The programme will reach all 36 States and Union Territories, more than 800 districts and multiple Indian languages. Open to participants of all ages and backgrounds, it aims to bring promising ideas and entrepreneurial talent from beyond India’s traditional start-up centres onto a national platform, according to a statement.
From metropolitan centres and emerging cities to small towns and rural communities, the initiative will look for individuals with ideas, solutions and enterprises capable of creating economic and social impact, it said.
The initiative is open to anyone with an idea, innovation, solution or entrepreneurial ambition, irrespective of age, profession, educational background or stage of development. Participants may apply with a concept, prototype, early-stage venture or established business. A registered start-up is not required, the statement said.
Entries are invited from a wide range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, sustainability, agriculture, traditional crafts and community-led solutions. Dedicated pathways will encourage participation from women entrepreneurs, tribal entrepreneurs, rural innovators, Divyang entrepreneurs and community-based innovators addressing local challenges.
Applications will undergo a structured evaluation process focused on innovation, entrepreneurial potential, impact and scalability.
Additional details relating to assessment criteria, jury composition and selection stages will be announced in due course. Following state and regional evaluations, 75 finalists will be invited to Ahmedabad for an intensive programme featuring mentorship, industry interactions and engagement with investors and business leaders. Together, they will represent a cross-section of talent from across regions, sectors and communities.
“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,” Gautam Adani said launching the initiative on his 64th birthday.
Finalists will gain access to mentors, investors, industry leaders, incubation support and strategic partnerships that can help transform ideas into enterprises. The programme will also include prize money and category-based recognitions, details of which will be announced at a later stage. The Grand Finale, scheduled around Independence Day, will mark the beginning of an ongoing engagement platform connecting participants with mentors, investors, industry leaders and fellow innovators.
“If I can do it, any Indian can do it. All they need is an opportunity and a stage,” Adani added.
Applications opened on June 24 at https://www.vandebharatam.org/
