Ankura Bus Yatra to promote rural startups

Amaravati: The International Startup Foundation (ISF) has embarked on an ambitious and innovative project aimed at transforming rural India by creating job opportunities, fostering startup enterprises, and generating wealth in these regions by organising Ankura Rural Yatra from Amaravati to Sri City to boost rural-based startups. The goal is to narrow the growing rural-urban divide, which has driven many rural youth to migrate to urban centres like Hyderabad and Bengaluru due to a lack of local opportunities. Despite this trend, numerous surveys highlight the vast potential for startups in rural India, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, education, health tech, and finance.

The organisers are expecting over 20 buses, 50 investors, 100 mentors and 300 founders in the yatra. A regional startup connect will begin on September 30 followed by flag off at KL University, Vaddeswaram on October 1. Under investor connect, it is expected to attract top startup companies to be featured at State level finals.

There will be an award session for finalists. Rural Ankura Investor Connect sessions will have connectivity with global CXOs, mentors, industry and startup leaders. Private meetings with Ministers and policy-makers are planned to explore strategies for boosting employment opportunities across the State. The yatra will be flagged off from Amaravati on October 2 to Sri City. Next day, the participants will have Sri City industry visit and meetings with the officials to learn and discuss the benefits at the cluster and marketing opportunities.