Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 – India @Atal Innovation Mission

Overview

The Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 is a platform for young entrepreneurs in India to advance sustainable entrepreneurship and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This edition focuses on the theme of Responsible Consumption, aligned with the Government of India’s Mission LiFE.

Eligibility

Applicants must be youth-led startups with founders aged 15–29 years. The age limit is extended to 35 years for women, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), LGBTIQA+ individuals, tribal entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs from minority communities. NGOs meeting the age criteria are also eligible. Solutions must align with Responsible Consumption themes. Applications from women-led teams, individuals from diverse SOGIE backgrounds, tribal and Dalit youth, individuals from marginalized castes and religious minorities, and founders developing viable and scalable solutions are strongly encouraged.

Benefits

Selected startups gain access to:

• National Springboard Programme: A 6–8 week virtual capacity-building journey with workshops on business fundamentals, impact measurement, ESG readiness, fundraising, leadership, and storytelling, along with mentorship and peer learning.
• National Innovation Dialogue (NID): Opportunities to present solutions to ecosystem leaders, investors, and policymakers.
• Regional Immersion & Bootcamp: Top 20 startups invited to a 5-day in-person immersion at T-Hub, Hyderabad, for intensive mentoring and scaling strategy development.
• Seed Support: Top 6 startups awarded seed grants ranging from INR 2.2–3.5 lakhs.
• Ecosystem Exposure: National recognition and access to mentors, investors, corporates, and policy stakeholders.

How to Apply

Participation is free, and no equity is required. Applications will be evaluated based on problem relevance, alignment with Responsible Consumption and Mission LiFE, scalability and business viability, environmental and social impact, and innovation/USP. Visit the official website to apply.

Deadline

Before midnight, 3 March 2026