Lucknow/Jhansi. Bundelkhand, traditionally known for agriculture and limited industries, is now seeing a new wave of innovation and entrepreneurship. The two-day BVS Startup Expo-2026, organized at Urban Haat, Jhansi, openly exposed this change. The event indicated that the region is now making its mark as an emerging hub of startup and investment activities.

Enthusiasm and diversity seen at startup stalls

Startups from different sectors set up their stalls on the first day of the expo. These included products and services related to education technology (EdTech), health-tech, solar energy, digital services, e-library, security solutions, agri-innovation and travel sector. The stalls witnessed good presence of students, industry representatives and potential customers. IIT Kanpur was associated with this event as a knowledge partner. Experts provided guidance to the startups on topics such as technical strength, scalability, investment attractiveness and product-market fit. This is being considered an important technical support for regional startups.

Investor Connect: 18 startups presented their business models

The highlight of the event was the “Pitch Circle/Investor Connect” session held on the second day. 18 startups associated with Rise Incubation Center presented their business models to 28 investors from different cities of the country. These startups shared expansion plans and investment needs in sectors such as edutech, health-tech, solar energy, digital solutions and agri-tech.

Edutrack became the center of discussion

Edutrack startup was especially discussed in these presentations. It introduced AI based digital solutions for schools. Under this, features like AI teacher system, student location tracking and school operations management platform are included. Investors showed interest in its scalability and market expansion potential. Apart from this, many other startups have also received positive signals for further investment process.

Bundelkhand startup hub emerging with changing thinking

Experts believe that this event is not just an event but a symbol of the changing mentality of the region. Administrative support, technical guidance and direct interaction with investors is establishing Jhansi as an emerging startup hub. BVS Startup Expo – 2026 has made it clear that Bundelkhand is no longer limited to possibilities, but is moving towards organized and structured entrepreneurship.

Support and future planning of Jhansi Smart City

Jhansi Smart City Limited CEO and Municipal Commissioner Akanksha Rana said that the objective of this expo was not just to hold an exhibition but to directly connect the youth with investors, industry experts and mentors. He said that the confidence with which local startups presented their ideas shows the potential of the region. The priority of smart cities and city administration is to provide institutional support to innovation-based entrepreneurship.

Investment participation from different cities of the country

Through the Rise Incubation Centre, startups are being provided not only with a workplace but also with opportunities for mentorship, networking and investment interaction. The participation of investors from different cities of the country shows that Bundelkhand is now making its place on the national startup map. Such events will be organized regularly in future, so that Jhansi can be developed as a strong startup hub and new employment opportunities can be created for the youth.