If the youth has a new business idea that can solve the problems of the society, it can get national recognition. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has invited applications for Young Entrepreneur Challenge (YEC) 2027. In this competition, startup founders and working professionals can present their innovative ideas. Selected participants will get mentoring from experts, help in preparing prototypes and an opportunity to present their ideas on a national platform.
Cash prizes ranging from Rs 30 thousand to Rs 1.50 lakh will be given to the five teams that perform better in the competition. Interested candidates can apply through My Bharat portal till 22 October.
What is Young Entrepreneur Challenge 2027?
The Young Entrepreneur Challenge is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Union Government. It is being organized under the Vikas Bharat Yuva Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2027. IIT Kanpur is the knowledge partner of this competition. The aim of the organization is to help youth transform new ideas into practical solutions. Under this initiative, IIT Kanpur’s Startup Incubation and Innovation Center (SIIC) will help reach out to the youth and promote their ideas.
Who can apply?
Youth in the age group of 18 to 35 years can participate in this competition. Such startup founders can apply, whose enterprise is recognized by DPIIT under Startup India or registered as MSME. Professionals working in government, private, non-government and educational institutions can also apply. However, they have to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. Participants can participate alone or in a team of maximum three members. There is no fee to participate in all stages.
What topics can you give ideas on?
Participants can present their ideas in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, environment, women empowerment, governance, accessibility, disaster management and artificial intelligence (AI). Ideas related to solving other social problems will also be accepted.
Selected teams will get mentorship
After initial screening of applications, presentations will be held at the regional level in October and November 2026. Three teams will be selected from each state and union territory. IIT Kanpur will then select one national finalist from each state and union territory. Selected teams will receive online mentorship in December 2026 and in-person mentoring at IIT Kanpur on December 8-9. Each finalist team will be given Rs 5,000 to prepare a poster and prototype. Teams traveling outside their home state in the regional stages will also get travel assistance of up to Rs 10,000.
How much will the winning teams get?
The national exhibition and award ceremony of the competition will be held from 10 to 12 January 2027 at VBYLD 2027. The finalist teams will have to present their idea to the national judges within three minutes. The top five teams will get Rs. 1,50,000, Rs. 1,00,000, Rs. 75,000, Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 30,000 will be given. All national finalists will also receive a certificate.
How to apply?
Interested candidates can register for the VBYLD 2027 Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge by visiting the My Bharat portal. The application should provide information about the selected topic, problem details and proposed solution. Eligibility, selection process and other important notifications can also be viewed on the portal. Last date to apply is 22 October 2026.
