Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 (India): Seed Grants up to INR 3.5 Lakhs for Youth-Led Startups Driving Responsible Consumption @UNDP

Overview

The Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 in India invites applications from young innovators and entrepreneurs for scalable solutions in Sustainable Textiles and Fashion, Circular Economy Innovations, and Sustainable Food Systems and Water Conservation. The challenge focuses on Responsible Consumption aligned with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).

Key Responsibilities

This is a challenge for startups and NGOs to present scalable solutions related to Responsible Consumption, focusing on sub-themes such as Sustainable Textiles and Fashion, Circular Economy Innovations, and Sustainable Food Systems and Water Conservation.

Requirements

• Youth-led startups with founders aged 15 to 29 years.
• Age extended to 35 years for women, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), LGBTIQA+ individuals, tribal entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs from minority communities.
• NGOs meeting these criteria are also eligible.
• The solution must align with Responsible Consumption sub-themes.
• Encourages participation from marginalized communities including women-led teams, LGBTIQA+ founders, persons with disabilities, tribal youth, Dalit youth, and religious minorities.

Benefits

• Up to 50 startups will participate in a structured virtual capacity-building journey (National Springboard Programme) including expert-led workshops, mentor connect sessions, peer learning, business fundamentals training, design thinking modules, ESG readiness, impact measurement, and fundraising/pitching preparation.
• Top startups will pitch at the National Innovation Dialogue (NID) to investors, policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and subject matter experts.
• The Top 20 startups will attend a 5-day in-person immersion bootcamp in Hyderabad at T-Hub.
• The Top 6 startups will receive seed grants ranging from INR 2.2 to 3.5 lakhs.
• Selected startups gain national visibility, access to T-Hub’s innovation ecosystem, continued mentorship, and networking with corporates and investors.
• There is no participation fee, and Youth Co:Lab does not take equity.

Location

India

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official Youth Co:Lab application portal before midnight on 3rd March 2026.

Deadline

3rd March 2026