The Yogi Adityanath–led Uttar Pradesh government’s continued push to build a strong start-up ecosystem is yielding remarkable results, particularly in Bundelkhand, where women entrepreneurs are emerging as powerful examples of innovation and self-reliance. Among the most notable success stories are those of Jhansi-based entrepreneurs Shivani Bundela and Neelam Sarangi, whose ventures have gained state-wide and national appreciation.

Shivani’s Milestone in Food Processing

Jhansi resident Shivani Bundela has drawn significant attention for her creative experiments in food processing using Indian jujube (ber). Beginning with juice, jam, chocolates, and toffees made from ber, she has now introduced a new product category—Indian jujube snacks—adding one more innovation to her expanding line. Operating under the brand name Abrosaa, Shivani’s start-up has received extensive support from Jhansi Smart City, the Horticulture Department, and MSME initiatives.

Her products earned national visibility when her brand was selected as a gifting partner at the G20 Summit, a milestone that brought her widespread appreciation. Shivani currently procures ber from nearly 250 farmers, ensuring sustainable sourcing while also preventing wastage of the seasonal fruit. Additionally, her enterprise has created income opportunities for around 20 women, strengthening rural livelihoods.

Growing Recognition and Expanding Reach

Shivani has participated in all three editions of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show, where her innovations received strong buyer interest. Recently, she was also given the responsibility of promoting agroforestry under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), acknowledging her contribution to sustainable agriculture. Her client list now features major names including Aditya Birla Group, NBCC, IRCON, Hyundai, Amity University, SKN, and Avada, indicating a rapidly expanding market footprint.

Shivani credits government support for her success, stating that continuous encouragement from the local administration has helped her scale her ideas into a viable and impactful enterprise.

Neelam’s Creative Revolution Through Scrap Art

Equally inspiring is the journey of Neelam Sarangi, founder of Bekaar Ke Aakar, a start-up dedicated to converting waste materials into visually captivating artworks. Working closely with the Jhansi Municipal Corporation, she has redesigned public parks with installations created from discarded items, aligning her efforts with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

In recognition of her innovative work, Neelam received the ‘Navdevi Award’ from the Uttar Pradesh government. Her venture is supported by the Bundelkhand University Incubation Centre, and she has showcased her art at major events including the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show, Start-up Mahakumbh, and the Rise Hackathon. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Neelam is also training Self-Help Group (SHG) women, enabling them to achieve economic independence through creative skills.

Women Leading the Start-Up Wave in Bundelkhand

Both Shivani and Neelam attribute their growing success to strong institutional support from the state government, Smart City Mission, and academic incubators. Their achievements highlight Bundelkhand’s emergence as a rising centre for women-led innovation, demonstrating how targeted government initiatives can empower local talent and transform communities.

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