The Vande Bharatam initiative, launched by Gautam Adani, prepares for its grand finale in Ahmedabad, highlighting the diverse talent from across India and promising ongoing mentorship to emerging entrepreneurs from all regions and backgrounds.
Gautam Adani’s Vande Bharatam initiative is set for its grand finale in Ahmedabad on August 14, bringing a nationwide hunt for entrepreneurs and problem-solvers to a close with a showcase of finalists drawn from across India. According to the Adani Group, the programme has received more than 26,000 applications from over 800 districts in all 36 states and union territories, underscoring the breadth of interest beyond the country’s established startup centres. The finale is intended not simply as a competition but as the start of a longer engagement with mentors, investors and industry leaders.
The initiative was launched by Gautam Adani on his 64th birthday as a platform for innovators from villages, towns and smaller cities who often have limited access to capital, networks and formal incubation. The company said the scheme is open to participants with an idea, a prototype, an early-stage venture or an established business, and that finalists will be offered mentorship, industry access and strategic support to help turn ideas into enterprises.
The scale of participation has drawn praise from entrepreneurs who say the programme could help widen access to opportunity in India’s startup ecosystem. Vijay Kedia, founder and director of Kedia Advisory, told ANI that the country has no shortage of talent but often lacks the right guidance and opportunity to scale. Ashutosh Valani, co-founder of RENEE Cosmetics, said the initiative could provide founders with the resources, funding and support they need to move forward. Aarti Gill, co-founder of Oziva, called it a strong platform for grassroots entrepreneurship and said she expected it to grow in the years ahead.
Avinash Yadav, chief executive and co-founder of Electica Energy, said Vande Bharatam stands out for its focus on innovation rather than revenue generation alone, and for highlighting startups from smaller towns and less visible parts of the country. The Adani Group says the effort is designed to identify high-potential founders from across regions, languages and backgrounds, with 75 finalists due to receive intensive backing as the programme moves into its next phase.
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