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Build Boldly

Empowering the Next Wave of FinTech Innovation in Odisha. BharatNetra is more than an initiative; it is the global launchpad for financial technology building from Bharat, initiated by the Government of Odisha in partnership with GFTN. From the FinTech Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bhubaneswar, we provide the infrastructure, mentorship, and global network, required to transform local ideas into world-class solutions.

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The FinTech Centre of Excellence 

The Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the Odisha Technology Centre in Bhubaneswar is the heart of the BharatNetra Innovation Hub. Dedicated to driving digital transformation, the CoE provides a high-velocity environment where FinTech and InsurTech ventures receive structured incubation, mentorship, and a direct pathway to market readiness and global access.

BUZY X BharatNetra 19th JAN -17
BharatNetra Logo Pack_BharatNetra Startup Incubator_Reversed White

The BharatNetra Startup Incubator is a 3-month, cohort-based programme designed for pre-seed & early-stage startups building for India’s rapidly evolving financial ecosystem. The incubator is suitable for FinTech, InsurTech, and HealthTech with embedded finance. 

 

Anchored at the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the programme brings together deep domain learning, hands-on mentoring, and direct ecosystem access to help founders move from idea to market-ready solutions. 

 

With GFTN global platforms, the incubator combines global best practices with a strong Bharat-first lens, enabling startups to build scalable and adoption-ready financial products. 

Cohort 1 begins 9 March 2026. Apply by 16 February 2026.

Meet Cohort 1 of BharatNetra Startup Incubator

On 9 March 2026, we welcomed our inaugural cohort in Bhubaneswar. The 3-month hybrid programme provides founders with the tools and skills to move from MVP to market-readiness. Download the cohort lookbook to find out more about the companies.

Innovation Pathways: Choose Your Track

Our programmes are designed to meet you where you are - from early-stage validation to Series A and onwards.

Incubator

The Incubator Programme is the engine of the Innovation pillar. Run by GFTN as part of the Centre of Excellence, it blends local strengths with international experience to help startups grow faster and smarter. It is a structured 3‑month hybrid programme. 

Designed for early-stage founders to move from ideation to market-ready.

Eligibility Criteria  

- FinTech, InsurTech, Tech with embedded finance preferred
- Incorporated business
- Minimal Viable Product or early traction
- Not more than 18-months from the date of incorporation

 

What the incubator offers:

- Building for Bharat
- GTM strategy
- Enterprise partnerships
- Regulatory environment
- Approaches to fundraising
- Pitch refinement and mock pitch sessions
- Office hours with experts

Accelerator 

The Accelerator Programme is the lauchpad of the engine of the Innovation pillar. Innovation pillar. Run by GFTN as part of the Centre of Excellence, it provides startups with a strategic gateway to global markets, institutional capital, and enterprise partnerships. It is an intensive, high-impact scaling programme.

Designed for growth-stage ventures looking for rapid expansion and investment.

Eligibility Criteria

- FinTech, InsurTech, Tech with embedded finance preferred
- Incorporated business
- Full-time commitment to the startup
- More than 18-months from the date of incorporation
- Existing revenue and/ or funding raised

What the Accelerator offers:

- Global market access
- Deep-dives with industry-leading mentors
- Investor connect opportunities
- Enterprise partnerships
- Exposure at global FinTech forums

 

Our Bootcamp Founders

Our first bootcamp in Odisha was a sucess, hear directly form our participants on what they learnt, how they were able to grow and continue building their business. This is just the beginning. 

 

Incubator Spotlight: Guided by Industry Experts

Founders don’t just build in isolation; global practitioners mentor them. This hands-on guidance from veteran entrepreneurs and institutional leaders ensures our startups grow faster and smarter.

Cohort 1 Mentors

  • Jose Thattil

    CEO & Co Founder

    PhiCommerce

    Jose Thattil

    CEO & Co Founder

    Jose Thattil is the Co-Founder and CEO of Phi Commerce Private Limited, a leading payments technology company building scalable and secure digital payment infrastructure for enterprises and financial institutions. With a deep-rooted expertise in the payments and FinTech ecosystem, Jose has been instrumental in shaping Phi Commerce's vision of simplifying and transforming the payments landscape in India. His entrepreneurial journey reflects a strong command of product innovation, enterprise solutions, and the evolving dynamics of digital finance, making him a sought-after voice in the FinTech community.

  • Abhisek Ghosh

    Startup and GIGA Banking

    HDFC Bank

    Abhisek Ghosh

    Startup and GIGA Banking

    Abhisek Ghosh is a banking professional at HDFC Bank, one of India's largest private sector banks, where he focuses on the Startup and GIGA Banking verticals. In this role, he works at the intersection of institutional banking and innovation, supporting early and growth-stage startups with tailored financial products and services, while also driving HDFC Bank's GIGA programme, India's first banking programme designed specifically for gig workers and freelancers. With deep expertise in building banking solutions for emerging business models, Abhisek brings a strong understanding of the financial needs of founders starting from credit and payments to regulatory compliance and cross-border transactions, making him a valuable voice for startups navigating the evolving financial services landscape in India.

  • Deepak Sharma

    Ex-President & Chief Digital Officer at Kotak Mahindra Bank

    Kotak Mahindra Bank

    Deepak Sharma

    Ex-President & Chief Digital Officer at Kotak Mahindra Bank

    Deepak Sharma is the Founder of Venture Studios and a seasoned Board Advisor specializing in Digital Transformation and Fintech. Formerly the Chief Digital Officer at Kotak Mahindra Bank, he led the bank’s digital-first journey, including the launch of Kotak 811. Today, he serves as an Independent Director at Experian India and Suryoday Small Finance Bank, while advising PE funds on DeepTech and SaaS investments. Deepak is a global ecosystem builder committed to scaling ventures that combine innovation with sustainable impact.

  • Dr. Damodar Sahu

    Co-Founder

    Data Safeguard

    Dr. Damodar Sahu

    Co-Founder

    Dr. Damodar Sahu is the Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Data Safeguard Inc., a World’s leading AI-powered Data Privacy Management and Synthetic Fraud Prevention. He leads the company’s global growth strategy, driving initiatives in marketing, alliances, partner ecosystems, investor relations, and analyst engagement—all while aligning with evolving market and customer needs. With over 28 years of industry experience, Dr. Sahu was a tenured Wipro leader for 11+ years, contributing to various strategic roles across India and the USA. He was also a founding member of Wipro’s in-house startups, fostering innovation and ecosystem collaborations. An award-winning thought leader, Dr. Sahu is known for his ability to build and nurture strategic alliances, working with cross-functional teams and industry leaders to create meaningful, value-driven partnerships. Education & Honors: BSc (IT) | MCA | PGDBM (Amity) | MDP (IIM Calcutta & Harvard) Dual PhDs (CS & IT) | Hon. PhD (World Peace & Philanthropy) D.Litt. (USA) – Social Services & IT Industry Contributions & Recognitions: Startup Mentor – Startup India, and Startup Odisha; Founder & Philanthropist - MuliaSmarak; Executive Advisor – NamRiitz LLC; World Peace Ambassador – India (World Peace Tracts); Ranked #1 Global Social Seller at Wipro (by LinkedIn); Thinkers360 Thought Leader; Bhartiya Seva Ratna Awardee; Odia Asmita Samman (Odia Pride Honor). Beyond Business: A Commitment to Giving Back: Dr. Sahu is a passionate philanthropist, actively supporting education initiatives for underprivileged students in his hometown in Odisha, India. Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damodarsahu/

  • Ganesh Rengaswamy

    Co-founder and Managing Partner

    Quona Capital

    Ganesh Rengaswamy

    Co-founder and Managing Partner

    Ganesh Rengaswamy is a Co-founder and Managing Partner at Quona Capital, a leading venture firm focused on financial inclusion in emerging markets. A seasoned investor and former entrepreneur, Ganesh previously held leadership roles at Lok Capital and Greylock Partners, and co-founded Travelguru. With an academic foundation from IIM-Ahmedabad and Harvard Business School, he is a recognized expert in scaling fintech platforms that drive both commercial success and meaningful social impact across India and Southeast Asia.

