Never underestimate your ‘authentic intelligence’, Shradha Sharma tells entrepreneurs, as she kicks off 16th edition of TechSparks

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly, Shradha Sharma, Founder and CEO of YourStory, urged founders to trust their own "authentic intelligence”.

Setting the tone for TechSparks 2025—India’s largest startup-tech conference in Bengaluru, Shradha told entrepreneurs not to forget their authentic intelligence, which comes from their intuition, emotional depth, and lived experiences. That is something no machine can replace, she said.

This year's edition of TechSparks, from November 6 to 8, 2025, centres around the theme 'India 2030: Powered by AI'.

"For the next three days, feel from the heart, learn, and work. And never underestimate your authentic intelligence, your own intelligence. We should protect ourselves, our authenticity," Shradha reiterated, welcoming everyone to the 16th edition of TechSparks.

Reflecting on the 16 years of building in Bengaluru, the growth of India’s startup ecosystem, and the emotional and philosophical journey of entrepreneurship, Shradha said, “I moved to Bangalore around 16 or 17 years ago. At that time, the word 'startup' was barely used. I had moved from Mumbai—though I am originally from Bihar—and everyone said, 'You are going to the tech city'. So I came here, expecting something electric, some spark. But I couldn’t see it at first."

That is how the name TechSparks was born—from a yearning to create that 'spark'.

Looking at Bengaluru’s transformation, Shradha said, "If you shake any tree in Indiranagar, HSR, or Koramangala, either a startup founder or an entrepreneur will fall out.” That is how deeply the startup culture has taken root in the city. 

As Shradha spent months travelling through Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, she realised how living in the startup capital of Bengaluru can distance people from the lived reality of most of India. She noted that we live in a country of 1.4 billion people, but there is a meaningful difference between India and Bharat.

While entrepreneurs are associated with many things, they are rarely acknowledged for the 'philosophy' they develop through the course of their journey, said Shradha. Their journey is emotionally, mentally, and spiritually challenging, she said, adding that, when they build something for years, through uncertainty and hardship, they transform. They become not only an entrepreneur, but also a philosopher.

Shradha said she wished she knew, when she first came to Bengaluru, a lesson she learned much later. The lesson was from Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita: “I am my own best friend. I am my own worst enemy," she said, adding, “Only I have the ability to elevate my life, and only I have the ability to diminish it."

She noted that entrepreneurs spend so much time thinking about others—investors, successful founders, competitors—but their life’s state, peace and direction ultimately rest in their own hands.

Evolution of Techsparks

For 15 years, TechSparks has been the hotbed of bold ideas and transformative innovation, setting the stage for crucial industry narratives and partnerships.

This year, the focus will be on the monumental opportunities of AI and deep technology, positioning India not merely as a participant but as a leader on the world stage.

TechSparks 2025 is packed with keynote addresses, fireside chats, and panel discussions covering topics such as AI governance, cybersecurity, fintech, and the rise of agentic AI, featuring speakers including CEOs of major tech companies, thought leaders, and key decision-makers.