Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary Launches ‘Navachar Mantra’, a National Initiative for Grassroots Innovators and Entrepreneurs

By Our Correspondent 
New Delhi, 03-6-26

The  Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), launched ‘Navachar Mantra’ - a national initiative focused on strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship and expanding opportunities for innovators across emerging India. The programme is being implemented by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), with Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi serving as the Technical Knowledge Partner.

The initiative was launched by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for 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.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Chaudhary said, “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.”

A key highlight of the event was a fireside chat titled “Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey: From Grassroots Innovation to National Scale”, which brought together accomplished entrepreneurs and innovators from diverse sectors. The session featured Shri Rajat Vardhan, Founder & CEO, Scanxt Scientific Technologies, as moderator, alongside Shri Sandeep Agarwal, Founder, Droom; Shri Bipin Preet Singh, Founder & CEO, MobiKwik; Dr. Jagadis Gupta Kapuganti, Founder, Fruvetech Pvt. Ltd.; and Ms. Meenal Gupta, Founder, Easiofy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Drawing from their own entrepreneurial journeys, the panellists shared valuable insights on innovation, resilience, scaling ventures, and building sustainable businesses, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators in attendance.

Navachar Mantra is a transformative national initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) aimed at identifying, nurturing, and amplifying India's most promising grassroots innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs. 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, the programme seeks to create pathways for innovators from Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, aspirational districts, and underserved geographies to access mentorship, visibility, and growth opportunities.

The initiative is designed to provide a structured ecosystem of support for innovators working across priority sectors such as Agritech, HealthTech, EdTech and Skilling, Climate and Sustainability, Rural Commerce, and MSME Enablement.

The launch event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries and senior officials, including Dilip Kumar, Director General, Directorate General of Training (DGT); Ms. Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)