  • Hitesh Sachdev

    Head- Start-up Engagement, Innovation & Investments

    ICICI Bank

    Hitesh Sachdev

    Head- Start-up Engagement, Innovation & Investments

    Hitesh Sachdev is an experienced leader in the financial services and fintech ecosystem, currently serving as the Head of Startup Engagement, Investments, and Corporate Innovation at ICICI Bank. With over two decades of experience, he has played a pivotal role in driving digital transformation and fostering innovation through strategic partnerships and equity investments in emerging technology startups. His expertise spans across venture capital, corporate strategy, and the development of scalable fintech solutions, making him a prominent figure in bridging the gap between traditional banking institutions and the evolving startup landscape.

  • Hrushikesh Mehta

    SVP-Financial Services

    ONDC

    Hrushikesh Mehta

    SVP-Financial Services

    Hrushikesh Mehta is a digital infrastructure and finance leader, currently driving the Financial Services initiative at ONDC. A former Vice President at TransUnion CIBIL, he has spent 20+ years at the intersection of credit, technology, and digital commerce, focusing on building open networks that drive financial inclusion and market efficiency at scale.

  • Joseph Sebastian

    Vice President

    Blume Ventures

    Joseph Sebastian

    Vice President

    Joseph Sebastian is the Vice President of Investments at Blume Ventures, where he specializes in the logistics, fintech, and healthtech sectors. A seasoned financial professional and former entrepreneur, Joseph previously co-founded Valustat, an investment technology firm, and spent five years as a corporate banker at Citibank managing foreign exchange product sales. Before joining Blume, he also gained significant experience as an impact investor at Omidyar Network India. Joseph holds an MBA in finance and strategy from the Indian School of Business (ISB) and a bachelor's degree in economics from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, combining deep domain expertise in financial services with a strong track record in identifying and supporting high-growth Indian startups.

  • Kartik Poddar

    Chief Business Officer

    Symbo

    Kartik Poddar

    Chief Business Officer

    Kartik Poddar is the Chief Business Officer at Symbo, a leading InsurTech platform specialising in embedded insurance. With over four years in this role, Kartik has been at the forefront of transforming how insurance is distributed in India, enabling businesses to seamlessly offer relevant coverage to their customers right at the point of purchase. His work sits at the cutting edge of embedded finance, helping brands across sectors integrate insurance into their customer journeys in a way that is frictionless, contextual, and value-driven. With deep expertise in business strategy, partnerships, and the evolving InsurTech landscape, Kartik brings a highly practical and forward-looking perspective on how startups can leverage embedded insurance as a growth lever.

  • Kulin Shah

    Co-founder

    Onsurity

    Kulin Shah

    Co-founder

    An accomplished business leader with 18+ years of experience, Kulin Shah specializes in P&L management, category growth, and venture capital. A former B2C founder turned angel investor, they have a proven track record of launching transformative products and leading high-stakes C-level engagements. With expertise ranging from product management to M&A, Kulin Shah is dedicated to scaling high-potential businesses through strategic partnerships and operational excellence.

  • Lizzie Chapman

    Co-Founder

    ZestMoney

    Lizzie Chapman

    Co-Founder

    Lizzie Chapman is a pioneering fintech entrepreneur and the Co-Founder of ZestMoney, India’s largest AI-driven "Buy Now, Pay Later" platform, where she served as CEO and led the company to serve millions of customers. With over 20 years of experience in financial services across London and Mumbai, she is a leading advocate for digital lending and financial inclusion. Before founding ZestMoney, Lizzie spearheaded the India operations for the UK-based digital lender Wonga and served as an investment professional at Goldman Sachs and The Wellcome Trust. A frequent speaker at global forums like the World Economic Forum and the Singapore Fintech Festival, she is recognized as one of the most influential women in global fintech and currently mentors numerous early-stage founders within the Indian and Southeast Asian ecosystems.

  • Manish Lunia

    Co-Founder

    FlexiLoan

    Manish Lunia

    Co-Founder

    Manish Lunia is the Co-Founder of FlexiLoans, one of India's leading digital lending platforms focused on providing quick and flexible credit to MSMEs and small businesses. An alumnus of the Indian School of Business (ISB) and a qualified Chartered Accountant, he brings extensive expertise in financial services, risk management, and strategic growth. Before co-founding FlexiLoans, Manish held leadership roles at Fractal Analytics and large corporate houses like Aditya Birla Group, where he specialized in business development and investment strategy. He is a recognized thought leader in the fintech space, frequently contributing to discussions on financial inclusion, automated credit assessment, and leveraging data science to streamline the lending process for underserved entrepreneurs.

  • Melissa Frakman

    CEO & Founding Partner

    Emphasis Ventures (EMVC)

    Melissa Frakman

    CEO & Founding Partner

    Melissa Frakman is a prominent venture capitalist, business strategist, and futurist specializing in the intersection of digital infrastructure, financial services, and AI-enabled commerce, particularly within the Indian and global emerging markets. As the CEO and Founding Partner of Emphasis Ventures (EMVC), she leads an early-stage fund that invests in breakthrough fintech and insurtech startups, managing a portfolio that serves over 200 million individuals and small businesses. With over two decades of experience in India, she has built partnerships and led investments worth over $1 billion for major Fortune 500 companies and has served as a strategic advisor to market leaders like Amazon, Uber, and Remitly. Her executive background includes key roles such as Vice President of Operations at Zomato prior to its IPO, Senior Director at Albright Stonebridge Group, and Financial Services Director for the US-India Business Council. Recognized as the "Global Fintech Person of the Year 2024," Frakman is also an award-winning speaker and guest lecturer at prestigious institutions, including Harvard Business School, Cornell University, and the Indian Institute of Management.

  • Monica Jasuja

    Chief Expansion and Innovation Officer

    Emerging Payments Association Asia

    Monica Jasuja

    Chief Expansion and Innovation Officer

    Monica Jasuja is a seasoned global product management expert specialising in fintech and payments, with over 24 years of experience across four continents in the consumer, internet, and digital financial services. She excels in strategizing, defining, and deploying commercially viable solutions that transform payment landscapes. Monica Jasuja is Chief Expansion and Innovation Officer at the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA), she leads transformative payment initiatives and ecosystem development across Asia. Her strategic vision has powered multinational giants including PayPal, Mastercard, and Gojek across US, India, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. Her work consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of emerging market dynamics and a commitment to developing solutions that address complex financial challenges. Her expertise spans fintech, payments, product and strategic partnerships, with particular focus on India, Indonesia, and global markets. Her extensive experience, combined with her insightful analyses, regularly contributing insights on payment innovation, digital transformation, and financial inclusion and effective communication, has established her as a recognized authority in the fintech sector. Monica's thought leadership has earned global recognition, including rankings as one of Favikon's Top 5. Most Influential Fintech Voices on LinkedIn, NORBR's Top 10 Payment Leaders, Thinkers360's. Top 50 B2B Leaders in APAC, and Onalytica's Top 15 Global Fintech Thought Leaders. As an industry catalyst, Monica actively mentors startups and women technology leaders, sharing her expertise in product development, market expansion, and strategic growth. Monica holds a Master's in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Mathematics degree from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi, and an Independent Director Certification from the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). Her combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and industry insight continues to shape the future of digital payments and financial services.

