**Summary:**
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implemented the Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 program as a flagship initiative under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from April 3-5, 2025, as part of Startup Mahakumbh 2025, the program aimed to strengthen the tribal startup ecosystem by providing Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs with exposure to industry leaders, venture capitalists, and impact investors. It facilitated networking, mentorship, and investment opportunities, with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and market expansion. The Ministry collaborated with institutions including IIM Calcutta, IIT Delhi, IIM Kashipur, IIT Bhilai, IIT Guwahati, IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited, and META. A Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes was established with an initial corpus of ₹50 crore to further support tribal entrepreneurship and innovation.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tribal Affairs: The Indian government ministry responsible for the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes.
Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs: A flagship program by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs aimed at strengthening the tribal startup ecosystem.
Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh: An event commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Bhagwan Birsa Munda: A revered tribal freedom fighter and leader.
Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi: The location in New Delhi, Delhi where the Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs event took place.
Startup Mahakumbh 2025: A startup event where the Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs program was featured.
Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes: A fund with an initial corpus of 50 crore dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in tribal communities.
IIM Calcutta, IIT Delhi, IIM Kashipur, IIT Bhilai, IIT Guwahati: Premier academic institutions partnering with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to support tribal startups.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3063
TO BE ANSWERED ON- 07/08/2025
TRIBAL START-UP ECOSYSTEM
3063. SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR:
SHRI NARAYAN TATU RANE:
SHRI ANANTA NAYAK:
SMT. BIJULI KALITA MEDHI:
Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the manner in which the Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs programme strengthens the tribal startup ecosystem in
the country;
(b) whether the programme has the potential to transform tribal entrepreneurship paving the way for self-reliant,
sustainable and innovative enterprises and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether the Government has collaborated with key academic institutions and industry associations to nurture
tribal startups and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI. DURGADAS UIKEY)
(a) to (c): Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025, a flagship initiative under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating
the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter and leader, was organized
by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi as part of Startup
Mahakumbh 2025. The initiative provided a transformative platform for budding and established Scheduled
Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs and brought together India’s most promising tribal startups, offering them unparalleled
exposure to industry leaders, venture capitalists, and impact investors—fostering inclusive economic growth
and empowerment.
The initiative provided tribal entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their innovations, network with top
investors and engage in technical sessions featuring unicorn founders, venture capitalists and startup leaders.
Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs 2025 served as a launchpad for tribal-led enterprises, helping them secure
mentorship, strategic networking, and investment opportunities with a strong focus on innovation, inclusivity,
visibility on a larger scale and market expansion to elevate their businesses to national and global platforms.
Ministry has partnered with premier institutions/organisations such as IIM Calcutta, IIT Delhi, IIM Kashipur,
IIT Bhilai, IIT Guwahati, IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited and META to ensure deep and lasting impact on
the tribal startups. 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.
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