India’s talented entrepreneurs and innovators living outside major cities may soon get a bigger platform to showcase their ideas.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani has launched a new nationwide initiative called ‘Vande Bharatam’, aimed at identifying entrepreneurs, innovators, and grassroots changemakers from across the country.
The program was announced by Gautam Adani on June 25, coinciding with his 64th birthday. The initiative aims to discover promising talent from every corner of India and provide them with opportunities to grow.
Program to Cover More Than 800 Districts
The Vande Bharatam initiative will cover more than 800 districts across all 36 states and Union Territories of India.
Participants will be able to apply in multiple Indian languages, making the program accessible to people from diverse backgrounds.
The initiative is designed to support entrepreneurship beyond the existing startup hubs and encourage innovation in smaller cities, towns, and rural areas.
‘India Has Talent, But Not Equal Opportunities’
Speaking at the launch event, Gautam Adani shared that the idea behind Vande Bharatam comes from his belief that talent exists everywhere in India, but opportunities do not.
He reflected on his own journey and said that he started on a very small scale and achieved success because the country provided him with opportunities.
According to him, many talented individuals across India still lack the right platform to showcase their ideas and abilities.
Startup Success Should Not Be Limited to Big Cities
Adani said that while India has become one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, successful entrepreneurs often emerge from only a few major cities.
Through Vande Bharatam, the Adani Group aims to identify talented innovators whose ideas can grow into successful businesses with the right support, mentorship, and resources.
Anyone Can Apply, No Special Qualification Required
One of the key highlights of the program is that it is open to everyone. There are no restrictions related to age, educational qualification, profession, or background.
Applicants can submit early-stage ideas, prototypes, or even existing businesses. Registered startups are also eligible to participate.
The program will accept applications from a wide range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, agriculture, sustainability, traditional crafts, and community-based innovations.
75 Finalists Will Receive Mentorship and Recognition
After completing state-level and regional rounds, 75 participants will be selected for the final stage of the competition.
These finalists will attend an intensive mentorship program in Ahmedabad, where they will get an opportunity to interact with investors, business leaders,
and industry experts. Selected participants will also receive cash prizes and category-specific awards during the grand finale.
The Vande Bharatam program is expected to conclude around India’s Independence Day celebrations.