  • Monindro Saha

    Principal Consultant

    Infosys

    Monindro Saha

    Principal Consultant

    Monindro Saha is a Principal Consultant at Infosys, where he leads complex, high-impact engagements for global banks and financial institutions across payments, corporate banking, blockchain, and lending. With deep expertise in end-to-end solution design and implementation, Monindro is currently driving the development of a next-generation payments platform for a leading African client, with the ambition of establishing it as one of the region's top digital payment platforms. He is also spearheading a large-scale payments transformation programme for a global bank, integrating Finacle solutions with regional compliance requirements. Beyond delivery, Monindro plays a pivotal role in business development leading multi-million-dollar engagements from proposal strategy and RFI/RFP leadership to commercial structuring, contributing significantly to revenue growth and deal conversion. A thought leader in next-generation banking, he collaborates closely with product innovation teams to advance Finacle's capabilities in real-time payments, blockchain integrations, and API-driven banking enabling faster, more efficient delivery for clients worldwide.

  • Navin Surya

    Co-Founder & Strategic Venture Partner

    Beams FinTech fund

    Navin Surya

    Co-Founder & Strategic Venture Partner

    Naveen Surya is a fintech veteran and the founder of ItzCash, India’s first non-bank digital wallet. A key architect of the Indian payments ecosystem, he is the Chairman Emeritus of the Payments Council of India (PCI) and Co-founder of Fintech Convergens. With over two decades of experience, Naveen is a prominent investor, policy influencer, and mentor dedicated to driving the next wave of financial innovation and inclusion in India.

  • Ninad Karpe

    Partner

    100X.VC

    Ninad Karpe

    Partner

    Ninad Karpe is a seasoned business leader and venture capitalist currently serving as a Founder & Partner at 100X.VC, India’s first venture capital fund to invest in early-stage startups using iSAFE notes. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, he previously served as the Managing Director & CEO of Aptech Ltd, where he led the company's global transition into a premier retail training and education brand across more than 40 countries. Before his tenure at Aptech, Ninad was the Managing Director of CA Technologies India, overseeing the enterprise software giant's operations in the region. An author and a prominent voice in the Indian startup ecosystem, he is a former Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Western Region and currently sits on the boards of several high-growth companies, leveraging his deep expertise in scaling businesses, corporate governance, and technology-led transformation.

  • Nitin Chugh

    Managing Director and Group CEO

    Perfios Group

    Nitin Chugh

    Managing Director and Group CEO

    Nitin Chugh is a distinguished banking and digital transformation leader, best known for his tenure as Former Deputy Managing Director and Head of Digital Banking and Transformation at State Bank of India (SBI) one of the world's largest public sector banks. In this role, Nitin spearheaded SBI's digital evolution, driving large-scale transformation initiatives that reshaped how millions of customers interact with banking services across India. With deep expertise at the intersection of traditional banking and digital innovation, he brings a rare and invaluable perspective on navigating the complexities of modernising financial institutions at scale. His leadership experience makes him a highly sought-after voice on topics spanning digital banking strategy, FinTech collaboration, and the future of financial services in India.

  • Pratekk Agarwaal

    Founder & General Partner

    Growthcap Ventures

    Pratekk Agarwaal

    Founder & General Partner

    Pratekk Agarwaal is the Founder & General Partner at GrowthCap Ventures, an early-stage fund focused on fintech and transformative digital businesses. A veteran operator with over 20 years of experience, he has held key leadership positions at BharatPe, Bajaj Finance, and Fullerton. Pratekk specializes in scaling lending products (LAP, MSME, POS) and optimizing GTM strategies through technology. An alumnus of IIM-Kozhikode, he is a dedicated mentor and industry speaker committed to supporting the next generation of founders with strategic capital and deep ecosystem connectivity.

  • Pushkaraj Kale

    CEO

    atQor

    Pushkaraj Kale

    CEO

    Pushkaraj Kale is a seasoned technology leader and the Co-Founder and CEO of Inditrade Scalerator, where he focuses on driving digital transformation and growth for MSMEs through innovative financial and technology solutions. With over two decades of global experience, including significant leadership tenures at Microsoft and IBM, he has a proven track record in building large-scale software businesses and managing strategic partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region. At Microsoft, he served as the Director for the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) segment in India, where he was instrumental in accelerating cloud adoption and digital banking initiatives. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, Pushkaraj is recognized for his expertise in bridging the gap between traditional enterprise systems and modern digital platforms to create inclusive economic opportunities.

  • Raunak Dembla

    Founding Member

    Decentro

    Raunak Dembla

    Founding Member

    Raunak Dembla is a Founding Member at Decentro, a YCombinator S20 company LinkedIn, where he leads Business Development, Strategy, and Operations. He brings over 9 years of early-stage startup experience eChai Ventures across FinTech, Retail, and Technology. Decentro is a full-stack, automated API platform for banking integrations that enables companies to launch financial products significantly faster while reducing expenditure substantially. DIGITAL TERMINAL The platform is trusted by over 1,600 large customers, including industry leaders like Groww, Tata Capital, Paytm, and BharatPe. Google. Raunak is a vocal advocate for India's evolving regulatory landscape, noting that India is becoming a regulation-first market where businesses need licences and approvals before going live at scale. Google is a key insight he regularly shares with the startup ecosystem. He is also the host of Fintech Quotient, a podcast focused on the FinTech space on LinkedIn.

  • Sameer Singh Jaini

    Founder & CEO

    DBS Bank

    Sameer Singh Jaini

    Founder & CEO

    Sameer Jaini is a seasoned financial leader currently serving as a Director at DBS Bank, where he specializes in Corporate Banking and Digital Transformation. With over 15 years of experience in the banking sector, he has developed deep expertise in managing high-value institutional relationships and driving the adoption of modern transaction banking solutions. Throughout his career at leading global financial institutions, he has been instrumental in navigating complex regulatory environments and streamlining digital workflows to enhance operational efficiency for large corporate clients. Known for his strategic approach to client management, Sameer plays a pivotal role in bridging traditional banking excellence with the evolving technological needs of the modern financial landscape.

  • Sandeep Varma

    Platform Head-Digital & Core Banking

    DBS Bank

    Sandeep Varma

    Platform Head-Digital & Core Banking

    Sandeep Varma is a highly experienced professional in the banking and financial services sector, currently serving as Executive Director and Regional Head of DBS Bank for various territories. With a strong focus on Commercial Banking and Institutional Relationships, he has been a key figure in driving DBS's footprint in India and the surrounding region. His expertise spans over two decades, covering critical areas such as SME Financing, corporate strategy, and regional expansion, helping position DBS as a leading digital and relationship-oriented lender in the market. Varma is recognized for his leadership in navigating complex regulatory environments and his commitment to fostering long-term growth for business clients across Asia.

  • Santosh Patel

    Fintech Engagement, Democratising Innovation, Digital Acceleration, Data Monetisation and Solutions, IoT, Mobile Apps

    SC Venture

    Santosh Patel

    Fintech Engagement, Democratising Innovation, Digital Acceleration, Data Monetisation and Solutions, IoT, Mobile Apps

    Santosh Patel is a seasoned FinTech strategist and ecosystem builder currently serving as a Member of SC Ventures (Standard Chartered Bank), where he leads startup engagement and venture building. As an Ambassador for the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN), he plays a pivotal role in driving cross-border innovation and strategic partnerships across the global financial landscape. With deep expertise in digital assets, Web 3.0, and venture capital, Santosh is a prominent figure in the Singapore FinTech community, frequently advising on high-impact initiatives like Project BharatNetra to bridge traditional banking with emerging technologies.

  • Satish Kashyap

    CEO & CO-Founder

    DRONAPAY

    Satish Kashyap

    CEO & CO-Founder

    Satish V. Kashyap is a technology leader and digital strategist with a focus on scaling operations and driving innovation in financial services. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in IT governance, digital transformation, and building resilient business ecosystems.

