Vocal-for-local finally goes global, as these 50 entrepreneurs show

Bengaluru: In a proud moment for Indian grassroots innovation, 50 rural student innovators and mentors from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka departed for the United States recently to represent India at the Global JUNICORN (29 May) and Global AI (30 May) summits hosted by the International Startups Foundation (ISF) at Texas State University.

Selected from over 1,000 applicants through a rigorous six-month process, the delegation received a grand send-off at Kempegowda International Airport.

For many, it’s their first time boarding an aircraft or travelling outside their home state.

Rao Munukutla, Executive Director and CEO of Bengaluru Airport City Limited, personally greeted the group.

“These young minds are carrying India’s spirit of innovation to the world stage. Our airport is proud to be the launchpad for such dreams,” he said, as celebrations — including a cake-cutting ceremony and special displays — lit up the terminal.

The innovators, dubbed ‘JUNICORNs’, will travel across Dallas, Austin, San Marcos, and Houston, showcasing their homegrown solutions to global mentors, industry leaders, and venture capitalists.

The journey also includes visits to NASA’s Space Center, the Texas Science Museum and leading innovation hubs.

ISF Founder Chairman Dr J.A. Chowdary is already in the U.S. preparing the ecosystem to support the young innovators.

Leading the delegation is ISF co-founder Dr Siva Mahesh Tangutooru, who called it “a life-changing journey that will inspire real change in their communities.”

ISF, a not-for-profit organisation, is on a mission to create 100,000 youth entrepreneurs by 2030, empowering rural and underrepresented talent through global exposure, mentorship, and startup incubation.