National Entrepreneurship Challenge (NEC) Junior by E-Cell, IIT Bombay
Prizes pool up to ₹2,00,000
National Entrepreneurship Challenge (NEC) Junior by E-Cell, IIT Bombay is a program by E-Cell, IIT Bombay for students in Class 6–12, open to students across India. It is free to take part.
Mode
Hybrid
Eligibility
Class 6–12
Fee
Free
Duration
5-6 months
Format
Team · Teams of 25
Time needed
Participants will receive tasks at the beginning of the program, requiring consistent effort throughout. Mid-term and end-term reports are mandatory submissions. Expect regular engagement in workshops and mentorship sessions.
About This Opportunity
The National Entrepreneurship Challenge (NEC) Junior, organized by the Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) of IIT Bombay, is a pioneering program designed for school students across India. It aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skills from the grassroots level by guiding schools in establishing and operating their own Entrepreneurship Cells (E-Cells). This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promoting skill-based learning and preparing students for real-world challenges.
The program involves a series of meticulously crafted tasks and challenges over 5-6 months, equipping students with the knowledge and skills essential for a smoothly functioning E-Cell. Participants will engage in skill development activities, interactive workshops, intensive bootcamps, and receive invaluable mentorship from experienced business experts and E-Cell, IIT Bombay members.
The program culminates in a final event, typically held offline at IIT Bombay's E-Summit, providing a prestigious platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial ventures.
NEC Junior is India's first-ever entrepreneurship cell establishment program among school students, aspiring to provide early awareness and exposure to the entrepreneurial world and lay the foundation for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. It encourages students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and develop practical business skills.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 6–12
- Age Range
- 11 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Students from any recognized school in India are eligible. Participation is strictly school-based, with teachers acting as official representatives and points of contact.
Prerequisites
- Interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Willingness to establish and manage an Entrepreneurship Cell within the school.
Additional requirements
- Only one team can participate from each school.
- Students must be from offline (on-campus) schools.
- Each school must designate 1-2 teacher representatives (2 preferred) to serve as official points of contact and facilitators.
- Participating students must be enrolled in offline (on-campus) schools; online-only students are not eligible.
- A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 25 student members are allowed per team.
Open to students in Grades 6-12 (ages 11-18) from any school across India. Participation is team-based, with each school registering one team of 5-25 students and 1-2 teacher representatives. Only students from offline (on-campus) schools are eligible.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The program's curriculum is structured around guided tasks essential for establishing and operating a successful Entrepreneurship Cell. This includes a series of skill development activities, interactive workshops, and intensive bootcamps. Key components involve developing business plans, conducting market research, organizing entrepreneurial events, and submitting mid-term and end-term reports based on provided templates.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹2,00,000 in Prizes
Opportunity to win prizes from a prize pool worth up to INR 2 Lakhs. Prize money will be disbursed to the winning school's official account.
Prizes
Prizes, Trophies & Passes
Winners can receive cash prizes from a pool of INR 2 Lakhs, along with trophies, medals, and free passes to the prestigious E-Summit held at IIT Bombay.
Certificate
Certificate from E-Cell, IIT Bombay
Official participation and achievement certificates are provided by E-Cell, IIT Bombay, which is recognized as Asia's largest student-run entrepreneurship promoting body. The program is also supported by national initiatives like Startup India and Make in India.
Opens doors to
Participation and achievements in NEC Junior significantly strengthen applications for top universities in business, management, and technology, demonstrating initiative, leadership, and practical skills valued by admissions committees.
Career pathways
Gain invaluable networking opportunities with experienced business experts, mentors from IIT Bombay, startups, and investors at the E-Summit, building a strong foundation for future career prospects.
Recognition
National Level Recognition
Skills your child builds
Languages
Highlights
- First-ever entrepreneurship cell establishment program for school students in India.
- Aligns with NEP 2020 goals for skill-based education.
- Direct mentorship and guidance from IIT Bombay's E-Cell.
What your child will do
- Skill development activities
- Interactive workshops
- Intensive bootcamps
- Mentorship sessions with business experts and E-Cell, IIT Bombay members
- Task-based challenges for E-Cell establishment and operation
- Mid-term and end-term report submissions
- Final event and showcase at IIT Bombay's E-Summit
Mentors & faculty
Experienced business experts and members of E-Cell, IIT Bombay, as well as external mentors appointed by IIT Bombay's E-Cell.
Rounds & format
The challenge is a 5-6 month long program involving a series of tasks and challenges. It culminates in a final event, likely held offline at IIT Bombay.
How entries are judged
Based on the successful establishment and operation of the E-Cell, completion of tasks, and the quality of entrepreneurial ideas and initiatives.
Selection process
Schools are selected based on their registration and commitment to establishing an E-Cell. Top-performing teams may qualify for the finals.
How to apply
- 1Schools need to register on the official NEC Junior website (ecell.in/nec-junior).
- 2Teacher representatives will provide comprehensive school details during registration.
- 3Login credentials will be sent to the registered email ID for accessing the participant dashboard.
- 4A mandatory teacher's orientation will be conducted after the registration deadline to provide program guidelines and support.
How to prepare
- Workshops and bootcamps provided by E-Cell, IIT Bombay
- Mentorship from business experts
- Templates for report submissions
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Registration for the National Entrepreneurship Challenge (NEC) Junior is completely free of charge. Any event-specific costs incurred by participating schools during the program are expected to be covered through local sponsorships or by the participating institution itself.
Financial support
No specific scholarships are available as the program itself is free to participate in. However, winning teams are eligible for significant prize money.
Refund policy
Not applicable as there is no registration fee.
Frequently asked questions
Is National Entrepreneurship Challenge (NEC) Junior by E-Cell, IIT Bombay free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in National Entrepreneurship Challenge (NEC) Junior by E-Cell, IIT Bombay?
Students in Class 6–12. children aged 11-18.
What will my child gain from National Entrepreneurship Challenge (NEC) Junior by E-Cell, IIT Bombay?
Prize pool worth INR 2 Lakhs. Certification from E-Cell, IIT Bombay. Mentorship and guidance from E-Cell, IIT Bombay. Networking opportunities with startups, investors, and enthusiasts. Free passes for the Entrepreneurship Summit at IIT Bombay. Teachers Training Program to empower teachers in leading E-Cells. Enhances resume with participation in a pan-India competition. Opportunity to win prizes from a pool of ₹2,00,000. Certificate from E-Cell, IIT Bombay, Asia's largest student E-Cell. Direct mentorship and guidance from members of E-Cell, IIT Bombay.
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