Adani Group Launches ‘Vande Bharatam’ Initiative To Back Startup Founders
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Conglomerate Adani Group has launched Vande Bharatam, a nationwide initiative to identify and support entrepreneurs, innovators and problem-solvers from across India.
The programme aims to widen access to mentorship, investor networks and incubation support for founders and innovators outside traditional startup hubs.
According to the company, the initiative will cover all 36 states and union territories, more than 800 districts and multiple Indian languages. Applications opened on June 24 through the programme’s website.
The initiative is open to participants across age groups, professions and stages of business development. Individuals can apply with an idea, prototype, early stage venture or an established business.
The programme will accept entries from sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, sustainability, traditional crafts and community-led solutions.
Adani said 75 finalists will be selected and invited to Ahmedabad for an intensive programme featuring mentorship, interactions with investors and engagements with business leaders. These startups will also receive incubation support, strategic partnerships and industry networking opportunities.
The programme will culminate around Independence Day.
The conglomerate is doubling down on the Indian startup ecosystem when it is moving beyond just concentrating around the established startup hubs. While founders from smaller cities account for a growing share of startup creation, access to capital remains concentrated in a handful of metros.
At the same time, startup activity is increasingly spreading beyond major cities. Government data shows that more than half of India’s DPIIT-recognised startups are now based in tier II and III cities.
India had more than 2 Lakh recognised startups, collectively generating over 21 Lakh direct jobs.
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