Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra’s recent observation on the need for a unified technology platform for mentoring grassroots start-ups and entrepreneurs is a transformative idea that deserves attention. Speaking at an interactive session organised by the ministry of youth affairs and sports, Mahindra said that grassroots ideas, supported by mentorship and funding, can address societal challenges, improve lives, and contribute to sustainable development. He highlighted initiatives like professor Anil Gupta’s Honey Bee Network and his own group’s Enterprise Bharat, which have demonstrated the untapped potential of grassroots innovators. Suggesting that technology can create a platform for mentorship, he said that the government should think about creating such a mechanism on the lines of Aspire Institute, co-founded by professor Tarun Khanna of Harvard Business School. This network supports first-generation college students, with its impact reaching over 250,000 participants globally. The government’s response was swift. Youth affairs and sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who was present at the event, sent a note to Mahindra stating that India has a similar My Bharat portal which is a single window platform for all youth activities. He said that the government will integrate this with the Aspire platform.
It makes sense as My Bharat platform also aims to equip young Indians with social mobility tools and educational equity. The convergence of these platforms is a logical and exciting next step. Mahindra’s suggestion to simplify access to resources — where students and entrepreneurs can find mentors, request assistance, and receive guidance without bureaucratic red tape — offers a blueprint for this collaboration. By integrating My Bharat with Aspire, the government can ensure broader reach and greater efficacy. The potential of such a platform is immense. Start-ups and entrepreneurship are not only key to creating jobs and wealth but also serve as cradles of innovation. By fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, India can tackle pressing challenges, leverage its immense human capital, and move towards a knowledge-driven economy. Technology is the lynchpin in this regard, as it can eliminate barriers, accelerate progress, and democratise access to resources. However, it makes sense to also involve the ministry of electronics and information technology and integrate these platforms with the government’s Rs 10,372-crore artificial intelligence (AI) mission. AI can personalise mentorship experiences, match mentees with the right mentors, and facilitate seamless interaction across geographies.
The AI mission’s emphasis on developing indigenous AI applications, creating data sets, and fostering skill development aligns perfectly with the goals of nurturing entrepreneurship. This way the platform can harness the power of AI to streamline operations, improve accessibility, and ensure robust outcomes. India’s demographic advantage lies in its vast youth population. Leaders like Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella have often spoken about the potential of this human capital. Mentorship, combined with structured support and opportunities, can turn this potential into a transformative force. A unified platform like the one Mahindra spoke about could become a hub where aspiring entrepreneurs connect with industry stalwarts, educators, and policymakers to receive guidance and support.
India currently has 117 unicorns, and according to estimates 46 start-ups have been identified as emerging ones. Globally, the US leads with 225 emerging unicorns, followed by China (43), the United Kingdom (30), and South Korea (14). The convergence of government initiatives, industry expertise, and technological innovation can usher in a new era of entrepreneurship in the country. With the right execution, this platform can help India emerge as a global leader in innovation.