New Delhi: Enthused by the ‘massive’ response to its start-up competition ‘BigB Plan 2016’, leading accelerator Espark-Viridian today said that the startup ecosystem has become economy’s growth engine and it is important to support innovative idea based entrepreneurs.

Announcing the winners of the competition organised in association with Headstart Network, Viridian Ventures, Director Mr. Vibuti Channa said “India today stands at the threshold of a new era of product innovation. Our endeavour has been to identify budding entrepreneurs and provide them with all necessary support. It is important to nurture and guide an idea in its early stage to ensure it reaches its maximum potential.”

Small Spark Concepts, Algaari Ventures and Kalaage have been adjudged for first, second and third position respectively after the two month long rigorous contest BigB plan 2016.

Espark-Viridian, which is a joint venture between Viridian Ventures and UK based Entrepreneurial spark promotes, mentors and guides start-ups in early and growth stage startups.

The two-month long, pan-India contest was initiated to help the budding entrepreneurs validate their ideas, provide one-on-one mentorship from internationally recognised experts and gain access to a wide network of investors.

“It is remarkable to see a large number of applications that have the potential to significantly enhance the lifestyle of Indian citizens through innovative solutions.” Mr. Channa added.

The winners were adjudged by an expert panel comprising Jim Duffy, CEO, Entrepreneurial Spark(UK); Vibhuti Channa, Director, Viridian Ventures; Amit Singh, MD, Headstart Network; Murali Hariharan, MD, Venture Investments (Singapore); Lucy Rose Walker; Cofounder, Entrepreneurial Spark(UK); Paresh Gupta, Founder, Neos Angels; Arpit Agarwal, Principal, Blume Ventures; Sanjay Gupta, Mentor and Investor, Gaurav Aggarwal , Founder, Gamezop; Prajakt Raut, Founder, Applify; Dr Wenting Sun, CTO, Ad+ Platform (Singapore)