Latest news with #GlobalJunicornSummit
Hans India
7 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
50 rural innovators showcase ideas to global investors in the US
Austin (USA): In a major boost to rural innovation, 50 student innovators from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka showcased their startup ideas to global investors and corporate leaders at the Global Junicorn Summit held recently at Texas State University in San Marcos, near Austin. Organised by the International Startup Foundation (ISF), based in Bengaluru, the summit was part of a two-day event that also featured the Global AI Summit. The initiative received an overwhelming response from tech leaders, startup founders, and investors from across the US. The 50 student innovators, termed 'Junicorns' (junior unicorns), were shortlisted from over 1,000 applicants through a six-month rigorous selection and mentoring process. Their ideas, covering diverse domains such as agriculture, health tech, sustainability, and education, were developed into pitch-ready prototypes with the support of ISF. The foundation also facilitated their travel to the United States. 'The idea behind Junicorns is to encourage young rural innovators from India by giving them global exposure so that they can eventually evolve into successful entrepreneurs and become role models for youth in rural areas,' said JA Chowdary, Founder of ISF and the key force behind the initiative. 'This summit provided me with a global platform to pitch my idea. Several investors showed serious interest in supporting my innovation.' said a rural innovator from Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh. The ISF announced its next step—to build a global mentor network connecting summit attendees and industry leaders to support these Junicorns in turning their ideas into scalable startups. The event concluded with the Global AI Summit, where technology leaders and CEOs discussed the transformative role of artificial intelligence across industries. The summit saw vibrant discussions on AI's applications in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and education, underlining its relevance in shaping future innovations. Both summits highlight ISF's commitment to bridging rural innovation with global opportunities, demonstrating how talent from India's heartland can make an impact on the world stage when empowered with the right platform and mentorship.
Hans India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
50 Indian rural innovators to attend Global Junicorn & AI Summit in US
Hyderabad: In a momentous leap for Indian grassroots innovation, 50 rural student innovators and mentors from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka were given a hero's farewell recently at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, as they boarded their flight to the United States. This diverse group, selected from over 1,000 applicants through a rigorous six-month nationwide process, will represent India at the Global Junicorn Summit (May 29) and Global AI Summit (May 30) hosted by the International Startups Foundation (ISF) at Texas State University, San Marcos, USA. Most of these young Junicorns—many stepping onto an airplane or leaving their home state for the first time—are now headed for a life-changing journey through four major cities in Texas: Dallas, Austin, San Marcos, and Houston. In a rare gesture of encouragement, the innovators were warmly received by Rao Munukutla, Executive Director & CEO, Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL)—a wholly owned subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL). Special displays, celebratory visuals, and a joyful cake-cutting ceremony marked the occasion inside the airport terminal. Munukutla, said: 'These young minds are carrying India's spirit of innovation to the global stage. We are proud to support this transformative initiative. Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru is not just a hub for travel, but a launchpad for dreams.' The delegation will participate in two flagship summits—Global Junicorn and Global AI— where their homegrown solutions will be showcased before international mentors, industry CXOs, and venture capitalists. The students will also visit NASA's Space Center in Houston, the Texas Science Museum, and startup incubators and innovation centers in Dallas, San Marcos, and Austin. These experiences aim to broaden their global outlook and sharpen their entrepreneurial ideas. Dr JA Chowdary, Founder Chairman of ISF and Former IT Advisor to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, is already in the US preparing a strong ecosystem of mentors, CXOs, and investors who will guide and empower these budding changemakers. Accompanying the delegation is Dr Siva Mahesh Tangutooru, Co-founder of ISF, who is leading this expedition with deep commitment and vision. Dr Siva Mahesh Tangutooru said: 'This is more than a journey—it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that transforms lives. These students represent untapped brilliance, and our mission is to give them the platform, exposure, and belief they need to build the future. What begins here will echo back in their communities as real-world change.'
