India’s Next Generation of Innovators Takes Centre Stage at Vande Bharatam

First Cohort Selected from More Than 26,000 Entries Across India

• Bilkul Online
• Ahmedabad | 10 Aug 2026

Vande Bharatam, the grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship initiative launched by Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, has announced its inaugural cohort, selected from more than 26,000 applications received from across India.

Applications poured in from every State and Union Territory, with innovators presenting ideas across diverse sectors including mobility, sustainability, technology, agriculture, defence, healthcare, manufacturing and education.

The selected cohort represents a diverse mix of regions, disciplines and backgrounds, united by a common ambition—to address India’s challenges, build nation-building enterprises and create solutions with nationwide impact.

Built on the belief that talent is everywhere, even when opportunity is not, Vande Bharatam seeks to identify promising innovators at an early stage and connect them with leading mentors, industry experts, business leaders, visibility and opportunities to help transform ideas into meaningful enterprises.

The initiative reflects Mr Adani’s belief in giving back to the country that provided him with the opportunity to dream, build and grow, while creating similar pathways for the next generation of innovators.

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. Years from now, I hope we will look back at this first cohort and see among them the founders and innovators who went on to build enterprises that transformed Bharat. This is their initial chapter. And it is Vande Bharatam’s first chapter too.”

Selected through a multi-stage evaluation process, the inaugural cohort will participate in Vande Bharatam Immersive Week, which will include mentorship sessions, interactions with business leaders, entrepreneurs and experts, as well as successive rounds of evaluation.

The programme will culminate in the Vande Bharatam Grand Finale on 14 August, where outstanding innovators will be recognised and presented with the Vande Bharatam Trophy.

Vande Bharatam is envisioned as more than a competition. Its long-term objective is to create a national platform that identifies promising ideas early and provides innovators beyond India’s traditional entrepreneurial centres with access to people, institutions and networks that can accelerate their journeys.