Editor’s Summary
- Vande Bharatam will conduct a nationwide search for innovators, entrepreneurs and change-makers across all 36 states and union territories and over 800 districts.
- Seventy-five finalists will be selected through a multi-stage process and invited to Ahmedabad for an extensive program culminating in a national grand finale around Independence Day.
- Designed to expand opportunity beyond established start-up hubs, the initiative aims to identify entrepreneurial talent across different geographies, sectors, languages and communities.
Ahmedabad, 25 June 2026: On the occasion of his 64th birthday, Adani Group Chairman Shri Gautam Adani today launched Vande Bharatam, A national initiative to identify and support innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers across India.
The program 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 beyond India’s traditional start-up hubs to a national platform.
India today ranks among the leading start-up ecosystems in the world. Yet more than 80 percent of start-up founders are emerging from just five cities, leaving many aspiring innovators without visibility, guidance and access to networks.
Vande Bharatam wants to broaden that reach. From metropolitan centers and emerging cities to small towns and rural communities, the initiative will seek individuals with ideas, solutions and enterprises capable of generating economic and social impact.
As India moves towards the goal of a Developed India by 2047, increasing participation in entrepreneurship and innovation will be important to boost economic growth, create jobs and solve local challenges.
The initiative is open to anyone with an idea, innovation, solution or entrepreneurial ambition, regardless of age, profession, educational background or stage of development. Participants can apply with a concept, prototype, early-stage venture or established business. A registered start-up is not required.
Entries are invited from a range of sectors including technology, manufacturing, sustainability, agriculture, traditional crafts and community-led solutions. Dedicated pathways will encourage participation of women entrepreneurs, tribal entrepreneurs, rural innovators, entrepreneurs with disabilities and community-based innovators solving local challenges.
Applications will go through a structured assessment process focused on innovation, entrepreneurial potential, impact and scalability. Additional details regarding evaluation criteria, jury composition and selection stages will be announced in due course.
Following state and regional assessment, the 75 finalists will be invited to Ahmedabad for an intensive program that will include mentorship, industry interactions and engagement with investors and business leaders. Together, they will represent a cross-section of talent from different regions, sectors and communities.
Starting the initiative, Mr Gautam Adani Said: “When I started my journey, I had nothing. Whatever I am and whatever I have achieved has been given to me by the soil of India. There is no dearth of talent in our country, but opportunities do not always reach every corner of the country.”
India has built one of the largest start-up ecosystems in the world, yet most founders still emerge from a handful of cities. Vande Bharatam is our endeavor to discover innovators, problem-solvers and entrepreneurs whose ideas deserve recognition, support and a bigger platform. We invite every Indian with the courage and determination to build to come forward and participate.”
Finalists will gain access to mentors, investors, industry leaders, incubation support, and strategic partnerships that can help transform ideas into enterprises. The program will also include prize money and category-based recognitions, details of which will be announced later.
The grand finale, held around the Independence Day, will mark the beginning of an ongoing engagement platform connecting participants with mentors, investors, industry leaders and fellow innovators.
Mr Adani said, “If I can do it, any Indian can do it. All they need is an opportunity and a platform.”
With reach across every state and union territory, over 800 districts and the global Indian diaspora, Vande Bharatam aims to become one of India’s most comprehensive platforms for entrepreneurial exploration and innovation.
Applications opened on 24th June
vandebhartam.org.
About Vande Bharatam
Vande Bharatam is a nationwide entrepreneurship and innovation initiative launched by Shri Gautam Adani to identify, nurture and showcase entrepreneurial talent from each state and union territory of India. Through a structured selection process, mentorship opportunities and a national finale, the program aims to broaden access to entrepreneurial opportunity and support the next generation of Indian innovators.
Acclaimed actor, television host and entrepreneur Mr. Rajeev Khandelwal will serve as the ambassador and host of Vande Bharatam. With his career spanning television, cinema and digital platforms, he will help drive the initiative’s mission to identify, celebrate and harness entrepreneurial talent from across India.
For media queries: Roy Paul roy.paul@adani.com
