National Entrepreneurship Network, Wadhwani Foundation

21/07/2026

AI has the potential to make entrepreneurship more accessible—but technology alone isn't enough.

In an insightful article for The Financial Express, Vishal Chaddha, Executive Vice President – National Entrepreneurship Network, Wadhwani Foundation (NEN), explores how AI is helping entrepreneurs and MSMEs overcome traditional barriers to starting and growing a business.

The article also highlights what's needed for AI to become a true equalizer: practical AI skills, mentorship, stronger networks, access to capital, and an ecosystem that enables entrepreneurs to succeed.

Globally, the Wadhwani Foundation ecosystem is committed to accelerating entrepreneurship through AI, innovation, and ecosystem partnerships. In India, this mission is advanced by the National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN), an independent, non-profit organization that works to strengthen entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the country.

Read the full article: https://www.financialexpressb2b.com/futech/blogs/ai-as-the-great-equaliser-for-indias-next-gen-entrepreneurs-12182849

AI availability must translate into AI capability, not just exposure. A technically sound and available AI tool does not mean all business owners can use it equally well. FE FUTECH - PEER PERSPECTIVE

10/07/2026

Great businesses don't just need capital. They need the right guidance at the right time.

Wadhwani Foundation is inviting experienced business leaders, consultants, and functional experts from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi NCR to mentor ambitious SMEs on their growth journey.

As a mentor, you'll work alongside founders of high-growth businesses, helping them turn strategic priorities into disciplined ex*****on across critical business functions, from GTM & Sales and Market Access to People & HR, Supply Chain, Capital Readiness, Export Strategy, and more.

If you've built, scaled, or transformed businesses, this is an opportunity to share your expertise where it can create lasting impact.

Join us in helping the next generation of growth-stage businesses unlock their potential.

Apply to become a mentor today:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScumSuw7ZloFAJQin56wEQTr9e1Z9Raim8xzIFUwrS3I-zS6A/viewform

10/07/2026

Behind every successful business is someone who asked the right questions before offering the right answers.

Every founder faces moments when experience alone isn't enough. The right guidance at the right time can shape the future of a business.

Anand Mirani, Director and Lead Advisor at Simplus Exim & Corporate Advisory LLP, has been that trusted voice for many growth-stage entrepreneurs. Through his association with Wadhwani Accelerate, he has encouraged founders to think strategically, make informed decisions, and build businesses that are structured for sustainable growth.

What truly sets Anand apart is his willingness to share his expertise beyond the boardroom. By helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges, identify opportunities, and approach growth with clarity, he continues to strengthen an ecosystem where founders don't just build successful businesses, but also inspire others to do the same.

Today, we are proud to recognize Anand Mirani as a Wadhwani Accelerate SME Champion 2026.

If you're a growth-stage entrepreneur looking for structured scaling support, strategic mentorship, and ex*****on-driven guidance, Wadhwani Accelerate welcomes applications throughout the year.

Register here to start your growth journey: https://lnkd.in/dffC56pX

Wadhwani Foundation

09/07/2026

Building stronger SMEs starts with stronger conversations.

Wadhwani Foundation, led by the Lucknow Ecosystem Team, and in collaboration with the Indian Industries Association - IIA Kanpur, successfully hosted the SME CEO Roundtable, bringing together 20+ business leaders to exchange perspectives on scaling businesses, improving productivity, adopting technology, and driving sustainable growth.

The discussion explored the key opportunities and challenges shaping SME growth, with CEOs sharing practical experiences, business insights, and strategies to overcome common bottlenecks.

Together, these conversations reinforce our commitment to building resilient, competitive, and future-ready SMEs across Uttar Pradesh.

Government of UP Assocham UP Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Confederation of Indian Industry Start in UP

09/07/2026

Every successful entrepreneur has a story that textbooks never teach.

What does it really take to build a business from the ground up?
How do founders navigate uncertainty, failures, and breakthrough moments?

Join us for an inspiring Founder Talk as part of Wadhwani Ideathon 2026, featuring James Joseph, Founder of JackFruit 365—a visionary entrepreneur who transformed a simple idea into an innovative food brand creating global impact.

📅 Date: 9 July 2026
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Stay Tuned!

04/07/2026

🚀 Kanpur SMEs CEO Roundtable 2026

Delighted to announce the Kanpur SMEs CEO Roundtable, an exclusive initiative by Indian Industries Association - IIA Kanpur in partnership with Wadhwani Foundation.

Bringing together a curated group of SME founders and business leaders, the roundtable will focus on peer learning, and strategies to help SMEs scale towards the ₹100 Cr+ growth milestone.

📅 7 July 2026
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 IIA Hall, Kanpur

Looking forward to an evening of insightful conversations, collaboration, and strengthening Kanpur's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

National Entrepreneurship Network, Wadhwani Foundation Invest UP Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,Government of India

03/07/2026

Early fans feel like validation.
But enthusiasm and willingness to pay are two very different signals.

The founders who scale successfully learn to distinguish between customers who love the novelty and customers who need the solution.

This is the kind of structured thinking Entrepreneurship by Wadhwani Foundation nurtures.

Explore: wadhwanifoundation.org/initiatives/entrepreneurship

02/07/2026

Building stronger startup ecosystems starts with meaningful conversations.

At the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Vadodara, Ankit Machhar, Director - Ecosystem, Wadhwani Entrepreneurship, joined fellow ecosystem leaders for a panel discussion on "Unlocking Startup Opportunities in the Central Gujarat Region."

Organized by the Industries Commissionerate, Government of Gujarat, the discussion explored how stronger collaboration across government, industry, academia, and founders can unlock new opportunities for startups and strengthen the region's innovation ecosystem.



National Entrepreneurship Network, Wadhwani Foundation

Tie Vadodara IC Gujarat

Fundoolabs.com

Vibrant Gujarat

30/06/2026

North Gujarat isn't just India's spice capital. It's home to thousands of MSMEs driving innovation, livelihoods, and economic growth.

On World MSME Day, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and stakeholders from the region's thriving spice ecosystem came together at the North Gujarat Growth Workshop to exchange practical insights on scaling businesses, strengthening capabilities, and unlocking new growth opportunities.

Hosted in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS), the workshop reflected our shared commitment to empowering MSMEs with the knowledge, networks, and strategies needed to build resilient, future-ready enterprises.

At Wadhwani Foundation, we remain committed to helping entrepreneurs transform ambition into sustainable business growth.

Ready to accelerate your business growth?
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dHi3XdBG

30/06/2026

Big ideas. Focused conversations. Real growth.

The Rajkot SME Growth Workshop brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry experts to explore what it takes to build the next wave of ₹100 Cr+ businesses in Gujarat.

We were honored by the presence of His Highness Thakore Saheb Shri Mandhatasinhji Jadeja, whose encouragement for entrepreneurship and regional economic growth added immense value to the event.

Conducted in collaboration with GIDC (Lodhika) Industrial Association (GLIA) and House of Starts, the workshop enabled meaningful conversations around business scaling, leadership, innovation, and long-term growth for Gujarat's SME ecosystem.

At Wadhwani Foundation, we remain committed to equipping entrepreneurs with the capabilities, networks, and guidance they need to build resilient, future-ready businesses.

Ready to accelerate your business growth?
Apply here: 🔗 https://wadhwanifoundation.org/wadhwani-accelerate-general-intent-form/

The Royal Family Of Rajkot