The Adani Group has introduced Vande Bharatam, a nationwide program designed to identify and nurture entrepreneurs and innovators from every corner of India, expanding support beyond traditional metropolitan startup centers.
- Covers all Indian states, union territories, 800+ districts and multiple languages
- Open to applicants across sectors and business stages, including early ideas to established ventures
- Top 75 finalists receive mentorship, investor access, incubation and networking opportunities
What happened
Adani Group recently launched Vande Bharatam, a comprehensive initiative targeting entrepreneurs and problem-solvers nationwide. The goal is to widen access to crucial startup support mechanisms such as mentorship, investor connections, and incubation, especially for those located outside major metropolitan hubs.
Applications opened on June 24 and are available to people of all ages, professions, and business development phases. The initiative covers diverse sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, sustainability, traditional crafts, and community-driven solutions, spanning all 36 Indian states and union territories, as well as over 800 districts.
Why it matters
India’s startup ecosystem is rapidly decentralizing, with more than half of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)-recognized startups emerging from tier II and III cities. Yet, access to capital and mentor networks largely remain centered in a few metropolitan areas, creating a gap for founders based elsewhere.
By expanding support beyond established startup hubs, Adani Group’s initiative aims to bridge this divide, empowering entrepreneurs in smaller cities and rural areas. This is particularly significant given India’s startup population now exceeds 200,000 registered entities, collectively generating millions of direct jobs.
What to watch next
The program will select 75 finalists who will participate in an intensive development program in Ahmedabad around Independence Day. These finalists will benefit from strategic partnerships, industry networking, and direct investor engagement designed to accelerate their ventures.
Tracking the impact of Vande Bharatam will be important to see how effectively it nurtures startup growth outside traditional hubs, and whether it sets a precedent for other corporate-led initiatives aiming to democratize entrepreneurship access across India’s diverse ecosystem.