MSDE Launches Navachar Mantra to Empower Rural Innovators and Entrepreneurs

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched the Navachar Mantra on 3rd of June, 2026. It is a national initiative which aimed at to nurturing the grassroots innovators and early stage entrepreneurs. It was unveiled by the Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary at IIT Delhi and this program seeks to create the opportunities or talented innovators form the Tier 2, Tier 3 cities, aspirational districts and rural regions.

What is Navachar Mantra?

Navachar Mantra is the flagship entrepreneurship and innovation program and it is designed to identify, nurture and to support the promising innovators across India.

This initiative focuses particularly on those individuals and startups which are operating outside the major metropolitan centers and ensuring that innovation from underserved regions receives the proper support it deserves.

The program is being implemented by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development in partnership with Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer which serves as the technical knowledge partner.

This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between the grassroots innovation and national-scale entrepreneurship opportunities.

Launch of Navachar Mantra at IIT Delhi

The program was officially launched by the Jayant Chaudhary at IIT Delhi.

The launch event brought together the,

• Policymakers
• Startup founders
• Investors
• Industry leaders
• Academic institutions
• Innovation ecosystem stakeholders

The gathering reflected the government’s commitment to building the collaborative ecosystem where innovation can thrive through the partnerships between government, academia and industry.

Vision Behind the Initiative

Speaking at the launch event, Shri. Jayant Chaudhary emphasized that the India should not only manufacture just products but also to create technologies which will shape the future of the world.

He highlighted sectors such as the,

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Semiconductors
• Green Energy
• Biotechnology
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
• Advanced Manufacturing

According to the minister, India’s diverse challenges and the young talent provides the unique opportunity to develop globally relevant solutions whichoriginating from Indian innovation.

The initiative aims to encourage the innovators to pursue ideas driven by passion, purpose and societal impact.

Focus on Tier-2, Tier-3 Cities and Rural India

One of the most significant features of the Navachar Mantra is its focus on to emerging India.

The program is designed to identify the innovators from,

• Tier-2 cities
• Tier-3 cities
• Rural regions
• Aspirational districts
• Underserved geographies

These regions often produce the innovative solutions to local problems but faces the challenges in accessing mentorship, funding and market opportunities. Navachar Mantra also seeks to address these gaps by providing the structured support ecosystem that enables the innovators to scale their ideas.

Priority Sectors Under Navachar Mantra

The initiative will support the innovations across the several high-impact sectors that are critical to the India’s future development.

Key Focus Areas

• Agritech
• HealthTech
• EdTech and Skilling
• Climate and Sustainability
• Rural Commerce
• MSME Enablement

By focusing on these sectors, the program also aims to encourage the solutions that address a real-world challenges while generating employment and economic growth.

How the Program Will Support The Innovators

Selected innovators will participate in a comprehensive year-long engagement program which is designed to accelerate the growth and business development.

Key Benefits

• Expert mentorship
• Investor interactions
• Innovation showcases
• Thematic webinars
• Business development support
• Market access guidance
• Regulatory compliance assistance
• Intellectual Property (IP) support
• Fundraising mentorship
• Scaling strategies

The program will help the innovators transform promising ideas into the sustainable and commercially viable enterprises.

Multi-Stage Selection Process

Applications are now open through the dedicated digital platform.

Important Dates

• Application Opening: June 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 5 July 2026

A rigorous evaluation process will be conducted which involving the experts from,

• Academia
• Industry
• Government institutions
• Investment firms
• Startup ecosystem organizations

The process aims to identify the high-potential innovations which are capable of creating meaningful social and economic impact.

National Exposure and The Recognition for Innovators

A distinctive aspect of the Navachar Mantra is its strong focus on the visibility and storytelling.

Selected innovators will receive opportunities through the,

• Ministerial podcasts
• Innovation showcases
• Digital campaigns
• National events
• Ecosystem networking platforms

The initiative aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial success stories and inspire the future innovators across the country.