Technovate for India – Rajasthan Edition, organised by The Times of India in association with Talrop, took place on January 10, 2025, at the Hilton Jaipur. The event marked a significant milestone in promoting innovation,entrepreneurship, and technology, with a specific focus on transforming the tourism sector in Rajasthan. The conclave gathered some of India’s brightest young minds, offering them a platform to display their creativity and technological expertise. It celebrated the integration of human ingenuity and technological advancements, paving the way for a new era of inclusivity and innovation in tourism.
The day began with an inspiring inaugural address by Dr. Subodh Agarwal, IAS, Director General of the Indira Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sansthan. Drawing from his 36 years of experience in public policy and administration, Dr. Agarwal discussed the accelerating pace of change driven by innovation. “Change is the only constant,” he remarked, adding, “What has changed today is the speed of change. From agriculture to the industrial revolution to AI, each step has moved us forward exponentially.” He shared personal anecdotes, including his early fascination with platforms like BookMyShow, humorously recalling, “I remember the first time I used an online ticket booking service; it felt like magic.” His reflections on balancing innovation with mental health resonated with the audience, as he noted, “While chasing success, maintaining balance is crucial, or the very innovations we pursue can lead to toburnout.”
Abhishek Daga, co-founder of Thrillophilia, shared his entrepreneurial journey during the Technovate for India Conclave 2025. An IIT BHU alumnus, Abhishek launched

Thrillophilia

in 2011 with Chitra Daga, creating India’s leading experiential travel platform. By utilising AI and machine learning, the company has redefined travel personalisation, serving over 100
million users across 90 countries. He reflected on the highs and lows of his journey, including early struggles, market misjudgments, and financial challenges, as well as how the company scaled successfully after overcoming setbacks like the COVID-19 pandemic. Thrillophilia now stands as a leader in multi-day tours and global partnerships.

“Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster where every day brings adventure and challenge. Perseverance and a strong team help you survive the toughest drops and emerge stronger,” said Abhishek Daga.
The event also featured a fireside chat between Abhishek Daga and Srikanth Tripathy, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, discussing the role of AI and virtual reality in tourism. Daga emphasised that AI allows for highly personalised experiences, “Every trip is tailored, and AI helps us adjust each experience to individual preferences.” While acknowledging the value of technology, he also stated, “AI will never replace human touch,” underscoring the
importance of cultural immersion and human connections in travel.
Throughout the day, interactive quizzes and discussions kept the audience engaged, where participants explored iconic business innovations and the transformative potential of AI. These sessions encouraged attendees to think creatively and embrace new ideas.
Jones Joseph, Director and COO of Talrop, shared his ambitious vision for transforming India into a global technology hub. He outlined Talrop’s major projects, including Inventor Park, Techies Park, and Village Park, which aim to connect young talent with industry veterans. These initiatives bridge the gap between young talent and industry leaders, fostering an environment where ideas can grow without obstacles.

“Our goal is to create an environment where ideas can grow without obstacles,” Joseph shared during his presentation.
These projects aim to cultivate a culture of innovation, providing support for startups through distributed capital, venture studio services, and revenue-sharing models. Joseph also highlighted the importance of sustainable growth. “We’re committed to building solutions that not only address global challenges but also transform lives,” he said. Talrop’s forward-thinking approach is paving the way for a future where innovation is accessible to all, nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
The highlight of the day was the Ideathon, where over 28 teams competed to present technological solutions aimed at enhancing inclusivity in Rajasthan’s tourism sector. Teams were judged on their creativity, feasibility, and potential impact. After deliberation, the judges selected three standout teams as winners. The first prize went to the team from LNM Institute of Information Technology, Jaipur, for their groundbreaking project aimed at enriching cultural and travel experiences in Rajasthan. They received Rs 50,000 and a trophy. The second prize went to Anand International College of Engineering for their

sustainable tourism

approach, earning Rs 40,000. The third-place winners were from Global Institute of Technology, who presented a project focused on improving accessibility for tourists. They were awarded Rs 30,000. The Ideathon demonstrated the participants’ ability to solve real-world problems with creative solutions.
This edition of Technovate for India followed successful events in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, and Pune. These conclaves consistently offered young innovators a platform to engage with industry leaders and gain insights into the evolving technological landscape. The Rajasthan Edition continued this tradition, preparing the next generation for future challenges and opportunities.
As the event concluded, the speakers left the audience with words of encouragement. Dr. Agarwal reminded participants of the exponential pace of change, urging them to adapt and innovate. “Innovation has always been key to startups. We’ve moved from a nomadic lifestyle to agriculture, from agriculture to industry, and now to AI. In any venture, relationships are vital startups thrive on emotional intelligence, not just financial intelligence,” he concluded.

Daga shared his belief that entrepreneurship is an addiction, where the journey matters more than the destination. He encouraged the youth to enjoy the process, learn from setbacks, and celebrate every step forward. “Success is not about avoiding failure. It’s about learning from failure and pushing forward with more conviction. To stay relevant, invest time daily to learn something new—whether it’s AI, business strategies, or improving your skill set,” he said.
Joseph closed the event with an inspiring message about the power of innovation. “Each individual can lead and make a difference. Together, we can create a future that’s not only technologically advanced but also inclusive and sustainable,” he emphasized. The event ended on a high note, leaving participants motivated to embrace new ideas and take bold steps toward shaping the future.
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Technovate for India, a collaborative initiative of Talrop and The Times of India, by Times Internet's team