Vande Bharatam Gujarat Brings National Focus to Ahmedabad
Adani’s Vande Bharatam Initiative Draws Highest Number of Applications from Gujarat as Outreach Reaches State
Gujarat has emerged as the leading state in the Adani Group’s nationwide entrepreneurship initiative, Vande Bharatam, with more than 3,800 applications submitted by aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs. The milestone was announced during the programme’s outreach in Gujarat, where representatives of the Adani Group met Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi and presented him with a Vande Bharatam programme kit, a commemorative memento and a letter outlining the initiative.
The meeting focused on the programme’s progress in Gujarat and its aim of connecting innovators with mentors, industry experts and investment opportunities. According to the organisers, Sanghavi welcomed the initiative and appreciated its objective of encouraging grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship.
Launched on 25 June 2026 by Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, Vande Bharatam is a national initiative designed to identify entrepreneurial talent from every part of India. The programme is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, allowing participants to submit ideas, early-stage concepts, prototypes or existing businesses without requiring a registered start-up.
The initiative comes at a time when India continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s largest start-up ecosystems. While the country has produced thousands of start-ups over the past decade, industry data shows that a large share of founders still come from a handful of major cities. Programmes such as Vande Bharatam seek to widen participation by encouraging innovators from smaller cities, towns and rural areas to present their ideas on a national stage.
According to information released by the organisers, Gujarat has received the highest number of applications among all states, crossing 3,800 entries. The response reflects the state’s long-standing reputation for business and enterprise, supported by a strong network of industries, educational institutions and start-up support programmes.
Over the years, Gujarat has promoted entrepreneurship through several government-backed initiatives, incubators and innovation centres. Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar have become important locations for technology companies, manufacturing businesses and start-ups, while institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and entrepreneurship development organisations have helped nurture new ventures. State policies encouraging manufacturing, technology and investment have also contributed to a favourable business environment.
Speaking about the initiative, Gautam Adani said:
“Vande Bharatam reflects our belief that India’s greatest innovations will emerge when talent is matched with opportunity. Gujarat has always stood as a beacon of enterprise, and its support reinforces our vision of building a stronger innovation ecosystem that empowers young entrepreneurs across the country.”
The programme was introduced on 25 June, the birthday of Gautam Adani, with the stated goal of identifying innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers from all 36 States and Union Territories and more than 800 districts across India. Organisers say the platform is intended to make entrepreneurial opportunities available beyond established start-up hubs and encourage participation from diverse communities.
Applications were invited from a wide range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, agriculture, sustainability, traditional crafts and community-led innovation. The programme also includes dedicated categories encouraging participation by women entrepreneurs, tribal innovators, rural changemakers and Divyang entrepreneurs.
Under the selection process, entries are evaluated for innovation, entrepreneurial potential, expected impact and the ability to grow. Organisers have announced that 75 finalists will be chosen from across the country.
Those finalists will be invited to Ahmedabad for an intensive mentorship programme featuring business guidance, interaction with investors and industry leaders, incubation support and strategic networking. The programme will conclude with a national grand finale around Independence Day, where participants will present their ideas before a national audience.
The initiative reflects a wider trend in India’s innovation landscape, where both government and private organisations are expanding support for early-stage entrepreneurs. National programmes such as Startup India have increased awareness of entrepreneurship, while corporate-led initiatives have added mentorship, funding opportunities and industry connections for founders seeking to convert ideas into businesses.
Supporters of such programmes argue that access to experienced mentors, investors and business networks can help young entrepreneurs overcome common barriers, particularly those outside major metropolitan centres. They also point to the potential for local innovations to create employment, address regional challenges and contribute to economic development.
The Gujarat outreach is one of several state-level engagements being conducted as part of Vande Bharatam’s nationwide campaign. Organisers have said the programme is intended to continue beyond the final event by maintaining connections between participants, mentors, investors and industry experts, creating opportunities for promising ideas to develop into sustainable businesses.