Skyroot Aerospace Co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana on Thursday praised Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani’s startup initiative ‘Vande Bharatam’, saying the platform gives entrepreneurs from smaller cities valuable opportunities to showcase their ideas, meet investors and gain mentorship.

Chandana, who participated in the programme as a judge, told reporters that initiatives such as Vande Bharatam can strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem by giving early-stage founders greater visibility and access to industry support.

“Many entrepreneurs from smaller towns have innovative ideas but often lack access to funding and mentorship. Platforms like Vande Bharatam provide them with an opportunity to showcase their work and interact with industry leaders,” Chandana said.

The Skyroot Aerospace chief also highlighted the growing number of Indian startups developing advanced technologies domestically. He said initiatives that promote entrepreneurship can help these ventures scale and contribute further to India’s innovation-driven economy.

Chandana pointed to the growing momentum in India’s space sector, noting that several space-tech startups participated in the Vande Bharatam initiative. According to him, their participation reflects the increasing innovation emerging across the country’s space industry.

“India currently holds around 2 percent of the global space economy. If the country aims to increase that share to 10 percent, it will need a much larger base of successful space startups,” he said.

Startup founders who participated in the programme also highlighted the platform’s role in connecting emerging businesses with investors and experienced mentors.

One founder said Vande Bharatam allowed entrepreneurs to present their ideas directly to leading venture capital firms and industry experts. He added that his startup had already attracted interest from potential investors through the initiative.

Another participant, who is developing a vertical take-off and landing aircraft similar to a helicopter, said the platform gave him an opportunity to explain his concept to business leaders, including executives from the Adani Group.

Vande Bharatam has received nearly 26,000 entries from across India, creating a nationwide platform for entrepreneurs to showcase innovative ideas and connect with investors, mentors and industry leaders.