IIT-K invites young innovators for Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge

Kanpur: The IIT-Kanpur, the knowledge partner for the Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge 2027, has invited startup founders and working professionals aged 18 to 35 to submit innovative ideas addressing real-world social challenges through the MY Bharat portal by Oct 22.

A flagship initiative of the Union ministry of youth affairs and sports, the challenge is being organised under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue 2027.

As knowledge partner, IIT-K will draw on its academic expertise, research capabilities and entrepreneurship ecosystem to help promising ideas develop into practical, scalable solutions.

Participation is free. Applicants can participate individually or in teams of up to three members, including the team leader. Eligible startup founders must be aged 18–35 and have ventures recognised under Startup India by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) or registered as MSMEs.

Working professionals employed by govt, private, non-govt or academic organisations can also apply, provided they meet the age criteria and submit an NOC from their employer.

Selected national finalists will receive online mentoring in Dec 2026 and attend an in-person mentorship programme at IIT-K on Dec 8 and 9. Each finalist team will also receive Rs 5,000 towards poster and prototype development.

The challenge will culminate in the National Showcase and Awards at VBYLD 2027, scheduled for Jan 10–12. Finalist teams will exhibit their innovations and make a three-minute pitch before a national jury. The top five teams will receive cash prizes of Rs 1.5 lakh, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000, respectively.

Eligible applicants can register and submit their ideas through MY Bharat portal by Oct 22.