Overview
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched Navachar Mantra on 3 June 2026 at IIT Delhi. The programme will identify and support grassroots innovators from Tier-2, Tier-3 cities and rural India. It focuses on sectors like agritech, healthtech, and green energy. Applications close on 5 July 2026.
A New Dawn for Rural Innovators
On 3 June 2026, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched a new national programme. It is called Navachar Mantra . The word “Navachar” means innovation, and “Mantra” means a guiding formula. This programme is designed to find and support grassroots innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs. The launch took place at IIT Delhi . Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary unveiled the initiative. The programme will focus on Tier-2 cities, Tier-3 cities, aspirational districts, and rural regions of India.
What is Navachar Mantra?
Navachar Mantra is a flagship entrepreneurship and innovation programme. Its goal is to identify, nurture, and support promising innovators across India. The programme pays special attention to individuals and startups that operate outside major metropolitan centres like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Many talented people in smaller towns and villages have brilliant ideas. But they often lack mentorship, funding, and market access. Navachar Mantra aims to bridge this gap.
The programme is being implemented by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) . It has a technical knowledge partner – the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi. Together, they will provide a structured support ecosystem.
Launch at IIT Delhi
The launch event at IIT Delhi was a grand affair. It brought together policymakers, startup founders, investors, industry leaders, academic institutions, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders. The gathering showed that the government is serious about building a collaborative ecosystem. Innovation cannot happen in silos. It needs partnerships between government, academia, and industry. The launch of Navachar Mantra is a big step in that direction.
Vision Behind the Initiative
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary spoke at the launch. He said that India should not only manufacture products but also create technologies that will shape the future of the world. He highlighted several key sectors where India can lead:
According to the minister, India has unique challenges and a huge young population. This combination offers a great opportunity. Indian innovators can develop solutions that work for India and also for the world. The initiative encourages innovators to pursue ideas driven by passion, purpose, and societal impact.
Focus on Tier-2, Tier-3 Cities and Rural India
The most important feature of Navachar Mantra is its focus on emerging India . Big cities already have many incubators and funding options. But smaller towns and villages are often left behind. This programme will actively identify innovators from:
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Tier-2 cities
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Tier-3 cities
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Rural regions
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Aspirational districts
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Underserved geographies
These regions often produce innovative solutions to local problems. For example, a farmer in a remote village may have a low-cost irrigation idea. A school teacher in a small town may have a clever teaching tool. But these people face challenges in getting mentorship, funding, and market opportunities. Navachar Mantra will provide a structured support ecosystem to help them scale their ideas.
Priority Sectors Under Navachar Mantra
The programme will support innovations in several high-impact sectors that are critical to India’s future development. These include:
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Agritech – technology for farming and agriculture
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HealthTech – technology for healthcare and medical services
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EdTech and Skilling – technology for education and vocational training
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Climate and Sustainability – green energy, waste management, water conservation
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Rural Commerce – e-commerce and market access for rural products
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MSME Enablement – tools and platforms for small businesses
By focusing on these sectors, the programme aims to encourage solutions that address real-world challenges while generating employment and economic growth.
How the Programme Will Support Innovators
Selected innovators will participate in a comprehensive year-long engagement programme . This is designed to accelerate their growth and business development. The key benefits include:
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Expert mentorship – guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts
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Investor interactions – opportunities to pitch to angel investors and venture capitalists
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Innovation showcases – platforms to display their products and ideas
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Thematic webinars – learning sessions on specific topics
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Business development support – help with business models and customer acquisition
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Market access guidance – connecting with distributors and retailers
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Regulatory compliance assistance – help with licences, patents, and legal matters
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Intellectual Property (IP) support – filing patents and trademarks
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Fundraising mentorship – preparing for funding rounds
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Scaling strategies – growing from a small idea to a large enterprise
The programme will help innovators transform promising ideas into sustainable and commercially viable businesses.
Multi-Stage Selection Process
Applications for Navachar Mantra are now open through a dedicated digital platform. Here are the important dates:
The selection process is rigorous. It involves experts from academia, industry, government institutions, investment