Ahmedabad | June 26, 2026:
Editor’s Synopsis
- Nationwide search for innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across 36 States/UTs and 800+ districts.
- 75 finalists to be selected through a multi-stage process and invited to Ahmedabad for an immersive programme.
- Grand Finale scheduled around Independence Day 2026.
- Initiative designed to extend opportunity beyond established start-up hubs, identifying talent across geographies, sectors, languages, and communities.
Programme Overview
Marking his 64th birthday, Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, launched Vande Bharatam, a national initiative to identify and support innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers from across India.
The programme will reach every State and Union Territory, more than 800 districts, and multiple Indian languages. Open to participants of all ages and backgrounds, it aims to bring promising ideas from beyond India’s traditional start-up centres onto a national platform.
Why Vande Bharatam Matters
India is among the world’s leading start-up ecosystems, yet 80% of founders emerge from just five cities. Many aspiring innovators lack access to visibility, mentorship, and networks.
Vande Bharatam seeks to widen that access by discovering talent from metropolitan centres, emerging cities, small towns, and rural communities. The initiative will spotlight individuals with ideas and enterprises capable of creating economic and social impact.
Eligibility & Participation
- Open to anyone with an idea, innovation, solution, or entrepreneurial ambition.
- No requirement for a registered start-up.
- Applications accepted across technology, manufacturing, sustainability, agriculture, crafts, and community-led solutions.
- Dedicated pathways for women entrepreneurs, tribal innovators, rural talent, Divyang entrepreneurs, and community-based problem-solvers.
Selection Process
Applications will undergo a structured evaluation based on:
- Innovation.
- Entrepreneurial potential.
- Impact.
- Scalability.
Following state and regional evaluations, 75 finalists will be invited to Ahmedabad for mentorship, industry interactions, and engagement with investors and business leaders.
Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group: “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. Vande Bharatam is our effort to discover the innovators, problem-solvers, and entrepreneurs whose ideas deserve recognition, support, and a larger platform. If I can do it, any Indian can do it. All they need is an opportunity and a stage.”
Grand Finale & Ongoing Engagement
- Grand Finale scheduled around Independence Day 2026.
- Finalists will gain access to mentors, investors, industry leaders, incubation support, and strategic partnerships.
- Programme will include prize money and category recognitions (details to follow).
- Ongoing engagement platform to connect participants with mentors, investors, and fellow innovators.
Ambassador & Host
Acclaimed actor, television host, and entrepreneur Mr Rajeev Khandelwal will serve as the Ambassador and Host of Vande Bharatam, championing its mission to identify and amplify entrepreneurial talent across India.
Applications
Applications opened on June 24, 2026 at 🌐 vandebharatam.org.
About Vande Bharatam
Vande Bharatam is a nationwide entrepreneurship and innovation initiative launched by Mr Gautam Adani to identify, nurture, and showcase entrepreneurial talent from every State and Union Territory of India. Through a structured selection process, mentorship opportunities, and a national finale, the programme aims to broaden access to entrepreneurial opportunity and support the next generation of Indian innovators.
