Source-led article
Adani Group Launches ‘Vande Bharatam’ to Boost Indian Startup Ecosystem Beyond Metro Hubs
The Adani Group has officially launched “Vande Bharatam,” a new nationwide initiative designed to identify and support entrepreneurs, innovators, and problem-solvers across India. The program aims to broaden access to mentorship, investor networks, and incubation support, particularly for founders and innovators located outside the country’s established startup hubs.
The “Vande Bharatam” initiative is set to cover all 36 states and union territories, encompassing over 800 districts and operating in multiple Indian languages. This wide reach underscores a strategic effort to tap into the entrepreneurial potential present in tier II and III cities, which increasingly contribute to India’s startup creation.
Program Details and Scope
Applications for the “Vande Bharatam” initiative opened on June 24. It is open to individuals of all age groups, professions, and stages of business development. Participants can apply with an initial idea, a prototype, an early-stage venture, or an already established business. The program welcomes entries from diverse sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, sustainability, traditional crafts, and community-led solutions, reflecting a broad approach to innovation.
Support for Selected Startups
Adani Group plans to select 75 finalists who will be invited to Ahmedabad for an intensive program. This phase will include mentorship opportunities, interactions with investors, and engagements with established business leaders. Beyond this, the selected startups will receive incubation support, access to strategic partnerships, and opportunities for industry networking. The program is slated to conclude around India’s Independence Day.
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initiative Name | Vande Bharatam |
| Launch Date | Applications opened June 24 |
| Coverage | All 36 states/union territories, 800+ districts, multiple languages |
| Support | Mentorship, investor access, incubation, strategic partnerships |
| Finalists | 75 selected for intensive program in Ahmedabad |
Bridging the Gap for Regional Startups
The launch of “Vande Bharatam” comes at a time when India’s startup ecosystem is expanding beyond its traditional metropolitan centers. While founders from smaller cities are contributing a growing share to new startup ventures, access to capital and support infrastructure often remains concentrated in a few major cities. This initiative directly addresses this disparity by extending critical resources to a broader geographical base.
Government data indicates that over half of India’s DPIIT-recognized startups are now based in tier II and III cities. The country currently boasts more than 2 lakh recognized startups, which collectively generate over 21 lakh direct jobs. The Adani Group’s program aligns with this trend, aiming to further strengthen the decentralized growth of the Indian startup landscape. By providing support to these emerging regional hubs, “Vande Bharatam” seeks to unlock new avenues for innovation and economic development across the nation.