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Where ideas
find their value

‘Mawazo’ which means “ideas”, is a word coined from African Swahili language. This word reflects the importance of indigenous ideas that can transform the global south both socially and economically .

Last date for registration: February 05,2025
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KERALA'S YOUTH STARTUP FESTIVAL

WHAT IS
MAWAZO?

A DYFI
KERALA
INITIATIVE

2025 MAR 1 - 2

TAGORE THEATRE
TRIVANDRUM

Join Mawazo and make your mark on Kerala’s entrepreneurial landscape!


Mawazo literally means “ideas” and is taken from Swahili. We use this African word to signify the importance of indigenous ideas that can transform the global south both socially and economically.
In recent years, Kerala’s startup landscape has changed tremendously. It is high time to provide a platform for young innovators to creatively engage in this ecosystem. DYFI being a socially committed organization with selfless activists in every corner of Kerala, is responsible for its due share in this process. Mawazo is more than a festival; it’s a movement to inspire innovation for social cause and entrepreneurial spirit among Kerala’s youth.

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WHO COULD
ATTEND
MAWAZO?

WHO COULD
ATTEND
MAWAZO?

The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) stands as one of India’s largest youth organisations, with nearly 5 million members in Kerala alone. Renowned for its social responsibility and extensive outreach, DYFI actively contributes to community welfare through its various initiatives.

Committed to progressive ideals and equality, DYFI also fosters professional excellence. DYFI has a professional subcommittee comprising young professionals who have graduated from premier institutes in India and possess considerable experience in their respective fields.

Mawazo is an initiative launched by the DYFI Kerala State Unit with active involvement from its professional subcommittee.
STUDENTS
WITH VISION

Young minds aged 15–40, brimming with entrepreneurial ideas, are the primary audience of Mawazo. Whether you're a high school student, a college enthusiast, or part of a university ecosystem, this is your opportunity

YOUNG
PROFESSIONALS

Are you a budding professional eager to make a difference? Mawazo welcomes those in the early stages of their careers who seek to expand their network, develop entrepreneurial skills, and contribute to meaningful changes within the global south.

ASPIRING
ENTREPRENEURS

Kerala’s startup ecosystem is thriving, and Mawazo is the perfect platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas. Join us to engage with like-minded individuals and mentors who can help turn your dreams into reality.

BUSINESS
LEADERS &
INVESTORS

Industry leaders and investors form a crucial part of Mawazo, bringing expertise, resources, and guidance to the table. Your presence can inspire and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, ensuring their ideas have the backing to make a global impact.

‘Mawazo’ offers a unique opportunity to youngsters to present their startup ideas before an experienced set of panelists from Industry and policy making bodies. This event aims to empower youngsters further to translate their novel ideas into viable business enterprises by connecting them to investors and government bodies.

Participants can submit their ideas in the following five categoriesthrough the Mawazo website in the prescribed format. These ideas should not only have business potential but also align with global sustainability efforts.
  • Tourism &
         Hospitality
  • Agriculture
  • Medical
  • Fintech
  • General

  • Selection process: The 25 best ideas from all entries will be shortlisted for the final pitching event.
    Team Size: Teams should consist of no more than 3 members each.
    Total time: 8 Minutes for presentation and 2 minutes for Q&A
    Prize: Top 5 pitches will be awarded Rs. 50000 each
    Multiple workshops and info sessions will be organized to help innovators to familiarize the process of transforming an idea into a successful business.
    Topics include,
    Workshops:
  • Design Thinking
  • From Idea to MVP
  • Mastering Fund-raising and Pitching to Investors
  • Go to Market & Sales Strategy
  • Info Sessions:
  • Govt Support for Startups in Kerala
  • The Role of Robotics in Healthcare
  • AI & Cyber Security
  • Expert panels will discuss opportunities and challenges for building ‘Kerala alternative’ of knowledge based industrial development.
    Topics Include
  • Technology and Capital: Lessons from all around the World
  • Role of Tech influencers in shaping the Kerala Brand
  • Kerala’s Industrial Development: Myth Vs Reality
  • Cooperative Society in Modern Industrial Landscape: ULCCS Experience
  • The changing landscape of Startups in Kerala
  • As part of Mawazo we recognize the best young entrepreneur through a “Youth Startup Icon” award.
    Award Criteria:
  • Founders must be under 40 years old
  • The startup should be Established after 2015.
  • It must be registered with KSUM or Startup India (DPIIT-Recognized)
  • The product/service must align with Sustainability goals
  • The product/service must demonstrate cutting edge technology innovation.
  • The startup must be based in or have significant operations in Kerala.
  • card-imgEXHIBITION BOOTHS
    Exhibition stalls to showcase the products and services by startups across Kerala. These stalls provide an excellent opportunity for networking with potential investors, customers, and collaborators. Interested parties can directly contact the organizing committee via email.
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    YOUTH

    STARTUP

    FESTIVAL

    15+

    Sessions

    50+

    Guests

    5 Lakhs

    Prize Money