Gautam Adani-led initiative brings together innovators across technology, agriculture, healthcare, defence, sustainability and other sectors for mentorship, industry access and evaluation.
Ahmedabad: Vande Bharatam, the grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship initiative launched by Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, has selected its inaugural cohort from more than 26,000 applications received from across India.
Applications were received from every State and Union Territory, with innovators presenting ideas across sectors including mobility, sustainability, technology, agriculture, defence, healthcare, manufacturing and education.
The first cohort brings together innovators from diverse regions, disciplines and backgrounds, united by a common ambition to address some of India’s challenges, build nation-building enterprises and create impact at scale.
Built around the belief that talent exists everywhere, even when opportunity does not, Vande Bharatam aims to connect promising innovators with experienced mentors, industry leaders, institutions and wider opportunities to help transform ideas into viable and impactful enterprises.
The initiative also reflects Gautam Adani’s vision of creating pathways for emerging innovators to pursue their ambitions and contribute to the country’s growth.
Speaking on the launch of the first cohort, Gautam Adani said, “When I look at these innovators, I see the possibilities of tomorrow’s Bharat. Talent has no city limits and opportunity should not have them either.”
He added that he hoped the first cohort would eventually include founders and innovators who go on to build enterprises capable of transforming Bharat.
The selected innovators will now participate in Vande Bharatam Immersive Week, featuring mentorship sessions and interactions with business leaders, entrepreneurs and experts, alongside successive rounds of evaluation.
The programme will culminate in the Vande Bharatam Grand Finale on August 14, where outstanding innovators will be recognised and presented with the Vande Bharatam Trophy. Beyond the competition, Vande Bharatam aims to evolve into a national platform for identifying promising ideas at an early stage and providing innovators outside India’s traditional entrepreneurial centres with access to people, institutions and resources that can accelerate their journeys.