Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit 2024: From Gaon to Global, Uniting India’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

 

Date: 6th September 2024
Venue: NDMC Convention Center, Sansad Marg, New Delhi
Theme: Gaon to Global

The Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit (BES) 2024, organized by the Entrepreneurs Association of India (EAI), was a grand convergence of entrepreneurial minds from every district of India. More than just a one-day conference, BES 2024 emerged as an integrated platform for business collaboration, networking, and national development, truly uniting India’s entrepreneurial energy from Kerala to Kashmir and Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh. The summit was supported by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY Startup Hub) and Startup India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, along with esteemed partners including We Hub (Govt. of Telangana), ICAR-ATARI, and other government bodies.

Inauguration & Opening Ceremony

The summit commenced with the National Anthem and a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, setting the tone for an inspiring day ahead. Distinguished guests graced the event, including Mr. Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India (Chief Guest); Shri Amitabh Verma, Ex-Banking Secretary, Govt. of India; Shri Arun Sharma, Chairman of Forbes India and Former DGP, Gujarat; Mr. Abhishek Kumar, President of the Entrepreneurs Association of India (EAI); and Mrs. Subhadra Singh, Head of the Women Development Program, EAI.

Other Guests of Honour included Padma Shri Kanwal Singh Chauhan (Member, ICAR & FSSAI, Govt. of India) and Shri Saurav Shah (IPS), Executive Director, Power Finance Corporation, Govt. of India. The ceremony also marked the official launch of the BES 2024 Diary, unveiled by the dignitaries under the leadership of Chief Guest Mr. Shombi Sharp.

Key Addresses by Distinguished Speakers

In his welcome address, Mr. Abhishek Kumar, President of EAI, highlighted the inspiring journey of the Entrepreneurs Association of India and the vision behind BES 2024. He emphasized the three pillars of success which are Motivation, Preparation, and Execution, while noting that the summit was a voluntarily organized, youth-led, and crowdfunded initiative. He also unveiled EAI’s five-year roadmap to provide continuous mentorship and business support to entrepreneurs across the nation.

Shri Amitabh Verma, Ex-Banking Secretary, underscored entrepreneurship as the key to addressing poverty and unemployment. He pointed out that as government jobs become less appealing to the younger generation, it is entrepreneurs who must lead India’s growth story through innovative ventures and job creation.

Shri Arun Sharma, Chairman of Forbes Global Properties India and former DGP, Gujarat, described entrepreneurship as a spirit of societal transformation rather than mere business creation. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to pursue ventures that create value for society and reminded them that resilience in the face of challenges is the essence of success.

Ms. Subhadra Singh, Head of the Women Development Program at EAI, spoke about the association’s extensive outreach of over 200 entrepreneurship development workshops and mentorship for more than 5,000 entrepreneurs. She emphasized the importance of connecting entrepreneurs across geographies and empowering women through inclusive networks, government schemes, and partnerships that drive India’s next generation of women founders.

Mr. Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, praised India’s youth potential and the EAI’s focus on Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA). He urged entrepreneurs to align their goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for inclusive and sustainable growth. “Entrepreneurship,” he remarked, “is not only about progress, it is about building a better future for society.”

Shri Saurabh Shah (IPS), Executive Director of Power Finance Corporation, emphasized recognizing local-level entrepreneurs, predicting that India’s entrepreneurial rise could drive 3–4% additional annual growth in the coming decade. He also highlighted how sectors like power have experienced rapid transformation, achievements that once took a decade now materialize within a single year.

Awards and Recognition

BES 2024 made history as India’s first summit to promote district-level entrepreneurship, with nominations pouring in from all corners of the country. The Bharat Entrepreneurship Awards celebrated innovation, inclusion, and excellence across diverse categories, recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs, startups, and incubators. The honors included 1 Bharat Entrepreneur Award (Tribal Region), 4 National Entrepreneur Awards, 6 Bharat Incubator Awards, 8 Bharat Agripreneur Awards, 9 Bharat Women Entrepreneur Awards, 9 Bharat Innovator Awards, 16 Bharat Startup Awards, and 39 Bharat Entrepreneur Awards.

Business Session I: Pillars of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

The first business session, themed Learning from Around the World, delved into the six key pillars of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem: Culture, Markets, Human Capital, Finance, Supports, and Policy.

Padma Shri Kanwal Singh Chauhan (ICAR) shared his remarkable journey and urged entrepreneurs to integrate environmental sustainability into their ventures. Mr. Shashank Kumar (Founder – DeHaat) discussed the exponential rise of AgriTech startups and the transformative role of technology in addressing agricultural challenges. Ms. Bharti Birla (Enterprise Development Specialist, ILO) emphasized building inclusive ecosystems and empowering workers to evolve into entrepreneurs. Ms. Sangeeta Bhagat (Founder – Social Bytes) explored how customized solutions and India’s expanding aviation network are enhancing trade efficiency and entrepreneurial reach.

Business Session II: Building Bharat through Emerging Technology and Innovation

The second business session explored how emerging technologies like AI, Blockchain, and IoT are revolutionizing key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

The discussion, moderated by Mr. Manoj Attri (Founder – Cityscape & Sportzone), highlighted India’s transformation into a global entrepreneurial hub driven by innovation. Mr. Sajja Praveen Chaudhary (Director – PolicyBazaar) shared insights on the evolution of digital payments and transaction security, emphasizing passion and risk-taking as central to innovation. Mr. Ankit Jain (CEO – My Operator) spoke about scaling businesses through technology adoption and the importance of hiring quality talent to ensure long-term growth.

Startup Showcase

BES 2024 also featured an exclusive Startup Showcase, where the Top 10 startups from across India presented their innovative products and services. This vibrant exhibition served as a dynamic platform for collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers, creating a fertile ground for partnerships and future ventures.

Conclusion

The Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit 2024 truly lived up to its theme: Gaon to Global, by bridging the gap between India’s rural and urban entrepreneurial landscapes. With active participation from all states, collaboration with multiple government ministries, and powerful insights from national and international leaders, the summit became a symbol of India’s collective entrepreneurial spirit.

As the Entrepreneurs Association of India continues its mission to empower innovators from every district, BES 2024 stands as a milestone in shaping the future of Indian entrepreneurship, one that is sustainable, inclusive, and globally impactful.

 

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