The national initiative by MSDE will be implemented by NIESBUD with FITT, IIT Delhi as Technical Knowledge Partner to support entrepreneurs from Tier 2, Tier 3 and rural India.
Mumbai, June 3, 2026: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, has launched Navachar Mantra, a national initiative focused on supporting grassroots entrepreneurship and expanding opportunities for innovators across emerging India.
The programme will be implemented by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, with Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, IIT Delhi serving as the Technical Knowledge Partner.
The initiative was launched by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State, Independent Charge, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, at IIT Delhi in the presence of policymakers, startup ecosystem leaders, academic institutions, investors and young entrepreneurs.
“The world should not only use products made in India but should use technologies imagined in India, that is the true spirit of Navachar Mantra. Whether it is artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green energy, biotechnology, digital public infrastructure or advanced manufacturing, the next wave of global transformation must carry India’s intellectual imprint. Not because of ambition alone, but because India possesses something unique: the scale of challenges, the diversity of realities, and the talent of young minds capable of solving problems at a global level,” said Shri Jayant Chaudhary.
He added, “On this occasion, I would also urge young innovators to pursue ideas and careers that genuinely excite and inspire them. These are life decisions, and you have to be happy with what you choose to do. Do not pursue something that does not bring you fulfilment, because over time it will weigh on you from within. The most meaningful innovations are often created by people who wake up every day looking forward to their work, driven not just by opportunity, but by purpose and passion. Navachar Mantra is about creating an ecosystem where such ideas, and such innovators, can thrive.”
The launch also featured a fireside chat titled Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey: From Grassroots Innovation to National Scale. The session was moderated by Shri Rajat Vardhan, Founder and CEO, Scanxt Scientific Technologies, and featured Shri Sandeep Agarwal, Founder, Droom, Shri Bipin Preet Singh, Founder and CEO, MobiKwik, Dr. Jagadis Gupta Kapuganti, Founder, Fruvetech Pvt. Ltd., and Ms. Meenal Gupta, Founder, Easiofy Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Navachar Mantra aims to identify, mentor and support grassroots innovators and early stage entrepreneurs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, aspirational districts and underserved regions. The programme will focus on sectors including agritech, healthtech, edtech and skilling, climate and sustainability, rural commerce and MSME enablement.
Selected innovators will receive access to policymakers, industry leaders, investors and domain experts. The programme will support them through business development guidance, market access, regulatory compliance support, intellectual property guidance, fundraising direction and scaling support.
Applications are now open through a dedicated digital platform, with registrations closing on July 5, 2026. A multi stage evaluation process involving experts from academia, industry, investment firms and government institutions will identify high potential ventures.
Selected participants will join a year long engagement programme featuring mentorship roundtables, thematic webinars, innovation showcases, investor interactions and national storytelling platforms. The programme will also help innovators explore pilot projects, partnerships and market linkages.
Navachar Mantra will also focus on visibility through ministerial podcasts, digital campaigns, innovation showcases and ecosystem events. The programme will conclude with a national showcase bringing together innovators, investors, policymakers, industry leaders and ecosystem stakeholders.
The launch event was attended by Shri Dilip Kumar, Director General, Directorate General of Training, Ms. Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ms. Archana Mayaram, Economic Adviser, MSDE, Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi, Dr. Poonam Sinha, Director General, NIESBUD, and Dr. Nikhil Agarwal, Managing Director, FITT, IIT Delhi.
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