Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge
by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Seed grant up to INR 3.5 Lakh
Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge is a competition by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for children aged 15–18, open to students across India. Registration closes 20 Mar 2026. It is free to take part.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Duration
Approximately 4 to 5 months end-to-end
Format
Team
Time needed
6 to 8 weeks of virtual Springboard sessions plus a 5-day in-person bootcamp for shortlisted teams
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 3 Feb 2026
- Registration closes
- 20 Mar 2026
T-Hub, Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana
About This Opportunity
The Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge it is run in India in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. Each edition rotates around a Sustainable Development Goal theme; the edition focuses on Responsible Consumption with sub-tracks in sustainable textiles and fashion, circular economy innovations, and sustainable food systems and water conservation.
Applications are open to youth-led startups, businesses, and registered or unregistered NGOs in India where at least one founder is aged 15 to 29 years, with the age cap extended to 35 for women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ founders, tribal youth, and religious minorities. The challenge is structured for early-stage entrepreneurs running real ventures rather than for individual school assignments, so under-18 participants typically join as co-founders of a youth-led team or NGO.
Selected applicants enter a 6 to 8 week virtual National Springboard Programme covering business fundamentals, product-market fit, impact measurement, and scale readiness. The top twenty teams travel to T-Hub, Hyderabad for a 5-day in-person Regional Immersion Bootcamp featuring mentorship, investor interactions, and pitch preparation, after which the top six startups receive seed grants of INR 2.2 to 3.5 lakhs.
Winning teams may also be selected to represent India at the Regional Asia-Pacific Youth Co:Lab Summit, opening doors to international peers, mentors, and follow-on acceleration. Since 2019 the programme has supported more than 250 youth-led ventures across India.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Age Range
- 15 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Prerequisites
- Idea or working prototype aligned with the year's SDG theme
- Founding team with at least one member in the eligible age band
Open to youth-led startups, businesses, or NGOs in India where at least one founder is aged 15 to 29 years; age cap extended to 35 for women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ founders, tribal youth, and religious minorities. Under-18 applicants must participate as co-founders of a youth-led team. Open nationwide.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
Rewards & Recognition
Award
INR 2.2-3.5 Lakh
Top six startups receive tailored seed grants ranging from INR 2.2 lakh to INR 3.5 lakh to support further development and scale-up.
Certificate
UNDP Youth Co:Lab Certificate
Programme certificate co-issued by UNDP India and the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, with Citi Foundation as co-creator of the regional Youth Co:Lab initiative.
Recognized by
Career pathways
Access to mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners through T-Hub Hyderabad, plus a chance to represent India at the Asia-Pacific Youth Co:Lab Summit.
Recognition
National recognition by UNDP and AIM
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- UNDP-Citi Foundation flagship initiative running across 28 Asia-Pacific countries and territories
- Theme rotates each edition to track current SDG priorities
- Pathway to the Regional Asia-Pacific Youth Co:Lab Summit for top performers
- Implemented in 2026 with T-Hub, India's largest startup incubator
Rounds & format
Round 1: Online application screening against the year's sub-tracks. Round 2: Selected 40-50 startups join the virtual National Springboard Programme over 6-8 weeks. Round 3: Top 20 teams attend the in-person Regional Immersion Bootcamp at T-Hub Hyderabad and pitch to a national jury for the final seed grant decisions.
How entries are judged
Strength of the problem statement, uniqueness of the solution, alignment with the year's theme and Mission LiFE, founding team capability, business model viability, scalability, and measurable social and environmental impact.
Selection process
Top 6 startups from the in-person Regional Immersion Bootcamp are awarded seed grants on the basis of pitch, business viability, and impact potential.
How to apply
- 1Submit the online application form on the official AIM portal before the deadline
- 2Shortlisting by the AIM, UNDP, and implementation partner panel
- 3Participate in the virtual National Springboard Programme
- 4Top 20 teams attend the Regional Immersion Bootcamp at T-Hub, Hyderabad
- 5Top 6 startups are awarded seed grants at the National Innovation Dialogue
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge?
The registration deadline is 20 Mar 2026.
Is Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge?
children aged 15-18.
What will my child gain from Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge?
Seed grants of INR 2.2 to 3.5 lakhs for top six startups. 6 to 8 week virtual National Springboard Programme with expert workshops. 5-day in-person Regional Immersion Bootcamp at T-Hub, Hyderabad for top 20 teams. One-on-one mentorship with industry, investor, and ecosystem leaders. Opportunity to represent India at the Regional Asia-Pacific Youth Co:Lab Summit. Access to UNDP and AIM startup ecosystem and follow-on acceleration networks. National Innovation Dialogue showcase platform with policy stakeholders.
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