More than 300 spiritual leaders, technology executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and young

Young Jain Professionals Convention 2026 Concludes in Milpitas

More than 300 spiritual leaders, technology executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and young professionals attended the four-day Young Jain Professionals Convention 2026, which concluded on October 12 in Milpitas, California, americanbazaaronline.com reported. Held at the Embassy Suites under the theme “Reinventing Your Wheel,” the gathering brought participants together to explore innovation, career development, networking, and Jain philosophy.

The program featured keynote addresses, technology discussions, professional development workshops, cultural performances, and a startup pitch competition. YJP operates as an initiative of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America, an umbrella organization dedicated to preserving, practicing, and promoting Jain religious values and the way of life.

Technology Panels and Startup Pitch Competition Winners

Technology and innovation featured prominently in the schedule, reflecting the growing influence of Jain professionals in Silicon Valley and other tech hubs. A panel titled “TECHnically Speaking” explored emerging trends in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, consumer technology, industrial Internet of Things applications, and machine learning. Panelists included Anand Oswal, executive vice president and general manager of AI and network security at Palo Alto Networks; Lavina Kavediya, a product leader specializing in consumer AI and retail technology; and Dr. Nikunj Mehta, founder and CEO of Falkonry.

Entrepreneurship took center stage during the YJP Shark Tank pitch competition on October 11, where the top three winners received cash prizes of $5,001, $2,501, and $1,501. Prithvion, a biology-aware disease prediction platform founded by plant scientist Aishwarya Kothari, won the top prize. The platform forecasts fungal disease risk up to seven days before symptoms appear by integrating pathogen kinetics, host crop phenology, and hyperlocal microclimate data. The judging panel featured Sahil Kothari, Mansi Shah, Deep Nishar, Pranjal Daga, and Priyanka Shah.

Workshops Linking Jain Philosophy with Modern Careers

The convention integrated professional growth with Jain spiritual traditions through keynote addresses from spiritual leaders, including Rushiji Hem Vijay Maharaj and Dr. Arun Vijay Maharaj. Breakout sessions encouraged participants to reflect on their careers and broaden their perspectives. An October 10 workshop titled “Re-Calibrating…” explored Jain philosophical concepts such as karma and rebirth alongside creative expression, personal identity, confidence, and improvisation.

A second workshop on October 11 covered agentic and physical AI, venture capital, decision-making, and Ayurveda. One session examined Anekantavada, the Jain principle of multiple perspectives, and how to apply it when identifying investment opportunities in venture capital. Sunny Jain, a project manager at Goldman Sachs in Dallas, said the meeting gave her a chance to meet people who shared her views, learn about her values, and benefit from guidance.

Cultural Events and Plant-Based Dining Initiatives

Cultural and social events brought participants together outside formal discussions. The opening evening featured a talent show titled “Pacific Coast Hungama,” while Saturday’s festivities included a Garba Night celebration called “Raas in the Redwoods” and a closing “Golden State Gala.” Featured performers included dancer, choreographer, and engineer Jai Loonker, and San Francisco-based product manager and stand-up comedian Priya Puram.

Food served as another major focus, with organizers providing a fully plant-based Jain menu across 13 meals and snacks during the four-day event without repeating dishes. Priyanka Chordia, founder of D’Deco Jewels and coordinator of the food program, stated that the initiative aimed to raise awareness of vegan food preparation. The event concluded on October 12 with a closing ceremony, lunch, and a visit to the Jain Center of Northern California.