Thu Sep 26 15:03:44 UTC 2024: ## India’s Start-up Scene Explores Rural Solutions at ISF 2024

Hyderabad, India – The International Start-up Foundation (ISF) has urged the Indian government to leverage the country’s vast data resources to foster innovation and propel economic growth. Addressing the inaugural of the ISF 2024, a three-day start-up festival, JA Chowdary, Chairperson and Convenor of ISF, emphasized the potential of data-driven solutions, particularly in tackling the challenges of rural India.

“Start-ups in other countries lack the abundant data that India possesses,” Chowdary said. “We can use this to develop solutions that benefit our entire population.”

ISF 2024, held in Hyderabad, featured an expo with over 200 curated start-ups, including 30 “Junicorns” – young innovators showcasing their projects. The event also saw the signing of 12 Memoranda of Understanding between ISF and key organisations, including the Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association (HYSEA) and WeHub, a Telangana government initiative promoting women entrepreneurs.

Chowdary highlighted the importance of focusing on rural India, which constitutes 65% of the country’s population but contributes only 46% of its national income. He believes that technology-driven solutions can effectively address the unique challenges faced by this demographic and improve the lives of the majority of Indians.

The ISF 2024 Pitch Fest saw 50 innovative start-ups emerge as winners, selected from a pool of over 53,000 applicants. The three-day event drew in over 250 top CXOs, 300 venture capital fund representatives, and 5,000 delegates from 15 countries.

D Sridhar Babu, Telangana Minister for IT and Industries, acknowledged the need for more unicorns (start-ups valued at over $1 billion) to propel the Indian economy to the next level. He expressed the state’s commitment to achieving a $1 trillion economy in the coming decade and emphasized the crucial role of start-ups in achieving this goal.

ISF 2024 showcased the vibrant Indian start-up scene, highlighting its potential to drive economic progress and address societal challenges, particularly in rural areas. The event provided a platform for collaboration, innovation, and investment, paving the way for the future of Indian entrepreneurship.

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