  • Saurabh Sinha

    Former - Partner

    BDO

    Saurabh Sinha

    Former - Partner

    Saurabh is an ex-Partner for Financial Services at BDO India, providing advisory and risk management expertise for the Financial Services industry with an emphasis on Fintechs and startups. Previously, he was the Country Leader for TransUnion CIBIL’s FinTech & e-Commerce businesses. He brings over 22 years of industry experience in building new business vertical P&Ls and in driving strategy, thought leadership and growth initiatives in international and domestic markets across Banking, FinTech, eCommerce and Telecom. Saurabh has been engaging and advising senior leaders and startup founders across financial services, FinTechs, digital ecosystems, regulatory bodies and government agencies on evolving trends and inferences across digital consumption and digital lending in India, as a prominent industry expert for many years.

  • Sujatha Mohan

    BFSI Leader

    Sujatha Mohan

    BFSI Leader

    Sujatha Mohan is a distinguished banking technology and fintech leader with over three decades of experience in building and scaling digital platforms across retail banking, payments, and enterprise transformation. She currently operates as a Technology Advisor, working with banks, fintechs, and private equity–backed institutions on digital strategy and execution, and serves as an Independent Director at FinVu (Cookiejar Technologies) and IndoStar Capital Finance. Most recently, Sujatha was Head of Digital Solutions Factory at HDFC Bank, where she led large multidisciplinary teams responsible for delivering and operating digital platforms and core applications across branch banking, SME, and retail banking. In this capacity she was responsible for “Run The Bank”, “Change The Bank” and “Transform The Bank Initiatives. Prior to HDFC Bank, she was Business Head – APMEA at FIS Global, overseeing regional growth across payment processing and switching businesses, and driving new commercial and technology models for banks and payment networks. Earlier, as Head of Digital and New Initiatives at RBL Bank, she spearheaded the bank’s technology modernization and launched its API banking and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platforms, positioning RBL as a preferred partner for fintechs and large corporates. Sujatha began her leadership career at Oracle Financial Services Software, where she led global product and implementation programs for core banking and digital solutions across multiple geographies. Her contributions have been widely recognized, including the Women in Fintech Award, listing among Top Fintech Influencers, recognition by MEITY for national fintech policy work, and multiple awards from Asian Banker and the Indian Banks’ Association for transformational banking programs. She is a strong advocate for India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), open banking, and responsible data-driven financial ecosystems.

  • Tarun Mathur

    Head - Strategy and Innovation

    Zuno General Insurance (Edelweiss)

    Tarun Mathur

    Head - Strategy and Innovation

    An innovation-focused professional with over two decades of experience with industry-leading firms and high-growth startups in roles spanning corporate strategy, consulting, business transformation, and program management. A thought leader, exploring opportunities in corporate strategy or innovation, program and product management, and strategic alliances with tech-focused businesses or innovation ecosystems.

  • Upasna Batra

    Director Strategy- CEO Office

    PayU

    Upasna Batra

    Director Strategy- CEO Office

    Upasna Batra is a seasoned professional in the fintech industry with a proven track record in business strategy and innovation, currently playing a pivotal role at PayU India in driving strategic initiatives and enhancing business growth. Known for her expertise in digital lending, big data analytics, and developing comprehensive business strategies, she exemplifies exceptional business acumen through her transformative leadership as Director of Business Strategy. An IIM Calcutta alumna with a robust background in finance and engineering, Upasna has been recognized as the "Most Admired Fintech (E-Payment) Professional" by World Payments Congress & Awards and is a recipient of the prestigious FICCI "Women Achiever's Award." Beyond her corporate achievements, she is an active mentor to startups, contributing significantly to the growth of innovative ventures in the fintech space while championing women entrepreneurship initiatives. Based in Mumbai, she continues to shape the future of financial technology through her strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to fostering the next generation of fintech leaders.

  • Vijay Khubchandani

    Founder & CEO

    Seven

    Vijay Khubchandani

    Founder & CEO

    Vijay Khubchandani is the Founder of Seven, a financial wellness platform focused on helping individuals achieve long-term financial security. With over two decades of experience in financial services and technology, Vijay has built expertise across investment management, wealth advisory, and digital finance solutions. Before founding Seven, he held leadership roles at leading global financial institutions, where he drove innovation in customer-centric financial products. A strong advocate for financial inclusion and literacy, Vijay's work centers on making sophisticated financial planning accessible to everyday users, combining behavioral science with technology to empower better financial decisions.

  • Vinayak Hegde

    Partner

    Brainy Yak Consulting LLP

    Vinayak Hegde

    Partner

    Vinayak Hegde is a founder, technology leader, and startup mentor with over 20 years of experience in product development and software architecture. He is the founder of Brainy Yak Consulting LLP, where he mentors startups and leadership teams on technology strategy, AI adoption, scalable system design, and product execution. His expertise spans IoT and embedded systems, large-scale networks and internet protocols, distributed data processing and management, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Vinayak has worked across both individual contributor and senior leadership roles, leading globally distributed teams to build and scale complex software products in ad tech, developer platforms, content delivery networks, analytics, IoT, e-commerce, and logistics. Vinayak was a founder and part of the team at Speedera, which was acquired by NASDAQ-listed Akamai (AKAM). He has also been an early member of unicorn-stage companies such as InMobi, and led the technology organization at NASDAQ-listed Zoomcar (ZCAR). Over the course of his career, he has led teams across multiple stages of growth—from 0→1, 0→10, and 10→100+—while launching cutting-edge products and scaling them reliably in production.

  • Yadavendra Tyagi

    Founder

    EnKash

    Yadavendra Tyagi

    Founder

    Yadvendra Singh Tyagi is a FinTech leader with over two decades of experience across digital payments, banking and financial infrastructure, and regulated fintech platforms in India. He has been closely involved in building and scaling financial technology businesses, working at the intersection of banks, regulators, networks, and technology providers. His expertise spans payment systems, card and account-based infrastructures, compliance-led product design, data localisation, and large-scale fintech adoption. Yadvendra has advised startups and enterprises on regulatory readiness, go-to-market strategy, institutional partnerships, and building sustainable fintech businesses aligned with India’s evolving digital public infrastructure and policy frameworks. He actively mentors early-stage founders on product-market fit, regulatory alignment, and ecosystem integration, and is particularly interested in contributing to state-led fintech, insurtech, and startup initiatives focused on innovation, inclusion, and long-term economic impact.
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Jose Thattil

CEO & Co Founder

PhiCommerce

Jose Thattil is the Co-Founder and CEO of Phi Commerce Private Limited, a leading payments technology company building scalable and secure digital payment infrastructure for enterprises and financial institutions. With a deep-rooted expertise in the payments and FinTech ecosystem, Jose has been instrumental in shaping Phi Commerce's vision of simplifying and transforming the payments landscape in India. His entrepreneurial journey reflects a strong command of product innovation, enterprise solutions, and the evolving dynamics of digital finance, making him a sought-after voice in the FinTech community.
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Abhisek Ghosh

Startup and GIGA Banking

HDFC Bank

Abhisek Ghosh is a banking professional at HDFC Bank, one of India's largest private sector banks, where he focuses on the Startup and GIGA Banking verticals. In this role, he works at the intersection of institutional banking and innovation, supporting early and growth-stage startups with tailored financial products and services, while also driving HDFC Bank's GIGA programme, India's first banking programme designed specifically for gig workers and freelancers. With deep expertise in building banking solutions for emerging business models, Abhisek brings a strong understanding of the financial needs of founders starting from credit and payments to regulatory compliance and cross-border transactions, making him a valuable voice for startups navigating the evolving financial services landscape in India.
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Deepak Sharma

Ex-President & Chief Digital Officer at Kotak Mahindra Bank

Kotak Mahindra Bank

Deepak Sharma is the Founder of Venture Studios and a seasoned Board Advisor specializing in Digital Transformation and Fintech. Formerly the Chief Digital Officer at Kotak Mahindra Bank, he led the bank’s digital-first journey, including the launch of Kotak 811. Today, he serves as an Independent Director at Experian India and Suryoday Small Finance Bank, while advising PE funds on DeepTech and SaaS investments. Deepak is a global ecosystem builder committed to scaling ventures that combine innovation with sustainable impact.
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Dr. Damodar Sahu

