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.

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.


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 5‑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 a high-velocity launchpad for growth-stage ventures. It provides Series A+ ready scale-ups with a strategic gateway to global markets, institutional capital, and enterprise partnerships.
Designed for scale-ups with existing traction and annual recurring revenue or raised institutional funding looking for rapid expansion and institutional 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
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.
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.Bharatnetra: One Vision, One Finance, One Future
Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub

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.

Pathways for Every Stakeholder
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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
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
Applications → Shortlisting → Founder interviews → Final selection
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%
The BharatNetra Startup Accelerator is a hybrid programme, with approximately 30% in-person engagement and 70% virtual sessions. Across 3 months, there will be monthly 5-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.
Connect with us to learn more
Enquire about the programme or partner with us
