BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Meet Focuses on Innovation, Collaboration and Startup Growth

The BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting concluded in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, after two days of extensive discussions and collaborative engagements aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship partnerships among BRICS nations. The event served as an important platform for policymakers, young innovators, startup founders and officials to exchange ideas on building stronger youth-led entrepreneurial ecosystems across emerging economies.

Organised by the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as part of India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, the meeting witnessed participation from senior government officials, entrepreneurs and delegates representing BRICS member countries.

The programme was attended virtually by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, while Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Shri Vishvas Kailash Sarang participated in person along with senior officials from the Department of Youth Affairs.

During the valedictory session, Additional Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Shri Nitesh Kumar Mishra highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in building resilient and inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems within BRICS nations. He emphasized that entrepreneurship opportunities should not remain limited to a privileged few but must become accessible to young people from diverse backgrounds, regions and social groups.

He also noted that young entrepreneurs across BRICS countries often face similar challenges related to access to capital, mentorship, digital infrastructure and regulatory support. According to him, these common concerns require collective solutions and sustained cooperation among member nations.

Director, Department of Youth Affairs, Dr. Sarah Jayal Sawkmie, while delivering the vote of thanks, appreciated the contributions made by delegates, experts, moderators and organising teams during the event. She remarked that participants had come together not only to represent their respective countries but also to jointly build stronger frameworks for youth entrepreneurship cooperation.

Dr. Sawkmie also acknowledged the support extended by the Government of Madhya Pradesh and stated that the discussions and partnerships developed during the programme would contribute significantly toward advancing the BRICS youth entrepreneurship agenda.

The meeting brought together entrepreneurs, startup ecosystem stakeholders, policymakers and youth representatives from BRICS countries to exchange best practices and explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration in emerging sectors and innovation-driven industries.

The programme began with an exhibition showcasing entrepreneurial innovations across sectors such as technology, sustainability, social enterprise and clean energy. Delegates were introduced to a range of startups and initiatives reflecting the growing innovation capabilities of BRICS economies.

Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in plenary discussions, thematic panels, country presentations, networking sessions and interactive workshops focused on strengthening startup ecosystems and fostering innovation-led growth.

One of the major highlights of the meeting was a dedicated session titled “From Local Innovation to Global Impact: BRICS Cooperation for a Youth-Led Startup Ecosystem.” During the session, participating countries presented their experiences, national initiatives and policy frameworks related to entrepreneurship and startup development. The discussions explored ways to deepen cooperation and knowledge exchange among BRICS startup ecosystems.

The programme also included panel discussions on digital innovation, technology-driven entrepreneurship, inclusive and social entrepreneurship and climate-positive business models. Experts discussed emerging opportunities in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, fintech, agritech, sustainability and clean energy while emphasizing the importance of innovation that supports inclusive and environmentally responsible growth.

Interactive networking engagements and fireside conversations with young entrepreneurs encouraged peer learning, idea-sharing and stronger professional connections among participants from different countries.

The second day featured a workshop on Entrepreneurship Competency and Leadership Development aimed at equipping young participants with practical skills and leadership insights necessary for scaling innovative ventures. An interactive question-and-answer session further allowed participants to engage directly with experts and industry leaders.

As part of the programme, delegates also visited Crystal IT Park in Indore to gain firsthand exposure to the city’s expanding innovation and technology ecosystem. The visit showcased Madhya Pradesh’s growing role as an emerging startup and entrepreneurship hub within India.

Officials noted that the meeting contributed significantly toward strengthening cooperation and dialogue among BRICS nations in areas related to innovation, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. The event also reflected India’s continued emphasis on youth-led development and innovation-driven economic growth during its BRICS Chairship.

The deliberations are expected to support future collaborations among BRICS countries aimed at creating stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems, improving access to opportunities for young innovators and building resilient economies driven by technology and sustainable development.