Co-Founder

Data Safeguard

Dr. Damodar Sahu is the Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Data Safeguard Inc., a World’s leading AI-powered Data Privacy Management and Synthetic Fraud Prevention. He leads the company’s global growth strategy, driving initiatives in marketing, alliances, partner ecosystems, investor relations, and analyst engagement—all while aligning with evolving market and customer needs. With over 28 years of industry experience, Dr. Sahu was a tenured Wipro leader for 11+ years, contributing to various strategic roles across India and the USA. He was also a founding member of Wipro’s in-house startups, fostering innovation and ecosystem collaborations. An award-winning thought leader, Dr. Sahu is known for his ability to build and nurture strategic alliances, working with cross-functional teams and industry leaders to create meaningful, value-driven partnerships. Education & Honors: BSc (IT) | MCA | PGDBM (Amity) | MDP (IIM Calcutta & Harvard) Dual PhDs (CS & IT) | Hon. PhD (World Peace & Philanthropy) D.Litt. (USA) – Social Services & IT Industry Contributions & Recognitions: Startup Mentor – Startup India, and Startup Odisha; Founder & Philanthropist - MuliaSmarak; Executive Advisor – NamRiitz LLC; World Peace Ambassador – India (World Peace Tracts); Ranked #1 Global Social Seller at Wipro (by LinkedIn); Thinkers360 Thought Leader; Bhartiya Seva Ratna Awardee; Odia Asmita Samman (Odia Pride Honor). Beyond Business: A Commitment to Giving Back: Dr. Sahu is a passionate philanthropist, actively supporting education initiatives for underprivileged students in his hometown in Odisha, India. Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damodarsahu/
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Ganesh Rengaswamy

Co-founder and Managing Partner

Quona Capital

Ganesh Rengaswamy is a Co-founder and Managing Partner at Quona Capital, a leading venture firm focused on financial inclusion in emerging markets. A seasoned investor and former entrepreneur, Ganesh previously held leadership roles at Lok Capital and Greylock Partners, and co-founded Travelguru. With an academic foundation from IIM-Ahmedabad and Harvard Business School, he is a recognized expert in scaling fintech platforms that drive both commercial success and meaningful social impact across India and Southeast Asia.
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Hitesh Sachdev

Head- Start-up Engagement, Innovation & Investments

ICICI Bank

Hitesh Sachdev is an experienced leader in the financial services and fintech ecosystem, currently serving as the Head of Startup Engagement, Investments, and Corporate Innovation at ICICI Bank. With over two decades of experience, he has played a pivotal role in driving digital transformation and fostering innovation through strategic partnerships and equity investments in emerging technology startups. His expertise spans across venture capital, corporate strategy, and the development of scalable fintech solutions, making him a prominent figure in bridging the gap between traditional banking institutions and the evolving startup landscape.
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Hrushikesh Mehta

SVP-Financial Services

ONDC

Hrushikesh Mehta is a digital infrastructure and finance leader, currently driving the Financial Services initiative at ONDC. A former Vice President at TransUnion CIBIL, he has spent 20+ years at the intersection of credit, technology, and digital commerce, focusing on building open networks that drive financial inclusion and market efficiency at scale.
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Joseph Sebastian

Vice President

Blume Ventures

Joseph Sebastian is the Vice President of Investments at Blume Ventures, where he specializes in the logistics, fintech, and healthtech sectors. A seasoned financial professional and former entrepreneur, Joseph previously co-founded Valustat, an investment technology firm, and spent five years as a corporate banker at Citibank managing foreign exchange product sales. Before joining Blume, he also gained significant experience as an impact investor at Omidyar Network India. Joseph holds an MBA in finance and strategy from the Indian School of Business (ISB) and a bachelor's degree in economics from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, combining deep domain expertise in financial services with a strong track record in identifying and supporting high-growth Indian startups.
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Kartik Poddar

Chief Business Officer

Symbo

Kartik Poddar is the Chief Business Officer at Symbo, a leading InsurTech platform specialising in embedded insurance. With over four years in this role, Kartik has been at the forefront of transforming how insurance is distributed in India, enabling businesses to seamlessly offer relevant coverage to their customers right at the point of purchase. His work sits at the cutting edge of embedded finance, helping brands across sectors integrate insurance into their customer journeys in a way that is frictionless, contextual, and value-driven. With deep expertise in business strategy, partnerships, and the evolving InsurTech landscape, Kartik brings a highly practical and forward-looking perspective on how startups can leverage embedded insurance as a growth lever.
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Kulin Shah

Co-founder

Onsurity

An accomplished business leader with 18+ years of experience, Kulin Shah specializes in P&L management, category growth, and venture capital. A former B2C founder turned angel investor, they have a proven track record of launching transformative products and leading high-stakes C-level engagements. With expertise ranging from product management to M&A, Kulin Shah is dedicated to scaling high-potential businesses through strategic partnerships and operational excellence.
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Lizzie Chapman

Co-Founder

ZestMoney

Lizzie Chapman is a pioneering fintech entrepreneur and the Co-Founder of ZestMoney, India’s largest AI-driven "Buy Now, Pay Later" platform, where she served as CEO and led the company to serve millions of customers. With over 20 years of experience in financial services across London and Mumbai, she is a leading advocate for digital lending and financial inclusion. Before founding ZestMoney, Lizzie spearheaded the India operations for the UK-based digital lender Wonga and served as an investment professional at Goldman Sachs and The Wellcome Trust. A frequent speaker at global forums like the World Economic Forum and the Singapore Fintech Festival, she is recognized as one of the most influential women in global fintech and currently mentors numerous early-stage founders within the Indian and Southeast Asian ecosystems.
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Manish Lunia

Co-Founder

FlexiLoan

Manish Lunia is the Co-Founder of FlexiLoans, one of India's leading digital lending platforms focused on providing quick and flexible credit to MSMEs and small businesses. An alumnus of the Indian School of Business (ISB) and a qualified Chartered Accountant, he brings extensive expertise in financial services, risk management, and strategic growth. Before co-founding FlexiLoans, Manish held leadership roles at Fractal Analytics and large corporate houses like Aditya Birla Group, where he specialized in business development and investment strategy. He is a recognized thought leader in the fintech space, frequently contributing to discussions on financial inclusion, automated credit assessment, and leveraging data science to streamline the lending process for underserved entrepreneurs.
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Melissa Frakman

CEO & Founding Partner

Emphasis Ventures (EMVC)

Melissa Frakman is a prominent venture capitalist, business strategist, and futurist specializing in the intersection of digital infrastructure, financial services, and AI-enabled commerce, particularly within the Indian and global emerging markets. As the CEO and Founding Partner of Emphasis Ventures (EMVC), she leads an early-stage fund that invests in breakthrough fintech and insurtech startups, managing a portfolio that serves over 200 million individuals and small businesses. With over two decades of experience in India, she has built partnerships and led investments worth over $1 billion for major Fortune 500 companies and has served as a strategic advisor to market leaders like Amazon, Uber, and Remitly. Her executive background includes key roles such as Vice President of Operations at Zomato prior to its IPO, Senior Director at Albright Stonebridge Group, and Financial Services Director for the US-India Business Council. Recognized as the "Global Fintech Person of the Year 2024," Frakman is also an award-winning speaker and guest lecturer at prestigious institutions, including Harvard Business School, Cornell University, and the Indian Institute of Management.
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Monica Jasuja

