Eximius IIM Bengaluru continues to be one of India’s most influential entrepreneurship summits, offering an exceptional platform for innovation, collaboration, and inspiration. Every year, the summit attracts thousands of startup founders, investors, students, and professionals who share a passion for creating meaningful change through business. With its high-energy events, curated workshops, and high-impact networking, Eximius has become a must-attend for anyone serious about entrepreneurship.
This article presents the top 10 most impactful and memorable moments from Eximius IIM Bengaluru, moments that not only sparked new ideas but also paved the way for the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. If you’re a startup enthusiast, early-stage founder, or someone dreaming of launching a venture, this guide will give you insights worth keeping. Last year, the theme was “Spark the Change”, which truly reflected the dynamic energy and transformative conversations that unfolded across the event.
Why Eximius IIM Bengaluru Stands Out
Eximius IIM Bengaluru isn’t just another college fest. It’s a national-level entrepreneurship summit that actively shapes the Indian startup landscape. Held at IIM Bangalore, the event blends intellect, creativity, and leadership into an immersive experience. With masterclasses from industry veterans, pitch competitions judged by venture capitalists, and panels featuring founders of unicorn startups, Eximius creates a vibrant atmosphere for knowledge exchange and meaningful partnerships.
From ideation to fundraising, every event is designed to push boundaries and inspire. What sets it apart is the mix of aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced professionals who share the same space, offering a real chance for learning, mentorship, and collaboration.
Overview Table: A Glance at the Top Moments
| Moment/Event | Key Highlight |
| Fireside Chat with Founders | Honest, raw discussions on building startups |
| Startup Pitch Fest | Early-stage ventures presented to real investors |
| Women in Entrepreneurship Panel | Stories of resilience, leadership, and diversity |
| Masterclasses by Industry Experts | In-depth sessions on startup tools and strategies |
| Student Startup Launchpad | College teams unveiled their business ideas |
| Informal Networking Sessions | Tea-time talks led to unexpected partnerships |
| Eximius Awards Night | Recognition of promising ideas and impactful ventures |
| Global Speakers and Collaborations | International insights and cross-border discussions |
1. Fireside Chat with Top Founders
One of the most talked-about moments at Eximius IIM Bengaluru was the candid fireside chat with India’s leading startup founders. Unlike scripted keynote speeches, this session was raw, real, and deeply insightful. Founders spoke about near shutdowns, sleepless nights, and the realities of pivoting business models. Their honesty struck a chord with the audience, especially early-stage entrepreneurs facing similar challenges.
The session was less about theory and more about survival and resilience. It showed that even the biggest names had humble beginnings and that persistence is often more powerful than perfection.
2. Startup Pitch Fest: Where Dreams Met Investors
The pitch fest is the backbone of Eximius. It gives young founders the chance to present their startups to a panel of real investors. From SaaS innovations to sustainable fashion brands, the diversity of ideas was striking. The judges didn’t just listen; they gave feedback that many startups later called “game-changing.”
Some ventures even walked away with mentorship offers and investor interest. The real win, though, was the validation and visibility these founders received at such an early stage in their journey.
3. Women in Entrepreneurship Panel
This panel wasn’t just another checkbox diversity event. It featured founders who had shattered ceilings in traditionally male-dominated sectors like fintech, logistics, and AI. Their stories were a mix of grit, humor, and sharp business acumen.
What made this session powerful was the discussion around the real struggles — like raising funds in male-centric boards or juggling family while managing growth. For young women in the audience, this panel was a clear message: success in entrepreneurship has no gender.
4. Masterclasses by Industry Leaders
Workshops and masterclasses covered everything from product-market fit and customer acquisition to legal compliance and pitch decks. These were led by CXOs and experts who’ve scaled real businesses, not just consultants.
The classes were interactive and case-study driven, making them incredibly practical. For founders trying to scale or streamline operations, this segment offered actionable insights they could take back to their startups immediately.
5. Launchpad for Student Startups
Perhaps one of the most encouraging parts of Eximius IIM Bengaluru was the student startup launchpad. College students got a chance to showcase their ventures — some bootstrapped, some still in ideation. The energy, creativity, and boldness of their ideas impressed both peers and investors.
The session proved that age or experience doesn’t limit innovation. Several student teams received follow-up interest from incubators and alumni networks, turning this launchpad into a true stepping stone.
6. Networking Over Chai
Forget formal meetups — some of the best connections were made over tea and snacks in the networking areas. Founders connected with other entrepreneurs, VCs shared their contact details, and product collaborations were sparked.
These relaxed, informal spaces made people drop their pitch mode and actually connect. That’s what makes Eximius special — it isn’t just about showing up, it’s about showing who you are and finding your tribe.
7. Top Moments in List Format
- Founder Stories That Hit Home
Raw, emotional stories from unicorn and early-stage founders who shared their toughest days, reminding us that vulnerability and courage go hand-in-hand. - Live Product Demos
Real-time demos gave attendees a chance to see innovation in motion. One health-tech startup even ran a live biometric test, drawing a huge crowd and applause.
8. Eximius Awards Night
Recognition matters. The awards night at Eximius IIM Bengaluru wasn’t just about trophies but a celebration of risk-takers. From social ventures solving rural issues to tech startups aiming for scale, winners were chosen for impact and innovation.
The night had a formal vibe, yet it was full of joy and stories of personal growth. Many winners later said that the recognition helped them open doors to funding and partnerships.
9. Collaboration with Global Platforms
International collaboration is now crucial for startups. This year’s Eximius saw participation from speakers tied to global accelerators, tech firms, and research centers. They spoke about building across borders, the importance of understanding global customers, and how to scale across geographies.
This global angle added depth to the summit, especially for founders aiming for international markets.
10. Closing Keynote That Left Everyone Inspired
The closing speech was delivered by the founder of a billion-dollar Indian startup. It wasn’t flashy or filled with jargon. It was deeply human. The founder spoke about imposter syndrome, making mistakes, and the importance of staying honest in business.
That keynote gave the audience not just motivation but perspective. It reminded everyone that in the chaos of KPIs and funding rounds, being human is the real competitive edge.
Final Thoughts
Eximius IIM Bengaluru once again proved that it is more than just a summit — it’s a launchpad for ideas, a classroom for founders, and a celebration of entrepreneurship in its rawest form. The carefully curated mix of panels, workshops, and informal spaces gave attendees an experience that felt both personal and professionally enriching.
For anyone who dreams of building something meaningful, attending Eximius isn’t just a good idea — it’s a necessary step in your journey. Let us know your favorite entrepreneurial moment or what you’d love to see in the next edition of Eximius. Keep exploring more startup stories and don’t forget to check out your entrepreneurial horoscope.
FAQs
What is the purpose of Eximius IIM Bengaluru?
It serves as a premier platform to connect budding entrepreneurs with industry experts, investors, and resources to help turn ideas into real businesses.
Who can attend the event?
Eximius is open to students, founders, professionals, and anyone with an interest in startups and innovation.
Are the pitch competitions limited to IIM students?
No, startups from across India can apply and participate in the pitch competitions after registration and selection.
What kind of startups attend the summit?
Startups from a wide range of industries like fintech, healthcare, SaaS, sustainability, and edtech participate at various stages of growth.
Can I attend virtually?
While Eximius is primarily an in-person event, some sessions may be streamed or uploaded later depending on the year’s format.
