Vande Bharatam Crosses 25000+ Applications
Adani Group’s nationwide outreach for Vande Bharatam, the grassroots innovation movement launched by Mr. Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, continued this week with meetings with Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Puducherry, Odisha, Assam, Telangana, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Haryana and others. Group representatives presented a Vande Bharatam kit to each leader, comprising a memento, in the respective state’s language featuring a personal appeal, and a letter from Mr. Gautam Adani.
The outreach is part of a nationwide effort to encourage participation from every State and Union Territory and ensure that promising innovators from every region are aware of the opportunity. The meetings focused on encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and youth talent, with discussions centered on how Vande Bharatam can help young innovators access mentorship, industry connect and a national platform to convert their ideas into startups. Leaders across states welcomed the initiative and its potential to give fresh momentum to local innovation ecosystems.
Launched on June 25, 2026, Vande Bharatam was conceived to address a stark gap in India’s startup landscape: despite being among the world’s largest startup ecosystems, over 80% of India’s founders emerge from just five cities, leaving talent from over 800 districts across India largely unseen. The initiative is open to participants of all ages and backgrounds, with no registered start-up required – only an idea and the determination to build. Seventy-five finalists selected through a multi-stage process will be invited to Ahmedabad for an immersive mentorship programme, investor access and a Grand Finale around Independence Day.
Mr. Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, said: “The response to Vande Bharatam has moved me deeply. Crossing 25,000 applications is not just a number, it is proof of the extraordinary talent and ambition that exists in every corner of Bharat and beyond, waiting for the right platform. The support extended by Chief Ministers across the country reaffirms that when government and industry come together, we can unlock opportunity for every young innovator, regardless of where they come from.”
Since its launch, Vande Bharatam has received an outstanding response, with over 25,000 applications received so far and counting, from across sectors, categories, countries, states and social strata. In view of the overwhelming response and the quality of talent emerging through the programme, the last date for applications has been extended to July 30, 2026.