Navachar Mantra – National Initiative for Grassroots Innovators and Entrepreneurs
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
📌About the Event
Navachar Mantra is a national innovation and entrepreneurship initiative launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. Officially presented as “Navachar Mantra: Start Your Innovation Journey,” the programme aims to identify and support grassroots innovators, micro-entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures solving real problems across India. It particularly encourages innovators from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, aspirational districts and rural areas by connecting them with mentors, investors, policymakers, industry experts and national innovation platforms.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Application mode: Online
- Programme mode: The programme includes digital applications, thematic webinars, mentorship roundtables, innovation showcases, investor interactions and a national showcase event.
- Programme duration: Selected innovators will participate in a structured year-long engagement programme.
- Innovation stages accepted:
- Idea-validation stage
- Working prototype stage
- Early-revenue stage
- Priority sectors:
- Agritech and agriculture
- HealthTech and healthcare
- EdTech, education and skilling
- Climate and sustainability
- Rural commerce
- MSME enablement
- Main objective: To help grassroots ideas develop into scalable and sustainable enterprises.
- Application portal: Applications can be submitted through the official FITT-IIT Delhi Accubate platform.
📅 Important Dates
- Programme launched: June 3, 2026
- Applications opened: June 3, 2026
- Last date to apply: July 5, 2026
- Application closing time: 11:30 PM IST
🎯 Eligibility & Rules
- Nationality: The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Age limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 55 years of age.
- Eligible applicants:
- Grassroots innovators
- Micro and small entrepreneurs
- Student founders
- Early-stage entrepreneurs
- Startups addressing local or community problems
- Startup registration: Applicants do not need to have a registered company while applying.
- Registration commitment: Unregistered applicants must be willing to formally register their enterprise if selected.
- Product stage: A finished product is not mandatory.
- Accepted development stages: Applicants may have an idea being validated, a working prototype or an early-revenue venture.
- Geographical preference: The programme places special emphasis on innovators from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, rural areas, aspirational districts and underserved regions.
🏆 Benefits for the Participants
- Expert mentorship: Tailored guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, industry leaders and domain specialists.
- Investor access: Opportunities to interact with investors and financial institutions.
- Policy exposure: Direct engagement opportunities with policymakers and government representatives.
- Business development support: Guidance on refining business models and developing sustainable enterprises.
- Market access: Support in identifying customers, partnerships and market linkages.
- Pilot opportunities: Assistance in exploring pilot projects and industry collaborations.
- Fundraising guidance: Support in understanding funding options and preparing for investor discussions.