Gandhinagar, 25 March, 2026: Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University recently hosted the fourth edition of Entreprenaari, the flagship initiative of its Swarrnim Incubation Center (SIC), recently at its sprawling campus in Bhoyan Rathod, near Gandhinagar. Centred on the theme ‘Breaking Barriers: Building Businesses’, the event brought together women entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors and aspiring founders to foster innovation, collaboration and growth within the startup ecosystem.
Entreprenaari is SIC’s flagship initiative under the wing of Women Entrepreneurship Development Cell which is led by Mrs Nikita Adi Jain,aimed at encouraging, supporting and promoting women entrepreneurs by providing a platform to connect with angel investors, industry mentors and government stakeholders. The fourth edition saw participation from at least 200 attendees, including founders, students and ecosystem stakeholders. A key highlight of the event was the presentation of 18 startup pitches under the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP), evaluated by an expert panel on parameters such as innovation, scalability and market potential.The final SSIP selections are expected to be announced in April, subject to approval from the concerned authorities.
“Entreprenaari, the flagship initiative of Swarrnim Incubation Center, seeks to encourage and support women entrepreneurs by enabling access to investors, mentors and key ecosystem stakeholders. Through this platform, we aim to break structural barriers and create meaningful opportunities for women-led ventures to scale and succeed,” said Shri Adi Rishabh Jain, vice president, Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University.
In addition, some 30 curated exhibition stalls showcased products and services from women-led startups, enabling direct engagement with customers and stakeholders. The event also recognised emerging ventures, with three startups honoured under the Fempreneurs category, while three startups were selected by Thore Network for financial support of Rs 1 lakh each, set to be disbursed in tranches in April following final screening.
The programme was graced by eminent dignitaries and ecosystem leaders, including Smt Kaajal Oza Vaidya, Renowned Author; Smt Nikita Adi Jain, MD, SSIU; Smt Jhalak Shah, AGM, SIDBI;Dr Binita Verdia, GM -CSR, Zydus Group; Shri Umesh Sharma, Assistant Director, MSME; Smt Avani Pawar, BD, Thore Network; Shri Ravi Prajapati, Manager, GOPCA;Smt. Madhu Banthia, President, FICCI FLO, Ahmedabad;Smt Piyalee Chattopadhay, Startup Head, FLO and Ms Rikita Bajaj, Member, FLO whose insights and presence added significant value to the initiative.Also, the juries from Foundation of Entrepreneurs Mr Bharat Thakkar& Mr Ajaysinh Barad and Ms Honey Vyas from Swachh Bharat Mission had contributed for the evaluation of the startups. Another partner Mr Vishal Parmar, Founder Vyapar Jagat also joined for the screening.
Entreprenaari 4.0 also served as a dynamic networking platform, enabling meaningful interactions between startups, investors, mentors and ecosystem partners. The event was supported by Thore Network as the Title Sponsor, along with ecosystem partners including SIDBI, Fempreneurs – Vyapar Jagat, Zydus Healthcare CSR,MSME DFO, IIC, SSIP, WEDC, WDC, IQAC, Cognoscent Group, FICCI FLO, GOPCA and BGT Infosolutions.
The initiative helped strengthen the women-led startup ecosystem by enhancing visibility for early-stage ventures and facilitating potential funding opportunities.
