The initiative, unveiled on the occasion of Gautam Adani’s 64th birthday, is designed to reach all 36 states and union territories, more than 800 districts, and multiple language communities across the country. Through the programme, the Adani Group seeks to provide opportunities to talented individuals whose ideas and innovations may not have received adequate visibility, mentorship, or institutional support.
Announcing the initiative, Gautam Adani reflected on his own journey and emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. He stated that when he began his journey, he had nothing and that everything he achieved was made possible by India. He noted that while the country has no shortage of talent, opportunities have not always reached every corner of the nation.
Highlighting the need for broader participation in entrepreneurship, Adani said India has developed one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, yet most founders continue to emerge from only a handful of cities. He described Vande Bharatam as an effort to discover innovators, problem-solvers, and entrepreneurs whose ideas deserve recognition, support, and a larger platform. He invited individuals across the country with the determination to build and create to participate in the initiative.
The programme is open to anyone possessing an idea, innovation, solution, or entrepreneurial ambition, regardless of age, profession, educational background, or stage of development. Participants may submit applications based on a concept, prototype, early-stage venture, or an established business. Registration as a startup is not mandatory for participation.
According to the announcement, entries will be accepted from a broad range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, sustainability, agriculture, traditional crafts, and community-driven solutions. Dedicated participation pathways will also be created for women entrepreneurs, tribal entrepreneurs, rural innovators, entrepreneurs with disabilities, and community-based innovators working to address local challenges.
Applications will undergo a structured evaluation process focusing on innovation, entrepreneurial potential, impact, and scalability. Additional information regarding assessment criteria, jury composition, and selection stages will be announced at a later date.
Following state-level and regional evaluations, 75 finalists will be selected and invited to Ahmedabad for an intensive development programme. The selected participants will engage in mentorship sessions, industry interactions, and discussions with investors and business leaders. The finalists will represent a diverse cross-section of talent from different regions, sectors, and communities across India.
The Adani Group stated that finalists will gain access to mentors, investors, industry leaders, incubation support, and strategic partnerships designed to help transform ideas into successful enterprises. The programme will also include prize money and category-specific recognitions, with detailed information to be announced subsequently.
The Grand Finale is scheduled to take place around Independence Day and will serve as the beginning of a long-term engagement platform connecting participants with mentors, investors, industry leaders, and fellow innovators.
Reinforcing the initiative’s objective, Gautam Adani said that if he could achieve success, any Indian could do the same, provided they are given an opportunity and a platform to showcase their abilities.
India currently ranks among the world’s leading startup ecosystems. However, according to the statement, more than 80 percent of startup founders continue to emerge from only five cities, leaving many aspiring innovators without access to visibility, mentorship, and professional networks.
As India moves toward its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the expansion of entrepreneurship and innovation across regions and communities is expected to play a crucial role in driving economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and addressing local challenges. Through Vande Bharatam, the Adani Group aims to broaden access to opportunity and bring forward untapped entrepreneurial talent from every corner of the country.
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