Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, launched the Vande Bharatam initiative on his 64th birthday, a nationwide search for innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across all 36 states and union territories and more than 800 districts in India.
Program aims to expand innovation beyond top cities
The initiative comes at a time when India ranks among the world's top startup ecosystems, yet over 80% of founders emerge from only five cities. Vande Bharatam seeks to bring ideas from beyond traditional startup hubs onto a national platform, inviting participants of all ages and educational backgrounds from metropolitan centers to rural communities.
Applicants can submit concepts, prototypes, early-stage ventures, or established businesses without needing a registered startup. Entries span sectors including technology, manufacturing, sustainability, agriculture, traditional crafts, and community solutions. Dedicated pathways encourage participation from women, tribal entrepreneurs, rural innovators, and Divyang entrepreneurs.
Selection process and final event
Following structured regional evaluations, 75 finalists will attend an intensive mentorship and investment program in Ahmedabad, leading to a Grand Finale around Independence Day. The program offers finalists access to industry leaders, incubation support, strategic partnerships, prize money, and category-based recognitions.
Adani's personal message
Launching the initiative, Gautam Adani said, "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."
"India has built one of the world's largest start-up ecosystems, yet most founders still emerge from a handful of cities," Adani added. "Vande Bharatam is our effort to discover the innovators, problem-solvers and entrepreneurs whose ideas deserve recognition, support and a larger platform. We invite every Indian with the courage to build and the determination to create to come forward and participate."
"If I can do it, any Indian can do it. All they need is an opportunity and a stage," Adani stated.
Application details
Applications for the national initiative opened on June 24 at the official website. The program is open to all, with no requirement for a registered startup, broadening access to grassroots talent across India.
