What I Saw at the UP International Trade Show

• ByStartupStory     |    October 6, 2026

I spent two days at the UP International Trade Show, visiting multiple halls and interacting with more than 20 startups and their founders. What stood out to me was the diversity of ideas and the energy among entrepreneurs from different parts of Uttar Pradesh.

For many of the founders I met, this was not just about putting up a stall. It was an opportunity to explain their product to people outside their usual network, meet potential customers, understand the market and, in some cases, have conversations that may lead to new partnerships.

I personally feel that this kind of exposure is very important for startups, particularly those coming from smaller cities and districts. A good product can remain unnoticed if the founder does not get the right platform to showcase it. Events like the Trade Show help bridge that gap.

One thing I found particularly valuable was the feedback founders were getting from visitors. I saw founders explaining their products, answering questions and sometimes rethinking how they presented their solutions based on the response they received. For an early-stage startup, this kind of direct market feedback can be extremely useful.

At the same time, after spending two days there and speaking to so many founders, I also felt that we can take such initiatives one step further.

For example, a dedicated quick-support forum from the Startup Mission could help startups understand and access relevant grants and funding opportunities. If eligible cases could get an initial response or direction within a defined timeline, it would make the platform even more useful.

A mentorship forum could also be very valuable. Founders could come with specific challenges and meet experienced entrepreneurs, industry professionals and domain experts for focused one-on-one discussions. Sometimes one good conversation can give a startup much more clarity than weeks of trying to figure things out alone.

Another practical addition could be dedicated compliance counters for startups, covering areas such as GST, FSSAI, taxation, legal requirements and other registrations. These are very real challenges for early-stage founders, and having the right expert available at such an event can save them considerable time.

Overall, my experience at the UP International Trade Show was very positive. I came back with a better understanding of the kind of entrepreneurial energy that exists across Uttar Pradesh. The event is already creating visibility and opportunities for businesses and startups.

The next step, in my view, is to make these opportunities more regular and connect them with continued support in funding, mentorship, compliance and market access. That is where the real long-term impact can come from.

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