The International Startup Foundation, in association with International Startups Network Pvt Ltd (ISN), is set to host the International Startup Festival (ISF) 2024 from 26th to 28th September at the Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI), Gachibowli, Hyderabad. This significant event will bring together over 15 countries, including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, and several European nations, offering a unique platform for startups to collaborate with investors, industry leaders, and innovators from across the globe.
With participation from 250+ CXOs, 300+ venture capitalists, 800+ global angels, 5,000+ delegates, and over 2,000 exhibitors, ISF 2024 is expected to be one of the largest startup events worldwide. The three-day festival will feature discussions on critical topics such as FinTech, AgriTech, Health Tech, Women in Business, and Rural Economic innovation, ensuring broad representation across industries.
Key Highlights and Opportunities
Startups at ISF 2024 will have the chance to present their innovative ideas during ISF 24 Pitch Sessions, where they can receive feedback and secure potential funding from seasoned investors. The event will also offer investor-startup matchmaking sessions to foster relationships, while the ISF Talks will provide industry insights from top experts.
The festival will also host over 2,000 exhibitors, showcasing groundbreaking products and solutions, with a particular focus on the Junicorn Pavilion, where future entrepreneurs will demonstrate their innovations.
A Hub for Global Collaboration
Speaking about the significance of ISF 2024, Mr. JA Chowdary, Key Architect of the Indian Tech Industry and Chairperson and Convenor of ISF, emphasized the event’s importance for fostering global collaboration and innovation.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to bring the International Startup Festival to Hyderabad, fostering collaboration and innovation within the global startup ecosystem. With the theme ‘Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the AI Era,’ we aim to empower startups by integrating AI technologies into their ventures, enabling them to solve real-world challenges and drive sustainable growth. Following the success of the Global CXO Summits in the USA and Jamaica, ISF 24 is set to be an extraordinary gathering of innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the world, marking a pivotal moment for the future of entrepreneurship. At ISF we aim to address challenges faced by startups like moving them from the idea stage to execution, supporting them with mentorship, avenues for funding, and fostering synergistic networks.”
He also introduced ISF Gurukul, a partnership with Sri City aimed at equipping graduates with real-time training in data science and prompt engineering, creating a talent pool for the startup ecosystem.
Focusing on Rural Innovation
ISF 2024 will also stand out for its focus on rural innovation through its Rural Economic Forum. The Ankura Yatra initiative will see mentors and investors travel to rural areas to help grassroots innovators showcase their ideas, providing them with guidance, investment, and market access.
Dr. Siva Mahesh Tangutooru, Director at ISF Network, highlighted ISF’s unique approach to inclusivity and innovation:
“ISF 2024 is set to attract participation from over 50,000 startups from India, the USA, and other countries, with the top 150 startups being selected as finalists. These finalists will have the unique opportunity to pitch their ideas onstage to secure funding, and mentoring from the industry experts. The selection process stems from the Investor Connect Workshops held across key locations, including Pune, Bengaluru, Andhra Pradesh, the USA, Europe, and Hyderabad. ISF distinguishes itself by offering the Junicorn Roundtable, a dedicated forum to inspire and support the next generation of innovators. ISF24 will be the only platform with a dedicated focus on Rural Innovation. To further inclusion of rural India, International Startup Foundation is pioneering ‘Ankura Yatra’ where the mentors, investors, and industry experts travel to the rural areas allowing the grassroots innovators to display their ideas and secure guidance, investment, and market access to reach out to a larger population.”
Government Support and Presence
ISF 2024 will be graced by key policymakers, including the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Sri A Revanth Reddy, Deputy CM Sri Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, and other prominent ministers, who will share their insights on developing successful enterprises in the region.
Powered by Vamshiram Builders and Co-Powered by NTT Data, the event promises to be a groundbreaking occasion for the global startup ecosystem.
