As India approaches the centenary of its independence in 2047, the ambition of transforming into a Vikshit Bharat—a fully developed, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable nation—has become a guiding national vision. This future is not solely reliant on government policies or infrastructure growth; it hinges on the ideas, actions, and aspirations of its people. At the forefront of this transformation are next-generation entrepreneurs—young, dynamic changemakers who are blending technology, purpose, and global thinking to reimagine India’s path forward.
Today’s entrepreneurs are not just launching businesses—they are redesigning how systems work and whom they serve. Across key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure, they are using innovation as a catalyst to overcome long-standing challenges. In agriculture, for instance, the adoption of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and precision farming is enabling farmers to monitor soil health, manage resources more efficiently, and improve crop yields. These tools are not just boosting productivity; they are also ensuring greater resilience and income security for India’s farming communities.
In the healthcare space, entrepreneurs are revolutionizing access to medical services through telemedicine, doorstep diagnostics, and AI-powered early intervention. Startups are enabling people in remote and underserved areas to receive timely and affordable healthcare, bypassing infrastructural and logistical limitations. In education, digital platforms are democratizing learning by offering personalized, high-quality content in regional languages, helping bridge the gap between urban and rural students. These ventures are not delivering marginal improvements—they are building entirely new systems that align with the vision of a future where every citizen enjoys equal opportunity and dignity.
One of the most exciting frontiers of innovation today is the drone industry. What was once confined to science fiction is now being used in practical and powerful ways across the country. Drones are playing a vital role in agriculture by spraying pesticides and monitoring crop health. They are assisting in infrastructure development through land surveys and inspections. In the healthcare sector, drones are being used in pilot programs to deliver vaccines and medicines to remote regions, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional delivery methods. Even in urban areas, drones are being deployed for traffic surveillance and public safety.
This rapidly evolving industry offers immense potential for entrepreneurship, job creation, and technological exports. With supportive policies like liberalized drone regulations and government incentives, India is well-positioned to become a global drone hub. Young entrepreneurs investing in this space are not just building businesses—they are actively contributing to national priorities such as food security, disaster management, and smart city planning. The convergence of emerging technologies and national development objectives presents a unique opportunity to shape a technologically advanced and secure Bharat.
However, the journey to Vikshit Bharat 2047 is not just about economic growth. It is equally about environmental sustainability and social equity. Today’s entrepreneurs are increasingly aware that true progress must be inclusive and ecologically responsible. This has led to a new wave of purpose-driven ventures that embed sustainability into the very fabric of their operations. Climate-tech startups are innovating in renewable energy, electric mobility, and waste management. Companies are rethinking product design and supply chains to minimize environmental footprints, promote circularity, and prioritize ethical sourcing.
More importantly, a significant number of social enterprises are using innovation to solve grassroots challenges. These ventures are empowering rural women through skilling programs, enabling dignified livelihoods, and addressing hyperlocal problems with empathy and cultural sensitivity. By integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, these entrepreneurs are proving that profitability and responsibility can go hand in hand. They are redefining success not by valuation alone, but by the scale and depth of their positive impact.
As India becomes increasingly digitized, the role of entrepreneurs in empowering the country’s youth has become more critical than ever. With over 65 percent of the population under the age of 35, India’s demographic advantage can only be realized through strategic investments in skilling, mentoring, and ecosystem building. Next-generation founders must not only create jobs but also inspire a culture of entrepreneurship that extends beyond metropolitan areas. This involves nurturing innovation in rural and semi-urban regions and ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs—especially women and those from marginalized communities—have the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive.
India’s rapid digital transformation, fueled by affordable internet access, widespread smartphone usage, and the rise of fintech, has created fertile ground for grassroots innovation. A young person in a small town now has the means to ideate, build, and scale a business from anywhere. By tapping into this potential and creating enabling environments through mentorship, incubation, and funding, next-gen entrepreneurs can help turn India’s youth into creators of opportunity rather than seekers of jobs. This grassroots empowerment is the engine that will drive an inclusive and self-reliant India.
Equally important is the role of policy and public-private collaboration in shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Government initiatives such as Startup India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat have laid a strong foundation by reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging innovation. However, to catalyze systemic change, these policies must be coupled with continuous collaboration between entrepreneurs, academia, and government bodies. Public-private partnerships can unlock transformative outcomes in areas like smart agriculture, affordable housing, clean energy, and climate adaptation.
Startups bring agility and on-the-ground insight that can significantly enhance policymaking. By working closely with government agencies, entrepreneurs can provide data-driven feedback that helps tailor programs to real-world needs. Additionally, universities and research institutions can contribute cutting-edge knowledge and talent pipelines that support deep-tech entrepreneurship in areas like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable infrastructure.
Ultimately, the most transformative contribution of next-generation entrepreneurs lies in their evolving mindset. Unlike earlier business models that prioritized rapid growth above all, today’s entrepreneurs are increasingly focused on building responsibly. They are asking critical questions about inclusion, ethics, and long-term impact. This mindset shift is foundational to the spirit of Vikshit Bharat. It reflects an entrepreneurial ethos rooted not just in ambition, but in accountability. It resonates with India’s timeless philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. By building ecosystems of collaboration rather than isolated empires, next-gen entrepreneurs are laying the groundwork for a Bharat that is competitive globally but deeply connected to its people and environment.
The India of 2047 will not be built in government offices or corporate boardrooms alone. It will be shaped in co-working spaces, in rural innovation hubs, in digital startup accelerators, and in every corner where ideas are born and nurtured with courage. This generation of entrepreneurs has a historic opportunity to leave a legacy far beyond financial metrics. They are not just builders of enterprises—they are architects of a new Bharat.
By Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace
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