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.