Indian-American entrepreneur, media professional, and global ecosystem builder Dr. Tausif Malik has officially announced the launch of the Pune Ideas Festival (PIF), India's first dedicated Ideas Festival. Scheduled for February 2027, the three-day event aims to create a world-class platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, education, technology, sustainability, healthcare, public policy, and global collaboration.

Pune Ideas Festival is important for India and the world because India has one of the largest youth populations globally, and this young demographic represents the future of innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. By bringing together students, startups, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers on a single platform, the festival channels this demographic strength into meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and action. It creates opportunities for young minds to engage directly with global experts, transform ideas into impactful ventures, and contribute to solving real-world challenges. In this way, the festival not only positions Pune as a hub of ideas but also highlights India’s role in shaping the future of the global knowledge and innovation economy.

Pune Ideas Festival will bring together global thought leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors, academics, researchers, policymakers, industry pioneers, creators, media professionals, and changemakers from India and around the world. The inaugural festival is expected to attract between 3,000 and 5,000 delegates, making it one of India's largest multidisciplinary platforms dedicated to ideas and innovation.

Speaking on the launch, Dr. Tausif Malik, Founder of Pune Ideas Festival and Founder Director of TMA Worldwide, said:

"The world's greatest breakthroughs begin with ideas. Every innovation, startup, scientific discovery, social movement, and transformative change started as an idea. Pune Ideas Festival is designed to bring together bold thinkers and visionary leaders who are shaping the future. Our goal is to create a platform where ideas become action, collaborations become opportunities, and innovation creates impact."

He added:

"Pune has long been known as a city of education, research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Through Pune Ideas Festival, we want to showcase Pune and India to the world while inspiring the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. We believe one idea can change a life, and one inspired generation can change the future."

The festival will feature twelve flagship tracks covering some of the most important themes shaping the future:

• Education & Future Learning
• Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
• Automotive & Future Mobility
• Pharma, Healthcare & Biotechnology
• Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital
• Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
• Sustainability & Climate Action
• Smart Cities & Urban Innovation
• Public Policy & Governance
• Media, Culture & Creative Economy
• Women Leaders Forum
• Global India & Diaspora Summit

Participants can expect keynote presentations, fireside chats, panel discussions, startup showcases, innovation exhibitions, investor forums, networking events, leadership roundtables, student engagement programs, cultural experiences, and industry-academia collaborations.

Members of the organizing team believe the festival will become one of India's most influential intellectual and innovation platforms.

Satish Nair, Organizing Committee Member, said:

"Pune possesses a unique combination of world-class educational institutions, thriving startups, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a strong culture of innovation. Pune Ideas Festival will create a platform where these strengths can converge and inspire meaningful conversations, collaborations, and opportunities."

Yousuf Khan, Organizing Committee Member, added:

"Innovation happens when diverse perspectives come together. Pune Ideas Festival will connect entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers, corporate leaders, and students to explore solutions that address real-world challenges and create lasting impact."

Eddna Samuel, Organizing Committee Member, commented:

"The future belongs to those who are willing to think differently, embrace change, and collaborate. Pune Ideas Festival will provide a platform for emerging leaders, women entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers to share their voices, ideas, and experiences with a global audience."

The Pune Ideas Festival has also announced its founding Board of Advisors, comprising distinguished leaders from healthcare, higher education, entrepreneurship, innovation, media, and international affairs.

Current Board of Advisors

Dr. Shabana Parvez
Founder & Medical Director, Arlington Integrative Medical Center (AIMA) & Babies4.us

Prof. Ujjwal K. Chowdhury: Pro Vice Chancellor, Techno India University, West Bengal

Major Sunil Shetty, SM (Retd.): Founder, My Startup TV

Professor Dr. Sudhir Gavhane: Veteran Higher Educationist, Former Vice-Chancellor, MGM University, Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik

Yogendra Puranik, PhD: Social Worker, Public Speaker, Writer, Japan's First Asian-Origin MLA (Former), First Indian-Origin Civil Services Officer, First Foreign-Origin Public School Principal, and Advisor to Innovation Fusion Society of Japan

Trilok Malik: Emmy-Nominated Filmmaker, Actor & Entrepreneur

Dr Prakash Sharma: Global Startup Ecosystem Ambassador

The Organizing Committee confirmed that the Advisory Board will continue to expand with prominent leaders from India and across the globe.

Speaking about the expansion, Dr. Malik said:

"Our vision is to build one of the most diverse and influential advisory boards in India. We are currently engaging with distinguished leaders from academia, business, healthcare, technology, venture capital, public policy, sustainability, media, and international relations who share our commitment to innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and societal progress."

Future advisors are expected to represent sectors including Artificial Intelligence, Venture Capital, Higher Education, Biotechnology, Climate Action, Smart Cities, Manufacturing, Public Policy, Creative Industries, Women Leadership, Global Trade, International Relations, and Social Impact.

A key focus of the festival will be youth engagement and future leadership development. Students will have opportunities to participate as delegates, volunteers, interns, innovators, startup founders, and future leaders while interacting directly with global speakers and industry experts.

Students are future leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and changemakers of society. Throughout history, transformative ideas have changed lives, industries, economies, and nations. Pune Ideas Festival is designed to inspire the next generation by providing direct access to global thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. One idea can change a life, and one generation can change the world.

The festival will also serve as a platform to showcase India's innovation ecosystem, research capabilities, entrepreneurial spirit, culture, talent, and leadership to a global audience. By bringing together international speakers, investors, policymakers, academics, corporations, startups, and civil society leaders, Pune Ideas Festival aims to strengthen India's position as a global knowledge and innovation powerhouse.

With strong support from academia, industry, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, Pune Ideas Festival is expected to become a landmark annual gathering where ideas inspire action, innovation drives progress, and collaboration creates lasting impact.

About Pune Ideas Festival

Pune Ideas Festival™ is India's first dedicated Ideas Festival, bringing together global thought leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, academics, investors, creators, and changemakers to explore the ideas shaping the future. Through inspiring conversations, innovation showcases, and meaningful collaborations, the festival aims to accelerate innovation, promote knowledge exchange, and create positive societal impact.

Event Details

• Dates: February 2027
• Duration: Three Days
• Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
• Expected Attendance: 3,000–5,000 Delegates
• Theme: Ideas. Innovation. Impact.

Media Contact

Pune Ideas Festival Media Relations
TMA Worldwide
Email: tausif@tmaww.co
Website: www.puneideas.org