Gujarat Launches herSTART 5.0 to Support Women Entrepreneurs

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the fifth edition of the herSTART programme for women entrepreneurs at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad. The event also marked the inauguration of a new research park aimed at strengthening the state’s innovation ecosystem. The programme, run by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council, focuses on supporting women-led startups through incubation, mentorship and market access.

During the event, the Chief Minister also announced that the university’s convention centre would be named Vidyagauri Nilkanth Sabhapuram in honour of Vidyagauri Nilkanth, widely regarded as the first Gujarati woman graduate. The initiative reflects the state government’s emphasis on promoting women’s participation in entrepreneurship and innovation.

herSTART Programme for Women-Led Startups

The herSTART programme has been designed to encourage women entrepreneurs by providing institutional support, networking opportunities and guidance for business development. Through structured incubation and mentorship programmes, women-led startups receive assistance in developing business models, securing investment and expanding market access.

The fifth edition of herSTART aims to further strengthen the participation of women in the startup ecosystem. The programme launch formed part of a broader set of initiatives described by organisers as a “development triveni,” highlighting the integration of entrepreneurship, research and innovation at Gujarat University.

Growth of India’s Startup Ecosystem

Speaking at the launch event, the Chief Minister highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s startup ecosystem in recent years. He noted that the number of startups in the country has increased significantly since the launch of the Startup India initiative.

According to official estimates cited during the event, India now has nearly 200,000 startups, compared with fewer than 500 about a decade ago. Women entrepreneurs constitute a significant share of this growth, and India has also emerged among the leading countries globally in terms of funding support for women-led enterprises.

Emerging Opportunities in the Semiconductor Sector

The Chief Minister also emphasised the growing importance of high-technology sectors such as semiconductors. He stated that technology should be viewed not only as a professional opportunity but also as a mission contributing to national development.

Recent industrial developments, including the inauguration of a semiconductor plant in Sanand, are expected to transform regions such as Sanand and Dholera into emerging semiconductor hubs. These developments are projected to generate employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for skilled professionals, including women.

Important Facts for Exams

• The herSTART programme supports women-led startups through incubation, mentorship and market access.
• It is run by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council.
• Vidyagauri Nilkanth is regarded as the first Gujarati woman graduate.
• Sanand and Dholera in Gujarat are emerging as semiconductor manufacturing hubs.

Research Park to Boost Innovation Ecosystem

Along with the programme launch, the Chief Minister inaugurated a new research park at Gujarat University. The facility is intended to strengthen collaboration between academia, startups and industry by providing space and infrastructure for research-driven innovation.

During the event, a coffee table book documenting the achievements of the fourth edition of herSTART was also released. Women-led startups associated with the programme were felicitated in recognition of their contributions to entrepreneurship and innovation in the state.