Gujarat's Chief Minister Launches Fifth Edition of herSTART for Women Entrepreneurs

In a significant move to empower women entrepreneurs, Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched the fifth edition of the herSTART program. This initiative aims to provide essential support such as incubation and mentorship to women-led startups. The event also marked the inauguration of a new research park at Gujarat University and the naming of a convention center in honor of the first female graduate from Gujarat. CM Patel emphasized the state's commitment to women-led development and highlighted the growth of the national startup ecosystem, which has seen a dramatic increase in the number of startups, particularly those led by women. The program aims to create opportunities in emerging sectors like semiconductors, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among women.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 16:19 IST

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Gujarat

Ahmedabad, March 5: On Thursday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the fifth edition of the herSTART initiative aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs and also opened a new research park at Gujarat University.

He emphasized the state's dedication to promoting the vision of women-led development as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the event, the Chief Minister announced that the university's convention center would be named Vidyagauri Nilkanth Sabhapuram, in honor of Vidyagauri Nilkanth, recognized as the first female graduate from Gujarat.

CM Patel stated that the government is focused on enhancing women's roles in innovation and entrepreneurship through programs like herSTART, which is managed by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council.

“Gujarat is dedicated to fulfilling the vision of women-led development articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he remarked.

The herSTART initiative offers incubation, mentorship, and market access to women-led startups. Its fifth edition was launched at the university as part of a broader initiative referred to by organizers as a “development triveni.”

CM Patel noted that the national startup ecosystem has seen remarkable growth since the inception of Startup India. “Inspired by the Prime Minister, Startup India has evolved into a movement that provides youth with opportunities to achieve new heights,” he stated.

According to the Chief Minister, the number of startups in India has surged from under 500 a decade ago to nearly 200,000, with a significant proportion of participation from women.

He also highlighted that India has ascended to a prominent position globally regarding funding for women-led startups.

Focusing on emerging sectors, CM Patel remarked that technology should be perceived not just as a career path but as a mission for nation-building. “Technology is not merely a career choice; it is a mission for nation-building,” he asserted.

Discussing recent advancements in the semiconductor industry, he mentioned that opportunities for skilled professionals, including women, are on the rise.

He pointed out that a semiconductor plant has recently opened in Sanand, and the areas of Sanand and Dholera are anticipated to evolve into semiconductor hubs, generating high-tech job opportunities.

“There are vast opportunities for women in the semiconductor sector. herSTART aims to assist women in fields such as semiconductor startups, chip design, fabrication management, semiconductor packaging, and deep-technology innovation,” he explained.

At the event, the Chief Minister also unveiled a coffee table book showcasing the achievements of the fourth edition of herSTART and honored women-led startups linked to the program.