MELBOURNE, 29 October 2026 — The Victorian government has launched ‘Victoria India Market Makers’, a new trade initiative using 10 entrepreneurs from the state’s 300,000-strong Indian diaspora to expand into India’s market of over 1 billion people.
The delegation of six women and four men, all Victoria-based and well-connected in India, will visit Mumbai, Maharashtra — India’s financial capital — and Bengaluru, Karnataka. A state minister recently claimed Bengaluru is the world’s fourth-largest IT hub.
Introduced at the impressive Deakin Downtown to an audience of business leaders, the Market Makers outlined ventures spanning drone window cleaning, school fitness assessments, AI in retail, ‘chai’ gateways, food and agri-business, e-waste, packaging, sports connectivity and fintech.
“India vs Bharat”
The highlight was a panel titled ‘Where is the India opportunity?’ featuring three CEOs and a representative from the Australia India Business Council.
TAT Capital CEO Ram Gorlamandala told the audience entrepreneurs must distinguish between urban “India” and rural “Bharat”, noting most Indians still live in villages and the country has changed since the diaspora migrated.
Talking to a cross-section, the aim emerged was to take advantage of India’s vast market, and get a slice from it. New tech (or, digital) or whatever, seemed to be the driving force with the enterpuners. There was no mention of the unemployment issue or jobless growth, dependence on China, India’s largest source of imports, the current youth/students protests, among others.
Shared goal
The shared goal, speakers said, is to tap India’s vast market with new tech and digital solutions. Cultural affinity and diaspora networks were cited as key advantages.Backed by Catalyser, Vaurora Social Impact, Startup Reseau, Australia-India Innovation Corridor and Saham Ventures, the delegation departs for India soon. A brochure detailing their pathways was distributed at the launch.
NOTE – A video report will be added soon.
