Context:
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) inaugurated Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 : A National Initiative under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on 3rd April,2025.
More on the News
- The Government of India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter and leader.
- The Government of India is dedicating this year for promoting tribal entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance.
- In the alignment with Atma Nirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is strengthening the tribal startup ecosystem as part of its 100-day action plan.
About Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025
- It embodies Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s vision by creating sustainable opportunities for Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs and startups.
- This initiative aims to promote tribal entrepreneurship by providing ST entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their innovations at Startup Maha Kumbh 2025.
Key Initiatives Under the Startup Programme
Collaboration with IIM Calcutta, IIT Delhi, IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited, and industry associations to nurture tribal startups.
- MoTA has initiated a special boot camp at IIT Delhi To empower young tribal minds, which offers 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.
Launch of a ₹50 crore Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (STs) to provide financial support for tribal-led businesses.
45+ tribal startup, some incubated at IIM Calcutta, IIM Kashipur, and IIT Bhilai showcased at Startup Mahakumbh, with several already securing funding.
Key Highlights from Startup Maha Kumbh 2025
- Tribal Startup Showcase: Schedule Tribe entrepreneurs exhibited innovative products and solutions during various programme under start up.
- 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.