The AKCJ Ventures team had the privilege of attending the launch event for the 21st edition of Conquest, BITS Pilani’s renowned startup accelerator, held at WeWork Blue One Square, Gurgaon. Conquest has grown from a campus business plan competition into India’s largest student-run accelerator, nurturing over 2,000 startups and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The evening was marked by inspiring keynote addresses from Aloke Bajpai, CEO of Ixigo, and Bipin Preet Singh, Founder of Mobikwik. Both speakers offered candid insights drawn from their journeys—Aloke Bajpai emphasized the importance of meaningful innovation and customer-centricity, while Bipin Preet Singh spoke about resilience, grit, and the value of staying true to one’s beliefs, even in the face of rejection. Their stories reinforced a powerful message: while trends and technologies evolve, the core values of conviction, perseverance, and authenticity remain timeless for founders.

The event’s freestyle networking session brought together senior executives, founders, and investors from across the NCR ecosystem, creating a dynamic space for learning and collaboration. It was a testament to the tradition of Conquest—honoring its roots while embracing new ideas and bold ambitions.

We congratulate BITS Pilani and the entire Conquest team for their dedication in building a platform that empowers early-stage startups and preserves the spirit of entrepreneurship. Here’s to many more years of fostering innovation and upholding the values that drive lasting success.