supports collaboration and mutual success.
Summary & Guidelines –
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lGHqWXZOoCralZZuhG-yQuGLgYfkuW4m/edit
Registration Link –
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KxIeECsaAr6a3s-JAmRVvAyU8sYrzBq-9Rhv6LhRz3M/edit
BUSINESS FORUM KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The keynote speaker session will feature a distinguished industry leader who will share insights on Startup growth strategies, and global entrepreneurship.
Topic: TBD
Time and Date: TBD
BUSINESS PANEL FIRE CHAT
A business panel fire chat will be hosted with accomplished business leaders to share diverse perspectives and their experiences and challenges they overcome for their venture and share insights with key information on strategies and motivation.
Key Goals
- Provide a platform for experts to share insights and experiences on relevant business startups and their experiences.
- Present multiple viewpoints on a subject, encouraging critical thinking and broader understanding.
- Create opportunities for attendees and panelists to connect and build professional relationships.