ISF Startup Jathara 2026
Where Grassroots Bharat Meets Global Capital.
India's premier grassroots entrepreneurship summit, uniting founders, investors, and innovators in the heart of Dandakaranya, Odisha.
About the Jathara
A Gathering Unlike Any Other
ISF Startup Jathara is a national platform that brings grassroots founders, Junicorns, investors, and mentors together in Odisha's Dandakaranya region — celebrating indigenous enterprise, accelerating rural innovation, and building lasting bonds between Bharat's entrepreneurial heartland and global capital.
The Four Pillars
Built on Four Exceptional Experiences
Every element of ISF Startup Jathara is designed with purpose — centered around four distinct pillars that make this gathering transformative.
Junicorn Startup Showcase
A dedicated stage for early-stage student and grassroots founders to pitch before investors, mentors, and industry leaders.
Investor & Mentor Connect
Structured one-on-one meetings, panel discussions, and open mentoring sessions bridging capital with grassroots innovation.
Sectoral Roundtables
Deep-dive roundtable dialogues across eight high-growth sectors, led by domain experts, investors, and ecosystem builders.
Dandakaranya Experience
A signature immersive trekking experience through the ancient forests of Dandakaranya, where dialogue flows freely in nature.
Shri J.A. Chowdary
Founder & Chairman — International Startup Foundation (ISF)
Widely recognized as a prime architect of Cyberabad and HITEC City, Shri J.A. Chowdary has spent over three decades building India's technology ecosystem. Through ISF, he is now leading the movement to connect grassroots innovators across Bharat with global mentorship and venture capital.
The place behind the gathering
A region shaped by forest, memory and living culture.
Experience a landscape where ancient epic memory breathes through pristine forests and rolling hills. Trek across timeless highland trails, discover indigenous artisanal crafts, and share ideas under ancient forest canopies with founders and mentors from across the globe. Curious to uncover what makes this historic valley so extraordinary?
Be Part of the Jathara
Whether you are a founder, investor, or ecosystem builder, the Jathara awaits you. Join India's grassroots entrepreneurship gathering this December in Dandakaranya forest, Odisha.
Convened Under the Aegis Of
Organizers, Host & Partners
An institutional alliance uniting global venture networks, regional academic excellence, and grassroots incubation.
ISF Network
International Startup Foundation
Global startup catalyst uniting innovators, policy leaders, and venture funds to build grassroots momentum.
GIET University
Gunupur, Odisha
Scenic 65+ acre academic campus with state-of-the-art convention halls and 28-year innovation legacy.
IncubateX
Innovation Foundation
Venture incubation foundation providing design curriculums, investor roundtables, and mentor ecosystems.