TRIBAL BUSINESS CONCLAVE 2025 SHOWCASES INDIA’S RISING TRIBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

New Delhi, Nov 13, 2025 : The Tribal Business Conclave 2025 concluded on Wednesday at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, celebrating the rise of tribal entrepreneurship in India. The event highlighted innovation, inclusion, and indigenous enterprise as key drivers of growth during Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

The conclave was attended by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, and Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, along with senior government officials, industry leaders, investors, and over 250 tribal entrepreneurs from across the country.

Jointly organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Culture, the event was supported by FICCI as Industry Partner, PRAYOGI Foundation as Knowledge Partner, and TICCI as Supporting Partner.

In his address, Goyal said that the government is committed to empowering tribal households and entrepreneurs through key initiatives.

“Bhagwan Birsa Munda inspires us to uplift every tribal household. We’re empowering entrepreneurs through 3,900 Van Dhan Kendras supporting 12 lakh livelihoods, ?24,000 crore under PM JANMAN Yojana, and reduced GI tag fees to ?1,000. Our aim is ‘Local Goes Global’ – as tribal communities rise, so does India,” he said.

Jual Oram highlighted the economic potential of tribal regions, noting that products such as mahua, sal seeds, and forest-based goods can play a transformative role.

“Tribal communities are custodians of natural wealth and wisdom. This conclave demonstrates our resolve to turn that potential into prosperity, ensuring that tribal growth becomes an integral part of India’s development story,” he said.

Durgadas Uikey, who inaugurated the event, emphasized the government’s commitment to mainstreaming tribal entrepreneurship.

“By empowering them with knowledge, capital, and technology, we are creating pathways for self-reliance, dignity, and long-term prosperity,” he said.

The conclave featured six panel discussions, four masterclasses, and buyer-seller meets on investment, sustainability, branding, and skilling. Over 150 exhibitors and 100 tribal startups showcased their innovations at the “Roots to Rise” pitching platform, connecting directly with investors and corporate buyers.

Cultural performances and thematic exhibitions under “Tribal Bharat @2047: Sustaining Culture, Scaling Commerce” celebrated the artistic heritage and creative enterprise of India’s tribal communities.

Key highlights of the event:

1. Launch of Gramya Yuva Arth Niti (GYAN) Lab: Developed by the Ashank Desai School of Public Policy, IIT Bombay, and PRAYOGI Foundation, with support from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the GYAN Lab will serve as a public policy innovation hub to design models for tribal and rural enterprises. It will pilot initiatives like the Tribal Entrepreneurship Index and micro-equity incubation models.

2. Tribal Affairs Grand Challenge: Announced by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with Startup India and DPIIT, the challenge invites startups to develop scalable, high-impact solutions for tribal communities with funding and mentorship support.

3. “Roots to Rise” Pitching Outcomes: Out of 115 enterprises showcased, 43 were DPIIT-registered.

* 10 incubators offered incubation support

* 57 enterprises drew investment interest exceeding ?10 crore

* 33 enterprises received interest from major investors such as IFCI Venture Capital Funds Ltd. and Arora Venture Partners

Together, these enterprises have created 1,500 direct and 10,000+ indirect jobs, benefiting over 20,000 tribal individuals.

4. Market Access through GeM: Over 60 new registrations and 50 inquiries were recorded for tribal products on the Government e-Marketplace.

5. Distribution of Geographical Indication (GI) Certificates: GI recognition was conferred on crafts and products including Kannadippaya (Kerala), Apatani Textile (Arunachal Pradesh), Marthandam Honey (Tamil Nadu), Lepcha Tungbuk (Sikkim), Bodo Aronai (Assam), Ambaji White Marble (Gujarat), and Bedu & Badri Cow Ghee (Uttarakhand) – enhancing global visibility for tribal artisans.

The Tribal Business Conclave 2025 marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat @2047, envisioning a future where tribal communities are key drivers of economic growth. By linking tradition with technology and enterprise with empowerment, the conclave laid the foundation for a new era of inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-led tribal development.