The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Wednesday launched ‘Navachar Mantra’, a national initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing and scaling grassroots innovations and early-stage enterprises across India, with a special focus on Tier-2, Tier-3 towns and rural regions.The programme was launched by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, at IIT Delhi. The initiative will be implemented by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) in partnership with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi as the technical knowledge partner.
Speaking at the launch, Chaudhary said India should not only manufacture products but also lead the world in technologies imagined and developed in the country. He urged young innovators to pursue ideas driven by purpose and passion, adding that Navachar Mantra seeks to create an ecosystem where such innovators can thrive. The initiative targets innovators working in sectors such as Agritech, HealthTech, EdTech and Skilling, Climate and Sustainability, Rural Commerce and MSME Enablement. Applications are open until July 5, 2026, through a dedicated digital platform. Selected participants will undergo a year-long mentorship programme featuring investor interactions, innovation showcases, webinars and business development support.
In Guwahati, the programme is expected to create fresh opportunities for startups and innovators from Assam and the Northeast. Entrepreneurs working on agriculture, rural commerce, sustainable technologies and skill development solutions could benefit from national-level mentorship, funding exposure and market linkages, helping regional innovations scale beyond local markets. The launch event also featured a fireside chat with leading entrepreneurs, including founders of Droom, MobiKwik, Fruvetech and Easiofy Solutions, who shared insights on innovation, resilience and scaling businesses. Senior officials from MSDE, IIT Delhi, NIESBUD and FITT, along with representatives from industry, academia and the startup ecosystem, attended the event.