The Chola capital built the world's tallest temple a thousand years ago. Now it's time to build companies. One day of founders, investors, students and ideas — right here in the Delta.
Startup Thanjavur 2026 brings the region's founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, students, mentors, investors and ecosystem enablers under one roof.
Great companies are no longer built only in metros. With the right connections, capital and confidence, the next big startup can come from the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu. This is where it starts.
The founders and ecosystem builders taking the stage this year.
Chief Executive Officer, Startup Singam (opens in a new tab)
An active voice in India's startup ecosystem, championing entrepreneurship, founder journeys and the next generation of business leaders.
Founder, ZOZOconnect (opens in a new tab)
At just 11, building an NFC-powered networking solution that replaces traditional business cards with a simple tap.
Founder & CEO, Tamilpreneur (opens in a new tab)
Turning a Tamil startup-focused social media page into a growing entrepreneurial community of over 10,000 members.
Founder, SPPD & Donkey Business Movement (opens in a new tab)
Challenging conventional business thinking by building an unconventional enterprise around donkey farming.
Founder, NerdsX (opens in a new tab)
Building a multi-venture technology group spanning cybersecurity, data privacy, digital accessibility, software development and technology innovation.
Founders, operators and policymakers who have taken the Startup Thanjavur stage.
View all speakers
Minister for Industries, Investments & Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu (opens in a new tab)
Co-founder, Naturals (opens in a new tab)
Co-founder & ED, Kauvery Hospital (opens in a new tab)
Founder & CEO, IppoPay Technologies (opens in a new tab)
Founder & CEO, FlintoClass (opens in a new tab)
CEO & Founder, Specsmakers (opens in a new tab)
Founder & CEO, Frigate (opens in a new tab)
Vice President, StartupTN (opens in a new tab)
Five categories. One evening. Recognising the people turning ideas into impact across the region.
Nominate nowThe standout startup of the region — traction, team and vision.
02Celebrating a woman founder building something remarkable.
03For student and young founders with bold, original ideas.
04For ventures creating real change for the Delta's communities.
05For startups growing sustainably without external funding.
Put your brand at the centre of the Delta's startup movement. Title, Platinum, Gold and Silver slots are open now.
View sponsorship options
Pillai and Sons
Startup Acceleration Partner
Startup Thanjavur 2026 is a one-day startup summit for the Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu, organised by Gnanam School of Business and Nerds Hive. It brings together founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, students, mentors, investors, corporates and government through founders connect, a startup showcase, founder panels, Startup Street stalls, the Opportunity Desk and the Startup Thanjavur Awards.
Startup Thanjavur is organised by Gnanam School of Business (GSB), Thanjavur, and Nerds Hive (nerdshive.in), a coworking space in Thanjavur.
Payments for passes and stalls are collected through PayU by A5 Cyber Nexus Private Limited (a5cyber.in), a Thanjavur-based cybersecurity and digital accessibility company, which issues the GST tax invoice for every order. A5 Cyber Nexus also built and secures the Startup Thanjavur website.
Founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, students, mentors, investors, corporates, government and ecosystem enablers — anyone who wants to be part of building startups from the Delta region.
Startup Thanjavur 2026 is on Saturday, 21 November 2026 at Gnanam School of Business, Thanjavur.
The programme runs from 9:15 AM to 5:15 PM (IST) on Saturday, 21 November 2026, with lunch from 1:15 to 2:15 PM. The full schedule, including Startup Pitching, is on the agenda page (startupthanjavur.in/agenda.html)
Confirmed speakers for 2026 include Arun Nair (Chief Executive Officer, Startup Singam), Athvik Amith Kumar (Founder, ZOZOconnect), Shyam Siddarth (Founder & CEO, Tamilpreneur), Raju Joseph (Founder, SPPD & Donkey Business Movement) and Siva Tamilvanan (Founder, NerdsX). More speakers are being confirmed; see the agenda page (startupthanjavur.in/agenda.html) and the speakers page (startupthanjavur.in/speakers.html).
Early-bird prices until 9 November 2026: Student Pass ₹399, Start Up / Professionals Pass ₹899 and a Startup Street stall ₹2,499, each plus 18% GST. From 10 November: ₹500, ₹1,000 and ₹3,000 plus GST. See the passes.
Online booking closes on 19 November 2026 for Student and Start Up / Professionals passes and on 18 November 2026 for Startup Street stalls. Award nominations close on 16 November 2026.
Yes. A valid student ID is mandatory — upload it during registration and carry the original to the venue for verification.
A Startup Street stall (₹2,499 + 18% GST until 9 November, then ₹3,000 + GST) includes an exhibition stall on Startup Street and two Startup passes, each with event access, exhibits, lunch and a goodie bag.
Yes. Every pass includes lunch and a goodie bag. Choose veg or non-veg for each person when you register.
Apply free on the Startup Pitching page with your pitch deck. Shortlisted startups will be contacted before the event, and selected startups need a Startup Thanjavur 2026 pass.
Head to the Awards page and submit a nomination in any of the five categories. Self-nominations are welcome. Nominating is free; shortlisted nominees need a Startup Thanjavur 2026 pass.