The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) today inaugurated Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as a key highlight of Startup Mahakumbh 2025.

Hon'ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, inaugurated the program in the presence of Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary, MoTA, alongside industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and government officials. With over 5000 attendees, the event marked a significant milestone in fostering tribal entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance.

  

Honoring the Legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda

The Government of India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, reinforcing his ideals of self-sufficiency and economic independence. Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 embodies his vision by creating sustainable opportunities for Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs and startups.

 

 

A Major Push for Tribal Startups

In alignment with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is strengthening the tribal startup ecosystem as part of its 100-day action plan.

Key initiatives include:
✅ Collaboration with IIM Calcutta, IIT Delhi, IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited, and industry associations to nurture tribal startups.
✅ Launch of a ₹50 crore Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (STs) to provide financial support for tribal-led businesses.
✅ 45+ tribal startups , some incubated at  IIM Calcutta, IIM Kashipur, and IIT Bhilai showcased at Startup Mahakumbh, with several already securing funding.

 

 

Key Highlights from Startup Mahakumbh 2025

💡 Tribal Startup Showcase: ST entrepreneurs exhibited innovative products and solutions.
💼 Investor Engagements: Startups connected with venture capitalists, angel investors, and industry experts.
📊 Technical Sessions: Organized by META, focusing on business scalability, digital transformation, and market expansion.
🤝 Exclusive Networking: Featuring unicorn founders, startup leaders, and investors to facilitate mentorship and funding.

Boot Camp at IIT Delhi: Cultivating the Next Generation of Tribal Innovators

To empower young tribal minds, MoTA has initiated a special boot camp at IIT Delhi, offering hands-on learning and mentorship for:
🎓 100 students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to gain startup exposure.
🏆 150 tribal students under scholarship programs to experience India’s thriving startup ecosystem.
🔬 50 ST students from Unnat Bharat Abhiyan to engage in interactive sessions with investors and entrepreneurs.

Government’s Commitment to Tribal Entrepreneurship

Hon'ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, emphasized:"Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, ST-led entrepreneurs are excelling in various sectors. The day is not far when ST startups will achieve unicorn status."

Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary, MoTA, reaffirmed the Ministry’s support:"We are committed to scaling tribal startups to the next level by facilitating access to venture capital, angel investors, and new markets. From deep tech to organic products and handlooms, ST entrepreneurs are shaping India's future."

A Historic Step Towards Inclusive Growth

Through Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025, the Government of India is transforming tribal entrepreneurship, paving the way for self-reliant, sustainable, and innovative enterprises. With support from key stakeholders, the initiative is set to redefine the tribal startup landscape and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient economy.

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RN

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