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27 June 2026
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani has unveiled Vande Bharatam, a ambitious nationwide grassroots innovation movement designed to boost non-metro startups and unlock entrepreneurial talent across India.
Launched on June 25, 2026, on the occasion of his 64th birthday, the initiative aims to discover and nurture innovators, problem-solvers, and entrepreneurs from Tier II, Tier III cities, rural areas, and small towns, moving beyond traditional metro startup hubs.
Democratizing India’s Startup Ecosystem
India boasts one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, with over two lakh DPIIT-recognized startups creating millions of direct jobs.
However, founder emergence and access to capital, mentorship, and networks remain heavily concentrated in a few major cities.
Vande Bharatam seeks to bridge this gap by reaching all 36 states and Union Territories and more than 800 districts.
The program supports ideas in diverse sectors including technology, agriculture, manufacturing, sustainability, traditional crafts, and community-led solutions.The initiative places strong emphasis on inclusive participation with dedicated pathways for women entrepreneurs, rural innovators, tribal entrepreneurs, Divyang entrepreneurs, and community-based changemakers. It welcomes applicants of all ages, backgrounds, and stages — from raw ideas and prototypes to early-stage ventures and established businesses.
No formal startup registration is required.Gautam Adani highlighted the vision behind this Adani Vande Bharatam program: talent is abundant across Bharat, but opportunities have not always reached every corner. “If I can do it, any Indian can do it.
All they need is an opportunity and a stage.”The program aspires to transform promising ideas into scalable enterprises, driving job creation, regional development, and progress toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.
How to Apply: Simple Registration Steps for Vande Bharatam
Participating in this grassroots innovation movement is straightforward. Follow these steps to register your startup or idea:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to vandebharatam.org, the dedicated platform for the Vande Bharatam initiative.
- Register or Create an Account: Sign up using email or phone number. The multilingual interface makes it accessible across regions.
- Complete the Application Form: Submit detailed information about your background, the innovation or business idea, the problem it solves, its potential impact, and current development stage. Highlight scalability and uniqueness.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Include prototypes, presentations, videos, or any proof of concept. Special category applicants (women-led, rural, etc.) can highlight relevant details.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review the application and submit before the deadline of July 19, 2026.
- Track Progress: Monitor updates through the portal or registered contacts regarding shortlisting and next rounds.
A rigorous evaluation process will assess entries based on innovation, entrepreneurial potential, impact, and scalability. From nationwide entries, 75 finalists will be selected for an intensive program in Ahmedabad.
Benefits for Selected Finalists
The 75 finalists will gain access to high-impact support, including expert mentorship, investor connections, incubation assistance, industry networking, strategic partnerships, prize money, and category recognitions.
The program culminates in a Grand Finale around Independence Day, with plans for continued engagement to help ideas scale successfully.
Why Vande Bharatam Matters for Non-Metro Startups
This Adani startup initiative comes at a pivotal time as entrepreneurial activity spreads to smaller cities. By providing a national platform, resources, and visibility, Vande Bharatam has the potential to inspire thousands, foster inclusive innovation, and create sustainable businesses rooted in local challenges with global relevance.
Aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators from every district now have a significant opportunity to showcase their ideas on a bigger stage.
With applications open for a short window, those with big dreams from small towns are encouraged to apply promptly through the official Vande Bharatam portal and become part of India’s largest grassroots innovation movement.
Vande Bharatam reinforces the spirit of empowerment, proving that groundbreaking ideas can emerge from anywhere when given the right platform and support.
This initiative by Gautam Adani could mark a transformative chapter in building a more decentralized and vibrant Indian startup ecosystem.
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