Emerging25 Receives Over 1,000 Applications; 700+ Businesses Shortlisted for Nationwide Founder Outreach Programme
New Delhi, June 2026: Emerging25, India’s national startup investment and business growth initiative being undertaken by CITEC (Chamber for Industrial Trade and Economic Cooperation), has crossed a major milestone with more than 1,000 applications received from entrepreneurs and growth-stage businesses across the country.
Following multiple rounds of virtual assessments, founder interactions and preliminary evaluations, over 700 businesses have been shortlisted for the next stage of engagement. The initiative has also partnered with several incubators, accelerators, startup networks and ecosystem organizations across India to strengthen its outreach and identify high-potential enterprises from both metropolitan and emerging business regions.
With the completion of the virtual screening phase, the Emerging25 team will now commence a nationwide outreach programme covering multiple states and regional startup hubs. The objective is to engage directly with shortlisted founders, understand local innovation ecosystems and evaluate businesses through on-ground interactions.
According to programme officials, the overwhelming response demonstrates the growing maturity of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and highlights the increasing demand among businesses for structured growth capital, strategic guidance and market expansion opportunities.
The initiative is expected to create a strong pipeline of investment-ready enterprises capable of generating substantial employment, attracting institutional investment and contributing to regional economic development. Based on current assessments, participating businesses have the potential to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities while contributing significant revenue growth across multiple sectors over the coming years.
The programme is also aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by supporting Indian entrepreneurs, encouraging domestic innovation, strengthening local supply chains and enabling businesses from diverse regions of the country to scale nationally and globally.
“India’s next generation of high-growth enterprises will emerge not only from established startup centres but also from regional innovation hubs across the country. Our focus is to identify these businesses, support their growth journey and connect them with the capital, mentorship and market opportunities required for long-term success,” a spokesperson associated with the initiative said.
While the evaluation process for existing applicants continues, Emerging25 has simultaneously opened fresh enrolments for businesses seeking investment support, strategic partnerships and growth acceleration opportunities.
Growth-stage businesses with proven market traction, scalable business models and expansion plans are invited to apply under the current cycle.
The application window will remain open until 31 July 2026.
Interested businesses may submit their enrolment by sharing their company profile, founder details, business presentation and growth plans for review by the programme’s evaluation committee.
Industry associations, incubators, accelerators, investors and ecosystem partners interested in collaborating with the initiative are also invited to participate in the upcoming regional engagement activities.
Media Contact:
Emerging25 Mission Secretariat
Chamber for Industrial Trade and Economic Cooperation (CITEC)
Email: nsim.emerging25@gmail.com
Phone: +91 9560807156
