Gujarat herSTART 5.0 was officially launched by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad. The event also marked the inauguration of a new research park aimed at strengthening the state’s innovation and startup ecosystem.

The herSTART programme is run by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council and focuses on encouraging women entrepreneurs by providing incubation, mentorship and better market access. The initiative reflects the Gujarat government’s continued efforts to increase women’s participation in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Supporting Women-Led Startups

The Gujarat herSTART 5.0 programme is designed to support women-led startups at various stages of development. Through structured incubation programmes, aspiring women entrepreneurs receive guidance in building business models, finding investors and expanding their businesses.

Mentorship and networking opportunities are also provided to help startups connect with experienced industry professionals. With the fifth edition of the programme, the state aims to further strengthen the presence of women in India’s growing startup ecosystem.

Honouring Vidyagauri Nilkanth

During the event, the Chief Minister announced that the university’s convention centre would be named Vidyagauri Nilkanth Sabhapuram. Vidyagauri Nilkanth is widely recognised as the first woman graduate from Gujarat and a pioneer in women’s education.

The decision to name the centre after her highlights the importance of women’s empowerment and education in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

India’s Rapidly Growing Startup Ecosystem

Speaking at the launch of Gujarat herSTART 5.0, the Chief Minister highlighted the rapid growth of India’s startup ecosystem since the introduction of the Startup India initiative.

According to official estimates, India now has nearly 200,000 startups, a remarkable increase compared with fewer than 500 startups about a decade ago. Women entrepreneurs form an important part of this growth, and India is increasingly recognised globally for supporting women-led enterprises.

Opportunities in the Semiconductor Sector

The Chief Minister also discussed emerging opportunities in advanced technology sectors such as semiconductors. Recent industrial developments, including the establishment of semiconductor facilities in Sanand and Dholera, are expected to transform these regions into major technology hubs.

These developments could create significant employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for skilled professionals, including women entering the technology sector.

Research Park to Strengthen Innovation

Along with the launch of Gujarat herSTART 5.0, a new research park was inaugurated at Gujarat University. The facility aims to promote collaboration between academic institutions, startups and industry.

The research park will provide infrastructure and resources for innovation-driven projects and research-based startups. During the programme, a coffee table book showcasing the achievements of the fourth edition of herSTART was also released, and several women-led startups were recognised for their contributions to entrepreneurship.