Chief Expansion and Innovation Officer

Emerging Payments Association Asia

Monica Jasuja is a seasoned global product management expert specialising in fintech and payments, with over 24 years of experience across four continents in the consumer, internet, and digital financial services. She excels in strategizing, defining, and deploying commercially viable solutions that transform payment landscapes. Monica Jasuja is Chief Expansion and Innovation Officer at the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA), she leads transformative payment initiatives and ecosystem development across Asia. Her strategic vision has powered multinational giants including PayPal, Mastercard, and Gojek across US, India, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. Her work consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of emerging market dynamics and a commitment to developing solutions that address complex financial challenges. Her expertise spans fintech, payments, product and strategic partnerships, with particular focus on India, Indonesia, and global markets. Her extensive experience, combined with her insightful analyses, regularly contributing insights on payment innovation, digital transformation, and financial inclusion and effective communication, has established her as a recognized authority in the fintech sector. Monica's thought leadership has earned global recognition, including rankings as one of Favikon's Top 5. Most Influential Fintech Voices on LinkedIn, NORBR's Top 10 Payment Leaders, Thinkers360's. Top 50 B2B Leaders in APAC, and Onalytica's Top 15 Global Fintech Thought Leaders. As an industry catalyst, Monica actively mentors startups and women technology leaders, sharing her expertise in product development, market expansion, and strategic growth. Monica holds a Master's in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Mathematics degree from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi, and an Independent Director Certification from the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). Her combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and industry insight continues to shape the future of digital payments and financial services.
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Monindro Saha

Principal Consultant

Infosys

Monindro Saha is a Principal Consultant at Infosys, where he leads complex, high-impact engagements for global banks and financial institutions across payments, corporate banking, blockchain, and lending. With deep expertise in end-to-end solution design and implementation, Monindro is currently driving the development of a next-generation payments platform for a leading African client, with the ambition of establishing it as one of the region's top digital payment platforms. He is also spearheading a large-scale payments transformation programme for a global bank, integrating Finacle solutions with regional compliance requirements. Beyond delivery, Monindro plays a pivotal role in business development leading multi-million-dollar engagements from proposal strategy and RFI/RFP leadership to commercial structuring, contributing significantly to revenue growth and deal conversion. A thought leader in next-generation banking, he collaborates closely with product innovation teams to advance Finacle's capabilities in real-time payments, blockchain integrations, and API-driven banking enabling faster, more efficient delivery for clients worldwide.
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Navin Surya

Co-Founder & Strategic Venture Partner

Beams FinTech fund

Naveen Surya is a fintech veteran and the founder of ItzCash, India’s first non-bank digital wallet. A key architect of the Indian payments ecosystem, he is the Chairman Emeritus of the Payments Council of India (PCI) and Co-founder of Fintech Convergens. With over two decades of experience, Naveen is a prominent investor, policy influencer, and mentor dedicated to driving the next wave of financial innovation and inclusion in India.
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Ninad Karpe

Partner

100X.VC

Ninad Karpe is a seasoned business leader and venture capitalist currently serving as a Founder & Partner at 100X.VC, India’s first venture capital fund to invest in early-stage startups using iSAFE notes. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, he previously served as the Managing Director & CEO of Aptech Ltd, where he led the company's global transition into a premier retail training and education brand across more than 40 countries. Before his tenure at Aptech, Ninad was the Managing Director of CA Technologies India, overseeing the enterprise software giant's operations in the region. An author and a prominent voice in the Indian startup ecosystem, he is a former Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Western Region and currently sits on the boards of several high-growth companies, leveraging his deep expertise in scaling businesses, corporate governance, and technology-led transformation.
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Nitin Chugh

Managing Director and Group CEO

Perfios Group

Nitin Chugh is a distinguished banking and digital transformation leader, best known for his tenure as Former Deputy Managing Director and Head of Digital Banking and Transformation at State Bank of India (SBI) one of the world's largest public sector banks. In this role, Nitin spearheaded SBI's digital evolution, driving large-scale transformation initiatives that reshaped how millions of customers interact with banking services across India. With deep expertise at the intersection of traditional banking and digital innovation, he brings a rare and invaluable perspective on navigating the complexities of modernising financial institutions at scale. His leadership experience makes him a highly sought-after voice on topics spanning digital banking strategy, FinTech collaboration, and the future of financial services in India.
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Pratekk Agarwaal

Founder & General Partner

Growthcap Ventures

Pratekk Agarwaal is the Founder & General Partner at GrowthCap Ventures, an early-stage fund focused on fintech and transformative digital businesses. A veteran operator with over 20 years of experience, he has held key leadership positions at BharatPe, Bajaj Finance, and Fullerton. Pratekk specializes in scaling lending products (LAP, MSME, POS) and optimizing GTM strategies through technology. An alumnus of IIM-Kozhikode, he is a dedicated mentor and industry speaker committed to supporting the next generation of founders with strategic capital and deep ecosystem connectivity.
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Pushkaraj Kale

CEO

atQor

Pushkaraj Kale is a seasoned technology leader and the Co-Founder and CEO of Inditrade Scalerator, where he focuses on driving digital transformation and growth for MSMEs through innovative financial and technology solutions. With over two decades of global experience, including significant leadership tenures at Microsoft and IBM, he has a proven track record in building large-scale software businesses and managing strategic partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region. At Microsoft, he served as the Director for the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) segment in India, where he was instrumental in accelerating cloud adoption and digital banking initiatives. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, Pushkaraj is recognized for his expertise in bridging the gap between traditional enterprise systems and modern digital platforms to create inclusive economic opportunities.
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Raunak Dembla

Founding Member

Decentro

Raunak Dembla is a Founding Member at Decentro, a YCombinator S20 company LinkedIn, where he leads Business Development, Strategy, and Operations. He brings over 9 years of early-stage startup experience eChai Ventures across FinTech, Retail, and Technology. Decentro is a full-stack, automated API platform for banking integrations that enables companies to launch financial products significantly faster while reducing expenditure substantially. DIGITAL TERMINAL The platform is trusted by over 1,600 large customers, including industry leaders like Groww, Tata Capital, Paytm, and BharatPe. Google. Raunak is a vocal advocate for India's evolving regulatory landscape, noting that India is becoming a regulation-first market where businesses need licences and approvals before going live at scale. Google is a key insight he regularly shares with the startup ecosystem. He is also the host of Fintech Quotient, a podcast focused on the FinTech space on LinkedIn.
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Sameer Singh Jaini

Founder & CEO

DBS Bank

Sameer Jaini is a seasoned financial leader currently serving as a Director at DBS Bank, where he specializes in Corporate Banking and Digital Transformation. With over 15 years of experience in the banking sector, he has developed deep expertise in managing high-value institutional relationships and driving the adoption of modern transaction banking solutions. Throughout his career at leading global financial institutions, he has been instrumental in navigating complex regulatory environments and streamlining digital workflows to enhance operational efficiency for large corporate clients. Known for his strategic approach to client management, Sameer plays a pivotal role in bridging traditional banking excellence with the evolving technological needs of the modern financial landscape.
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Sandeep Varma

Platform Head-Digital & Core Banking

DBS Bank

Sandeep Varma is a highly experienced professional in the banking and financial services sector, currently serving as Executive Director and Regional Head of DBS Bank for various territories. With a strong focus on Commercial Banking and Institutional Relationships, he has been a key figure in driving DBS's footprint in India and the surrounding region. His expertise spans over two decades, covering critical areas such as SME Financing, corporate strategy, and regional expansion, helping position DBS as a leading digital and relationship-oriented lender in the market. Varma is recognized for his leadership in navigating complex regulatory environments and his commitment to fostering long-term growth for business clients across Asia.
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Santosh Patel

Fintech Engagement, Democratising Innovation, Digital Acceleration, Data Monetisation and Solutions, IoT, Mobile Apps

SC Venture

Santosh Patel is a seasoned FinTech strategist and ecosystem builder currently serving as a Member of SC Ventures (Standard Chartered Bank), where he leads startup engagement and venture building. As an Ambassador for the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN), he plays a pivotal role in driving cross-border innovation and strategic partnerships across the global financial landscape. With deep expertise in digital assets, Web 3.0, and venture capital, Santosh is a prominent figure in the Singapore FinTech community, frequently advising on high-impact initiatives like Project BharatNetra to bridge traditional banking with emerging technologies.
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Satish Kashyap

