Adani Group’s nationwide innovation initiative, Vande Bharatam, has crossed 25,000 applications, marking a significant milestone in its mission to identify and nurture entrepreneurial talent from across India. In response to the overwhelming participation, the Group has extended the application deadline to July 30, 2026, giving aspiring innovators additional time to apply.
As part of a nationwide outreach campaign, representatives of the Adani Group met Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Puducherry, Odisha, Assam, Telangana, Meghalaya, Maharashtra and Haryana. During the meetings, state leaders were presented with a Vande Bharatam kit containing a commemorative memento, a personalised appeal in the respective state’s language and a letter from Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.
The discussions focused on promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and youth-led startups by encouraging participation from every State and Union Territory. The initiative seeks to ensure that innovators from smaller towns and underserved regions gain access to mentorship, industry networks and investment opportunities. State leaders welcomed the programme, recognising its potential to strengthen local innovation ecosystems and create opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.
Launched on June 25, 2026, Vande Bharatam aims to address regional disparities within India’s startup ecosystem. According to the organisers, while India is among the world’s largest startup hubs, more than 80 percent of startup founders come from just five cities, leaving entrepreneurial talent across hundreds of districts with limited visibility and support.
The programme is open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, with no requirement to have a registered startup. Applicants need only present an innovative idea and the commitment to develop it. Following a multi-stage selection process, 75 finalists will be invited to Ahmedabad for an intensive mentorship programme, networking with investors and a grand finale scheduled around India’s Independence Day celebrations.
Commenting on the response, Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, said that crossing 25,000 applications reflects the depth of talent and ambition present across the country. He added that the support received from state governments demonstrates how collaboration between industry and government can expand opportunities for innovators regardless of their location.
Actor, television host and entrepreneur Rajeev Khandelwal has been named the ambassador and host of Vande Bharatam. Through the initiative, Adani Group aims to build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing aspiring innovators with a national platform to transform promising ideas into scalable ventures.
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