Gujarat Launches 5th Edition of herSTART Programme to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

Bhupendra Patel Unveils herSTART 2026 and Research Park at Gujarat University

Bhupendra Patel launched the fifth edition of the herSTART programme for women entrepreneurs at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad. The event also marked the inauguration of a new research park aimed at strengthening the state’s innovation and startup ecosystem. The initiative is implemented by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council , which provides incubation and mentorship support to women-led startups.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister announced that the university’s convention centre would be renamed Vidyagauri Nilkanth Sabhapuram in honour of Vidyagauri Nilkanth. The step recognises her contribution to women’s education and social progress in Gujarat.

herSTART Programme for Women Entrepreneurs

The herSTART programme is designed to promote women’s participation in entrepreneurship by offering incubation facilities, expert mentorship and networking opportunities. Startups associated with the programme receive support in refining business models, accessing investors and expanding market reach.

The fifth edition aims to further strengthen women’s role in India’s growing startup ecosystem. Organisers described the programme launch as part of a broader “development triveni,” integrating entrepreneurship, research and innovation at Gujarat University.

Expansion of India’s Startup Ecosystem

While addressing participants, the Chief Minister highlighted the rapid growth of India’s startup landscape following the launch of the Startup India initiative. According to official figures cited at the event, the number of startups in India has risen to nearly 200,000 , compared with fewer than 500 startups about a decade ago .

Women-led enterprises now represent an important segment of this expansion. India has also emerged as one of the leading countries globally in terms of investment support and policy initiatives encouraging women entrepreneurs.

Opportunities in Semiconductor Manufacturing

The Chief Minister also underlined emerging opportunities in high-technology sectors such as semiconductors. Recent developments, including a semiconductor facility in Sanand, are expected to transform regions like Sanand and Dholera into major semiconductor manufacturing hubs.

These developments are expected to generate employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for skilled professionals, including women, in advanced technology sectors.

Important Facts for Exams

• herSTART programme supports women-led startups through incubation and mentorship.

• The initiative is run by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council .

• Vidyagauri Nilkanth is recognised as the first Gujarati woman graduate.

• Sanand and Dholera are emerging semiconductor manufacturing hubs in Gujarat.

Research Park for Innovation

Alongside the programme launch, a new research park at Gujarat University was inaugurated to encourage collaboration between academia, startups and industry. The facility will provide infrastructure for research-driven innovation and entrepreneurial development.

A coffee table book documenting achievements from the previous edition of herSTART was also released, and several women-led startups were honoured for their contributions to innovation and enterprise development in Gujarat.