Somaiya Vidyavihar University, a prestigious institution with a history of 80 years under the Somaiya Trust, recently concluded the SIIF 2025 on its expansive, zero-waste campus. The event gathered 109 innovators, over 5,000 students, 50+ investors, and leaders from various industries. The two-day festival, organized by Somaiya Vidyavihar and Somaiya School of Design, received support from the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, and Maharashtra State Innovation Society.
SIIF 2025 served as an important platform for fostering innovation, investment, and community-driven impact. This year’s festival featured a blend of Maker Mela, Darwin, and Nazariya, centered around the theme, “Empowering Communities through Conversations, Collaborations, and Creativity.”
The event brought together industry experts, startup founders, and policymakers for panel discussions, showcases, and networking sessions. Notable speakers such as Dr Niranjan Hiranandani (Founder and Chairman, Hiranandani Group), Shantanu Deshpande (Founder and CEO, Bombay Shaving Company), and Prof Ramesh Raskar (MIT Media Lab) inspired the audience with their entrepreneurial experiences.
A key highlight was the unveiling of the Conscious Creators Community Manifesto by Amrita Somaiya, Governing Board Member, SomaiyaVidyavihar University. This manifesto outlined a commitment to ethical, inclusive, and sustainable fashion and lifestyle practices, encouraging responsible innovation.
A panel discussion on “The Future of Sustainable Fashion: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities” featured speakers like Shreya Ghodawat (Sustainability and Climate Activist), Siddharth Lulla (Principal – Circular Economy, Intellecap), Surbhi Manocha Choudhary (Founder, Ekobae), and Siddhart hSomaiya (Artist and Entrepreneur). The conversation advanced the manifesto’s vision of promoting sustainability in fashion.
The festival also included the Mumbai Ghanta (InspirED Talks) series, with speakers such as Harish Iyer (Equal Rights Activist) and AkankshaThakore (Well-being Facilitator & Poet), who explored topics of social impact and well-being. Additionally, the ‘Mumbai Matters’ panel, curated by Blue Ribbon Movement, delved into how collective efforts from society, government, and business can create an inclusive and thriving Mumbai.
Esteemed panelists included Ajit Kumar Jain (IAS, Retd.), Pooja Bajaj (CSR Executive Director, Bajaj Electricals), Khrisha Shah Ambani (Community Supporter), and Shri Samir Somaiya (Chancellor, SomaiyaVidyavihar University). SIIF also marked the launch of the Somaiya Angel Network (SAN), with 30 startups engaging in speed networking and five startups pitching to 51 investors. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, the festival collaborated with Earth4Ever Conservation Foundation to plant trees on behalf of its distinguished guests, supporting the fight against climate change.
Shri Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, shared his reflections on the festival’s impact, stating, “At Somaiya Vidyavihar, we are dedicated to empowering communities through innovation, collaboration, and creativity. Through the Somaiya Innovation and Impact Festival, we are co-creating an educational experience that reaches beyond the campus, benefiting surrounding communities and making a meaningful global impact.”
With a focus on collaboration, sustainability, and innovation-driven impact, SIIF 2025 successfully reinforced its mission to empower entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders to contribute to a more sustainable and brighter future.