CEO & CO-Founder

DRONAPAY

Satish V. Kashyap is a technology leader and digital strategist with a focus on scaling operations and driving innovation in financial services. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in IT governance, digital transformation, and building resilient business ecosystems.
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Saurabh Sinha

Former - Partner

BDO

Saurabh is an ex-Partner for Financial Services at BDO India, providing advisory and risk management expertise for the Financial Services industry with an emphasis on Fintechs and startups. Previously, he was the Country Leader for TransUnion CIBIL’s FinTech & e-Commerce businesses. He brings over 22 years of industry experience in building new business vertical P&Ls and in driving strategy, thought leadership and growth initiatives in international and domestic markets across Banking, FinTech, eCommerce and Telecom. Saurabh has been engaging and advising senior leaders and startup founders across financial services, FinTechs, digital ecosystems, regulatory bodies and government agencies on evolving trends and inferences across digital consumption and digital lending in India, as a prominent industry expert for many years.
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Sujatha Mohan

BFSI Leader

Sujatha Mohan is a distinguished banking technology and fintech leader with over three decades of experience in building and scaling digital platforms across retail banking, payments, and enterprise transformation. She currently operates as a Technology Advisor, working with banks, fintechs, and private equity–backed institutions on digital strategy and execution, and serves as an Independent Director at FinVu (Cookiejar Technologies) and IndoStar Capital Finance. Most recently, Sujatha was Head of Digital Solutions Factory at HDFC Bank, where she led large multidisciplinary teams responsible for delivering and operating digital platforms and core applications across branch banking, SME, and retail banking. In this capacity she was responsible for “Run The Bank”, “Change The Bank” and “Transform The Bank Initiatives. Prior to HDFC Bank, she was Business Head – APMEA at FIS Global, overseeing regional growth across payment processing and switching businesses, and driving new commercial and technology models for banks and payment networks. Earlier, as Head of Digital and New Initiatives at RBL Bank, she spearheaded the bank’s technology modernization and launched its API banking and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platforms, positioning RBL as a preferred partner for fintechs and large corporates. Sujatha began her leadership career at Oracle Financial Services Software, where she led global product and implementation programs for core banking and digital solutions across multiple geographies. Her contributions have been widely recognized, including the Women in Fintech Award, listing among Top Fintech Influencers, recognition by MEITY for national fintech policy work, and multiple awards from Asian Banker and the Indian Banks’ Association for transformational banking programs. She is a strong advocate for India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), open banking, and responsible data-driven financial ecosystems.
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Tarun Mathur

Head - Strategy and Innovation

Zuno General Insurance (Edelweiss)

An innovation-focused professional with over two decades of experience with industry-leading firms and high-growth startups in roles spanning corporate strategy, consulting, business transformation, and program management. A thought leader, exploring opportunities in corporate strategy or innovation, program and product management, and strategic alliances with tech-focused businesses or innovation ecosystems.
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Upasna Batra

Director Strategy- CEO Office

PayU

Upasna Batra is a seasoned professional in the fintech industry with a proven track record in business strategy and innovation, currently playing a pivotal role at PayU India in driving strategic initiatives and enhancing business growth. Known for her expertise in digital lending, big data analytics, and developing comprehensive business strategies, she exemplifies exceptional business acumen through her transformative leadership as Director of Business Strategy. An IIM Calcutta alumna with a robust background in finance and engineering, Upasna has been recognized as the "Most Admired Fintech (E-Payment) Professional" by World Payments Congress & Awards and is a recipient of the prestigious FICCI "Women Achiever's Award." Beyond her corporate achievements, she is an active mentor to startups, contributing significantly to the growth of innovative ventures in the fintech space while championing women entrepreneurship initiatives. Based in Mumbai, she continues to shape the future of financial technology through her strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to fostering the next generation of fintech leaders.
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Vijay Khubchandani

Founder & CEO

Seven

Vijay Khubchandani is the Founder of Seven, a financial wellness platform focused on helping individuals achieve long-term financial security. With over two decades of experience in financial services and technology, Vijay has built expertise across investment management, wealth advisory, and digital finance solutions. Before founding Seven, he held leadership roles at leading global financial institutions, where he drove innovation in customer-centric financial products. A strong advocate for financial inclusion and literacy, Vijay's work centers on making sophisticated financial planning accessible to everyday users, combining behavioral science with technology to empower better financial decisions.
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Vinayak Hegde

Partner

Brainy Yak Consulting LLP

Vinayak Hegde is a founder, technology leader, and startup mentor with over 20 years of experience in product development and software architecture. He is the founder of Brainy Yak Consulting LLP, where he mentors startups and leadership teams on technology strategy, AI adoption, scalable system design, and product execution. His expertise spans IoT and embedded systems, large-scale networks and internet protocols, distributed data processing and management, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Vinayak has worked across both individual contributor and senior leadership roles, leading globally distributed teams to build and scale complex software products in ad tech, developer platforms, content delivery networks, analytics, IoT, e-commerce, and logistics. Vinayak was a founder and part of the team at Speedera, which was acquired by NASDAQ-listed Akamai (AKAM). He has also been an early member of unicorn-stage companies such as InMobi, and led the technology organization at NASDAQ-listed Zoomcar (ZCAR). Over the course of his career, he has led teams across multiple stages of growth—from 0→1, 0→10, and 10→100+—while launching cutting-edge products and scaling them reliably in production.
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Yadavendra Tyagi

Founder

EnKash

Yadvendra Singh Tyagi is a FinTech leader with over two decades of experience across digital payments, banking and financial infrastructure, and regulated fintech platforms in India. He has been closely involved in building and scaling financial technology businesses, working at the intersection of banks, regulators, networks, and technology providers. His expertise spans payment systems, card and account-based infrastructures, compliance-led product design, data localisation, and large-scale fintech adoption. Yadvendra has advised startups and enterprises on regulatory readiness, go-to-market strategy, institutional partnerships, and building sustainable fintech businesses aligned with India’s evolving digital public infrastructure and policy frameworks. He actively mentors early-stage founders on product-market fit, regulatory alignment, and ecosystem integration, and is particularly interested in contributing to state-led fintech, insurtech, and startup initiatives focused on innovation, inclusion, and long-term economic impact.

From Roadshows to the First Cohort

GFTN held roadshows in 4 across Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Bombay, to find India's brightest minds and share about the BharatNetra initiative.

A glimpse of our Roadshows 

 

Bharatnetra: One Vision, One Finance, One Future

Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub

odisha_logos_updated

Global Learning

Odisha Trains the Next Generation Global Digital Finance Workforce 

The Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore’s Asian Institute of Digital Finance (NUS-AIDF)* and GFTN, has introduced the Certificate in FinTech & InsurTech (CFI) a five-month hybrid programme designed to prepare students for the future of finance.

The course blends online learning with two weeks of in-person classes in Bhubaneswar and an eight-week group capstone project with industry partners. With two cohorts each year, the programme will equip 7,000 students over five years with the skills to be industry ready, power financial technology innovation and support the growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Odisha and beyond. Participants gain priority access to placement opportunities and global exposure through the GFTN network.

