The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has invited young startup founders and working professionals to apply for the Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge (YEC) 2027, a national initiative aimed at identifying technology-driven solutions to pressing social challenges.
IIT Kanpur is the knowledge partner for the challenge, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue (VBYLD) 2027. Applications are being accepted through the MY Bharat portal, with the last date to register set for October 22, 2026.
The initiative aims to encourage young innovators to develop practical, scalable solutions that contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Startup founders and working professionals aged 18–35 years are eligible to participate, subject to the programme’s requirements.
Startup founders must have a DPIIT-recognised startup or a registered MSME and an industry-ready solution addressing a social challenge. Working professionals employed in government, private organisations, non-governmental organisations or academia must provide the required employment documentation and a no-objection certificate from their employer.
Participants can apply individually or as a team, with a maximum of three members, including the team leader. All team members must meet the age criteria.
Applicants need to submit their idea or solution through the MY Bharat portal, along with the required documents, pitch deck, and idea summary.
WHAT IDEAS CAN PARTICIPANTS SUBMIT?
The challenge welcomes innovative solutions across several areas, including healthcare, education, agriculture, environment, women’s empowerment, governance, accessibility, disaster management and artificial intelligence.
Ideas may address issues such as digital learning, rural healthcare, smart farming, clean energy, waste management, assistive technology and citizen services.
Through its Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur will draw on its research, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem to identify promising ideas and help participants develop them into practical solutions.
MENTORSHIP AND NATIONAL SHOWCASE
Selected national finalist teams will receive online mentoring and in-person guidance at IIT Kanpur. The programme will support prototype refinement, business planning, and pitch preparation.
The challenge will culminate at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue 2027, scheduled for January 10–12, 2027. Finalists will showcase their innovations and pitch their solutions before a national jury.
IMPORTANT DATES TO KEEP IN MIND
- September 2026: Registration opens on the MY Bharat portal.
- October 22, 2026: Last date to register.
- October–November 2026: Regional screening and competitions.
- November 2026: Online mentoring and refinement, as listed in the supplied timeline.
- December 2026: In-person mentoring at IIT Kanpur.
- January 10–12, 2027: National showcase and awards at VBYLD 2027.
PRIZE MONEY
The top five teams will receive cash awards as follows:
- First prize: Rs 1,50,000
- Second prize: Rs 1,00,000
- Third prize: Rs 75,000
- Fourth prize: Rs 50,000
- Fifth prize: Rs 30,000
The programme also offers national recognition, expert mentorship, and opportunities to connect with policymakers, investors, and other members of India’s innovation ecosystem.
Interested candidates can visit the official Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge 2027 portal to check eligibility.
– Ends
