Adani Group’s nationwide innovation initiative brings together
50+ innovators and 20+ business leaders for mentorship, evaluation and industry engagement
Ahmedabad, 17th August 2026: Demonstrating the depth and diversity of entrepreneurial talent emerging across India, Vande Bharatam concluded its Grand Finale with 10 outstanding innovators presenting their ideas to Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group. These finalists were selected from the inaugural cohort of more than 50 innovators chosen from across the country and were honoured with the Vande Bharatam Trophy after an intensive week-long programme of mentoring, interactions and evaluation.
A Week of Mentorship, Learning and Industry Access
The Finalist Week enabled innovators to engage closely with over 20 founders and CXOs from leading Indian startups who joined as mentors. Through curated sessions, successive evaluation rounds and deep-dive interactions, participants refined their ideas and gained valuable insights from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Grand Finale with Adani Group Leadership
The Grand Finale witnessed the presence of Adani Group CEOs, family members, mentors and participants. Mr Gautam Adani also visited the Vande Bharatam Experience Centre, interacting with innovators and learning about their journeys and solutions.
Chairman’s Message
Speaking at the Grand Finale, Mr Gautam Adani said: “Vande Bharatam has shown us that India’s entrepreneurial talent is far deeper and more diverse than we often imagine. These innovators have demonstrated the courage to identify real problems and build solutions with purpose. My hope is that this platform gives them the encouragement, access and opportunity to take their ideas further and create an impact that extends well beyond this programme.”
Expanding Reach Through Ambassador Rajeev Khandelwal
The association of actor Rajeev Khandelwal as host and ambassador strengthens the initiative’s outreach, helping connect with a wider audience and celebrate India’s emerging innovators.
A Nationwide Response to Innovation
The inaugural edition received over 26,000 applications from every State and Union Territory, with ideas spanning mobility, sustainability, technology, agriculture, defence, healthcare, manufacturing, education and more. Built on the belief that talent is everywhere, even when opportunity is not, Vande Bharatam aims to bridge this gap by providing mentorship, industry access, visibility and opportunities to promising innovators.The ten finalists recognised at the Grand Finale represent the first cohort to complete the Vande Bharatam journey, as the initiative prepares to build a broader national platform to discover and support ideas emerging from across Bharat.
About Vande Bharatam
Vande Bharatam is a nationwide grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship initiative launched by Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group. The initiative identifies promising innovators across India and connects them with mentorship, industry access, visibility and opportunities to build meaningful nation building enterprises. It is rooted in the belief that transformative ideas can emerge from any part of Bharat.
