Jayant Chaudhary Launches Navachar Mantra for Grassroots Innovators

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, has launched a new national initiative called ‘Navachar Mantra’ aimed at supporting grassroots innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs from across the country.

The programme is designed to strengthen innovation emerging from Tier II, Tier III cities and rural regions by connecting them with government, academia and industry support systems.

The initiative was launched by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, at IIT Delhi in the presence of policymakers, startup leaders, investors and young entrepreneurs. Applications for the programme are open until July 5, 2026.

Speaking at the launch, Shri Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the importance of India becoming a global creator of technology. “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,” he said. He added that India’s diversity and talent give it a unique advantage in solving global challenges.

He also encouraged young innovators to focus on meaningful and fulfilling ideas. “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,” he said.

Navachar Mantra will be implemented by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi acting as the technical knowledge partner. The programme will focus on sectors such as agritech, healthtech, education technology, climate solutions, rural commerce and MSME development.

According to the ministry, the initiative aims to build a structured ecosystem for innovators from underserved regions by offering mentorship, funding guidance, market access and regulatory support. Selected participants will also receive opportunities for pilot projects and industry partnerships.

The programme will follow a multi-stage selection process involving experts from academia, industry, investment firms and government bodies to identify high-potential ideas and startups.

Selected innovators will join a year-long engagement programme featuring mentorship sessions, webinars, investor interactions and innovation showcases. They will also receive support in business development, intellectual property, fundraising and scaling strategies.

A key highlight of Navachar Mantra will be national-level visibility through digital campaigns, podcasts and ecosystem events. The initiative will conclude with a national showcase bringing together innovators, investors and policymakers.

Officials said the programme aims to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and support the vision of a self-reliant and entrepreneurship-driven Viksit Bharat.