Ahmedabad, June 25: Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, launched the ‘Vande Bharatam’ initiative on Thursday to support innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers. This initiative was unveiled on his 64th birthday and will operate across 36 states and union territories, reaching over 800 districts and multiple Indian languages.
Gautam Adani stated, “When I started my journey, I had nothing. Everything I am today and all I have achieved comes from the soil of India. Our country has no shortage of talent, but opportunities have not always reached every corner.”
He emphasized that while India has built one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, most founders still hail from just a few cities. The ‘Vande Bharatam’ initiative aims to discover innovators and problem-solvers whose ideas deserve recognition, support, and a larger platform. He invited every Indian with the courage to create and the determination to innovate to participate.
This initiative is open to anyone with an idea, innovation, solution, or entrepreneurial ambition, regardless of age, profession, education, or development stage. Participants can apply with a concept, prototype, early-stage venture, or an existing business, and being a registered startup is not a prerequisite.
Applications are encouraged from various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, sustainability, agriculture, traditional crafts, and community-based solutions. Special pathways will be created to promote participation from women, tribal innovators, rural entrepreneurs, differently-abled businesspeople, and community-based innovators who address local challenges.
A structured evaluation process will assess applications based on innovation, entrepreneurial potential, impact, and scalability. Additional details regarding evaluation criteria, jury formation, and selection phases will be provided in due course.
After state and regional evaluations, 75 finalists will be invited to a special program in Ahmedabad. This program will offer mentorship, networking opportunities with industry professionals, and connections with investors and business leaders, representing diverse talents from various sectors and communities.
According to the statement, finalists will benefit from mentorship, investment opportunities, industry leaders, incubation support, and strategic partnerships to help transform their ideas into businesses. The program will also feature awards and recognition based on categories, with further details to be announced later.
The grand finale, scheduled around Independence Day, will launch a platform connecting participants with mentors, investors, industry leaders, and fellow innovators.
Gautam Adani remarked, “If I can do this, any Indian can too. They just need an opportunity and a platform.”
Today, India stands as one of the leading startup ecosystems globally. However, over 80% of startup founders come from just five cities, leaving many emerging innovators without recognition, mentorship, and networks.
The statement highlighted that as India moves towards the goal of a ‘developed India’ by 2047, increasing participation in entrepreneurship and innovation is crucial for driving economic growth, creating jobs, and addressing local challenges.
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