Gautam Adani launches initiative 'Vande Bharatam' to discover entrepreneurs across India

Vande Bharatam, a nationwide initiative launched by Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on his 64th birthday, will scout innovators and entrepreneurs from all 36 States and Union Territories and over 800 districts across India.

The programme seeks to expand opportunities beyond traditional startup hubs by inviting participants from cities, towns and villages, regardless of age, educational background or whether they have a registered startup. Applicants can submit ideas, prototypes, early-stage ventures or established businesses.

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Entries are invited across sectors including technology, manufacturing, sustainability, agriculture, traditional crafts and community-led solutions. Special tracks will support women, tribal entrepreneurs, rural innovators and Divyang entrepreneurs.

After regional evaluation rounds, 75 finalists will be selected for an intensive mentorship and investment programme in Ahmedabad, culminating in a grand finale around Independence Day.

Launching the initiative, Gautam Adani said, "When I began my journey, I had nothing. Everything I am and everything I have achieved was given to me by the soil of Bharat. There is no shortage of talent in our nation, but opportunity has not always reached every corner of the country."

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"India has built one of the world's largest start-up ecosystems, yet most founders still emerge from a handful of cities," Adani added. "Vande Bharatam is our effort to discover the innovators, problem-solvers and entrepreneurs whose ideas deserve recognition, support and a larger platform. We invite every Indian with the courage to build and the determination to create to come forward and participate."

The program offers finalists access to industry leaders, incubation support, strategic partnerships, prize money, and category-based recognitions. Applications for the national initiative opened on June 24 at the official website.