The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has announced the launch of the Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge (YEC) 2027, aimed at young startup founders and professionals. This national initiative seeks to identify technology-driven solutions that address significant social issues. IIT Kanpur serves as the knowledge partner for this challenge, which is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue (VBYLD) 2027.

Applications for the challenge are being accepted via the MY Bharat portal, with the registration deadline set for October 22, 2026. The initiative aspires to inspire young innovators to create practical and scalable solutions that align with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas and potentially secure financial support for their projects. The challenge is designed to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth of India.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Startup founders and working professionals aged between 18 and 35 years are eligible to apply for the challenge. Founders must possess a startup recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) or a registered Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) that addresses a social challenge with an industry-ready solution.

Working professionals, whether employed in government, private sectors, non-governmental organisations, or academia, must provide necessary employment documentation and a no-objection certificate from their employer. Participants can apply individually or as part of a team, with a maximum of three members, including a team leader.

All team members must meet the age requirement, and applicants must submit their ideas or solutions through the MY Bharat portal, along with the necessary documents, pitch deck, and an idea summary.

Areas of Focus and Mentorship Opportunities

The challenge encourages submissions of innovative solutions across various domains, including healthcare, education, agriculture, environment, women’s empowerment, governance, accessibility, disaster management, and artificial intelligence. Ideas may tackle issues such as digital learning, rural healthcare, smart farming, clean energy, waste management, assistive technology, and citizen services.

IIT Kanpur’s Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) will leverage its research and entrepreneurial ecosystem to identify promising ideas and assist participants in developing them into viable solutions. Selected national finalist teams will benefit from online mentoring and in-person guidance at IIT Kanpur.

The programme will aid in prototype refinement, business planning, and pitch preparation. The challenge will conclude with a national showcase during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue 2027, which is scheduled for January 10–12, 2027. Finalists will present their innovations and pitch their solutions to a national jury.

Important Dates and Prize Money

Key dates for the Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge 2027 include the opening of registration in September 2026, with the final date for registration on October 22, 2026. Regional screenings and competitions will take place from October to November 2026, followed by online mentoring and refinement in November 2026. In-person mentoring at IIT Kanpur is set for December 2026, culminating in the national showcase and awards from January 10 to 12, 2027.

The top five teams will receive cash awards, with the first prize amounting to Rs 1,50,000, the second prize at Rs 1,00,000, the third prize at Rs 75,000, the fourth prize at Rs 50,000, and the fifth prize at Rs 30,000. In addition to financial rewards, participants will gain national recognition, expert mentorship, and opportunities to connect with policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders within India’s innovation ecosystem.

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the official portal for the Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge 2027 to verify their eligibility and obtain further details about the application process.

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