*National University of Singapore is ranked #8 globally and #1 in Asia (QS Ranking 2025)

Global Mindshare

Global Minds Connect at Black Swan Summit India 2026  

The Black Swan Summit India, curated by GFTN, is a forward-looking global forum accelerating the adoption of frontier technologies. The summit, hosted in Bhubaneswar from 5 to 6 February 2026 will convene leading technologists, policymakers, investors, and innovators to explore paradigm shifts in tokenization, AI, quantum computing, semiconductor breakthroughs, and digital infrastructure. ​

Launched this year in Perth, Western Australia, the Summit now anchors the Black Swan Network, GFTN’s flagship multi-location, global platform for collective foresight and international collaboration. ​

Beyond the Black Swan Network, GFTN also convenes a suite of high-impact forums, including Point Zero Forum (Zurich), GFTN Forum Japan (Tokyo), the Inclusive FinTech Forum (Rwanda) and the world’s largest FinTech gathering - the Singapore FinTech Festival. These forums span Asia, Europe, and Africa offering Odisha’s students, professionals and startups a direct gateway into global job pipelines, cross-border venture opportunities, and future-ready digital economy networks.​

 

Global Innovation

FinTech Centre of Excellence at the Odisha Technology Centre in Bhubaneswar 

The Centre of Excellence at the Odisha Technology Center will drive digital transformation and accelerate the growth of Financial Technology and InsurTech startups.  ​

Drawing on GFTN’s international expertise to nurture a robust, future-ready Financial Technology ecosystem, the Centre provides structured incubation and acceleration programmes, mentorship, bootcamps, and market readiness support. Startups gain venture development support with global benchmarking, access to capital and partners, and tailored guidance on business models, compliance, and go-to-market strategies. ​

Global Capability Centre

Odisha to Build a Global Capability Centre (GCC) to Support the Digital Finance Sector

The Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bhubaneswar is designed as a strategic nearshore hub for financial institutions accessing India and the Asia-Pacific corridor. Leveraging the talent pipeline built through the I-GFTCH Global Learning initiative and GFTN’s international network, the Centre offers modern workspaces, advanced digital infrastructure, and integrated business services.

 

More than a cost-efficient model, the GCC enables collaboration among startups, corporates, and innovators, fostering knowledge exchange, accelerating product development, and driving cross-border partnerships that position Odisha as an emerging destination for innovation-driven financial services.  

gfo25_hub04

Pathways for Every Stakeholder

 

 
Global
LEARNING
Global
MINDSHARE
Global
INNOVATION
Global
CAPABILITY CENTRE
01

Seeking Jobs in FinTech & InsurTech Sectors
  • Gain job-ready training and certification in FinTech and InsurTech through NUS–AIDF’s 5‑month hybrid programme.

  • Get admitted as a GFTN Global Talent Associate and tap into the GFTN ecosystem for knowledge growth and career opportunities.
  • Boost your visibility with potential employers at the Black Swan Summit India.

  • Discover placement opportunities at the Summit and other GFTN Forums.
  • ⁠Participate and deepen your industry knowledge through startup projects and innovation bootcamps.

  • Strengthen your employability by engaging in hands-on innovation initiatives and community engagement programmes.
  • ⁠Access internships, mentorships, and early career opportunities within global financial institutions establishing a presence in the GCC.

  • ⁠Join India’s expanding role as a key hub in the Asia–India digital economy.
02

Companies Hiring Talent
  • ⁠Leverage on upskilled resource tailored for both local employers and global firms establishing or expanding operations in India.

  • Gain access to a pipeline of NUS–AIDF certified, industry‑ready professionals equipped with relevant, in‑demand skills.
  • ⁠Secure top-tier FinTech and InsurTech talent through exclusive, curated job fair tailored to the summit’s innovation-driven ecosystem.

  • Elevate your employer brand and become a preferred employer for technology and innovation.
  • ⁠Collaborate with high-potential startups to co-create and pilot frontier solutions.

  • Identify and attract talent with scale-up potential to accelerate team strength and growth.
  • Optimise operations within a government-backed ecosystem to ensure efficiency, compliance, and sustainable growth.

  • Leverage a cost-effective talent pool with proven digital finance expertise to accelerate innovation and scale with confidence.
03

Startups Seeking Growth & Collaboration
  • ⁠Engage certified graduates and rising professionals with access to structured mentorship and expert resources.

  • Tap into certified graduates and early-stage talent, paired with guided mentorship and curated learning support.
  • Demonstrate high-impact solutions at the Black Swan Summit India and leading international forums.

  • Foster meaningful engagement with policymakers, investors, and capital providers.
  • ⁠Identify pathways for industry collaboration and joint solution development.

  • Secure an early-mover position to draw investment and growth capital.
  • ⁠Utilise subsidised co-working facilities to scale operations efficiently.

  • ⁠Integrate into a global ecosystem purpose-built for fast-paced startup growth.
04

Global Institutions Expanding Operations
  • Kick-start operations immediately with access to a ready-certified talent pool.

  • Build a long-term pipeline of industry-ready financial & tech professionals.
  • Establish market leadership at Black Swan Summit India.

  • Engage directly with policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to drive strategic priorities.
  • Leverage India’s innovation ecosystem to co-develop frontier solutions.

  • Accelerate adoption of next-generation financial technologies in a fast-growing market.
  • Establish cost-efficient operations in a government-backed ecosystem.

  • Scale confidently from India’s strategic position on the Asia–India digital economy highway.

 

Global LEARNING

  • Gain job-ready training and certification in FinTech and InsurTech through NUS–AIDF’s 5‑month hybrid programme.
  • Get admitted as a GFTN Global Talent Associate and tap into the GFTN ecosystem for knowledge growth and career opportunities.

Global MINDSHARE

  • Boost your visibility with potential employers at the Black Swan Summit India.
  • Discover placement opportunities at the Summit and other GFTN Forums.

Global INNOVATION

  • ⁠Participate and deepen your industry knowledge through startup projects and innovation bootcamps.
  • Strengthen your employability by engaging in hands-on innovation initiatives and community engagement programmes.

Global CAPABILITY CENTRE

  • ⁠Access internships, mentorships, and early career opportunities within global financial institutions establishing a presence in the GCC.
  • ⁠Join India’s expanding role as a key hub in the Asia–India digital economy.

Welcome to our company! We are committed to providing top-notch solutions tailored to your needs. Explore our offerings to see how we can help you succeed.

Welcome to our company! We are committed to providing top-notch solutions tailored to your needs. Explore our offerings to see how we can help you succeed.

Welcome to our company! We are committed to providing top-notch solutions tailored to your needs. Explore our offerings to see how we can help you succeed.

Launch of BharatNetra | 22 August 2025, Bhubaneswar

Launch of the NUS-AIDF FinTech and InsurTech Professional Certification Programme | 31 July 2025​

Startup Bootcamp, Jan 2026

Catch the Bootcamp Highlights

 

Upcoming: BharatNetra Startup Accelerator

While the Incubator focuses on early-stage growth, the Accelerator is designed for scale-ups ready for rapid market expansion and institutional funding.

Kickoff Date: 18 June 2026

Focus: Advanced venture development, enterprise pilots, scaling across states, and institutional fundraising support

Register for the Accelerator and reserve your spot early now

Register for our Startup Programmes

Build FinTech that matters and join Odisha’s journey to become a regional leader in Financial Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BharatNetra Startup Programme a paid programme?
No. The programme does not charge any participation fee.
How does the selection process for the Startup Programme work?
The selection process follows a multi-stage approach for both incubator and accelerator:
Applications → Shortlisting → Founder interviews → Final selection
What evaluation process will be followed?

Applications will be assessed using a weighted evaluation framework based on the following criteria:

  • Scope and readiness of the technology for scaling – 10%
  • Differentiation from existing solutions – 25%
  • Traction in the home market or other emerging markets – 20%
  • Business potential to scale – 30%
  • Other relevant factors as deemed necessary – 15%
What is the programme format?

The BharatNetra Startup Incubator and Accelerator are both hybrid programmes. Across 3 months, the Incubator has monthly 5-day in-person programme, and the Accelerator has monthly 2-day in-person programme, with an in-person demo day in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. All sessions are conducted in English.

Travel and hospitality expenses will not be covered.

What is the participation requirement?
All participants must attend at least 70% of the programmes.
Is there an equity component for participation in the programme?
No equity stake is taken from participating startups.

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