New Delhi (thestates.news)| Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, is set to provide a transformative platform for budding and established Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs through Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025. As part of Startup Mahakumbh 2025, scheduled from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, this initiative will bring together India’s most promising startups, offering ST entrepreneurs unparalleled exposure to industry leaders, venture capitalists, and impact investors—fostering inclusive economic growth and empowerment.
Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh: Honoring Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s Legacy
Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 is a flagship initiative under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter and leader. The Government of India is dedicating this year to promoting tribal entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance. By empowering tribal entrepreneurs through Startup Mahakumbh 2025, MoTA is reinforcing Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s vision of a self-sufficient and empowered tribal community.
A Major Push for Tribal Entrepreneurship
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering tribal communities. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Atma Nirbhar Tribals. In line with this vision, strengthening the startup ecosystem for Scheduled Tribes is a key initiative under MoTA’s 100-day agenda.
To drive this transformation, MoTA has partnered with premier institutions such as IIM Calcutta, IIT Delhi, IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited, and leading industry associations to ensure deep and lasting impact. A major milestone in this journey is the establishment of a Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes, with an initial corpus of ₹50 crore, dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in tribal communities.
Tribal Entrepreneurs to Take Center Stage at Startup Mahakumbh 2025
In alignment with this vision, 45+ startups founded by ST entrepreneurs, including those incubated at IIM Calcutta, IIM Kashipur, and IIT Bhilai, are set to participate in Startup Mahakumbh 2025. Some of these startups have already secured funding from IFCI Venture Capital.
At Startup Mahakumbh 2025, these tribal entrepreneurs will:
- Showcase their innovations at dedicated stalls.
- Network with top investors and explore funding opportunities.
- Engage in technical sessions featuring unicorn founders, venture capitalists, and startup leaders.
With a strong focus on innovation, inclusivity, and market expansion, Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 will serve as a launchpad for tribal-led enterprises, helping them secure mentorship, strategic networking, and investment opportunities.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Tribal Innovators
To inspire and train young tribal minds, MoTA is facilitating:
- 100 students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) to attend Startup Mahakumbh and undergo a special boot camp at IIT Delhi.
- 150 tribal students availing scholarships to gain first-hand exposure to India’s thriving startup landscape.
- 50 ST students from Unnat Bharat Abhiyan to interact with entrepreneurs and investors.
A Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating:“Tribal entrepreneurs are the backbone of our nation’s cultural and economic heritage. Through Startup Mahakumbh 2025, we are providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to access capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities that will elevate their businesses to national and global platforms.”
Shri Vibhu Nayar, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, highlighted the broader vision of this initiative:“Fostering entrepreneurship among tribal communities is a crucial step towards achieving self-reliance and economic empowerment. By providing platforms such as Startup Mahakumbh, we are ensuring that tribal startups not only survive but thrive in India’s fast-growing startup ecosystem.”
A Transformational Step for Tribal Entrepreneurship
Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 reaffirms the government’s commitment to fostering tribal entrepreneurship, ensuring that ST youth and business owners gain access to world-class resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Through Startup Mahakumbh 2025, tribal entrepreneurs will receive the visibility, support, and investment they need to scale their ventures and contribute to India’s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem.(S-PIB)
