New Delhi, Aug 6: IIT Delhi, ThinkStartup and the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council, a Sector Skills Council under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, today announced the launch of Youth Ideathon 2026, in association with the Central Board of Secondary Education , India’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship platform for young minds. For the first time, the 2026 edition brings school and college students together under a single national movement – School and College tracks running in parallel – aimed at cultivating a job-creator’s mindset among India’s students.
School Track
Youth Ideathon – School track is open to students from Class 8 to Class 12 across India. Ideas can be submitted online, either individually or in teams of up to 5 members, culminating in a grand finale on 15th December 2026. Last year’s edition saw participation from over 2.65 lakh students from 10,000+ schools, with prizes worth ₹15 lakhs awarded. Youth Ideathon 2026 aims to reach over 3 lakh school students this year.
College Track
The College track of Youth Ideathon 2026 is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students across India, focused on six key themes: AI and Chip, Space Tech, Sustainability, the Next Billion Innovation Challenge, Supporting Girl Entrepreneurs, and EdTech. Ideas can be submitted online, either individually or in teams of up to 5 members, culminating in a grand finale on 15th December 2026. The initiative allows students to explore innovation and entrepreneurship through ideation, prototyping and pitching to a panel of experts.
Col. Anil K Pokhriyal, CEO, Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC) said,
“I am delighted to see that what began as an idea sketched on a napkin in a restaurant with ThinkStartup’ s founders has now evolved into a nationwide movement, inspiring millions of students to pursue entrepreneurship and create wealth for themselves and the nation. MEPSC is proud to advance the vision of Youth Ideathon by fostering a robust startup ecosystem that mentors, guides, and empowers young innovators in schools and colleges from the ground up.”
Started in 2021 by the co-founders of ThinkStartup, Youth Ideathon was built to help young people think big, share ideas, and solve real problems. With the message “Mera Idea Jo Badal De Bharat,” Youth Ideathon movement encourages students to become creators, not just learners.
Shri P. Ramakrishna, CEO, India Mobile Congress said,
it’s encouraging to see school and college students engaging so early with real-world problem-solving. Youth Ideathon reflects exactly the kind of grassroots innovation India Mobile Congress exists to spotlight. We look forward to working with ThinkStartup and MEPSC to give young innovators visibility on a larger stage.
Mr. Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India said,
“Empowering young innovators is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in India’s future. When young entrepreneurs have access to mentorship, resources, and the confidence to build, they don’t just create successful businesses, they create solutions that can shape India’s future and compete on the global stage. Initiatives like the Youth Ideathon are playing an important role by taking entrepreneurship to schools and colleges, providing students with the mentorship, structure, and confidence to transform ideas into innovation. By nurturing entrepreneurial thinking at the grassroots, we are laying the foundation for India’s next wave of technology-led growth.”
Youth Ideathon is also being supported by SheAtWork, a one-stop knowledge hub for women entrepreneurs and BRICS CCI WE, the Women Empowerment vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ruby Sinha, Founder, SheAtWork and President, BRICS CCI WE said,
“A society can be truly called developed only when equal numbers of girls become entrepreneurs. To bridge this gap, Sheatwork has instituted a special award for Best Girl Entrepreneur at Youth Ideathon, inspiring them to reach greater heights.”
Mr. Prabhat Kumar, IRS and Chairman of PanIIT Alumni added,
“At a time when AI is reshaping industries, Youth Ideathon empowers students to tackle societal challenges, harness technology to create solutions, and build startups that drive national progress. PanIIT proudly brings thousands of successful IITian alumni from 23 IITs to mentor and guide young innovators on their journey of product development, funding, and entrepreneurship.”
Youth Ideathon 2026 is supported by industry and institutional partners including MediaTek India, NMDC, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), SheAtWork, PanIIT Alumni India, the Indian Mobile Congress and the Indian Space Association
Sumit Singh Pawar, DGM, SBI said,
“India’s youth is its greatest superpower, and Youth Ideathon is the bold platform that empowers them to become the next generation of founders. As title partner, SBI is committed to equipping young innovators with financial literacy, mentorship, and the backing they need to transform ideas into impactful businesses that drive national progress.”
Dr Ashok Pandey, a noted Educationist and School Policy Leader added,
“Youth Ideathon is an important nation-building exercise that begins in our classrooms, equipping students with the critical skills of ideation, problem-solving, and action. By blending technological innovation with timeless human values of empathy and compassion, it nurtures young leaders who will shape a better tomorrow”.
Participants will receive certificates, and top teams across both tracks will compete for total prizes and awards of Rs. 25 lakhs in addition to specific incubation opportunities with 20 incubators all across India. Special recognition will be given to teachers, mentors, schools and colleges with high participation rates.
Sanjeeva Shivesh, Program Director, Youth Ideathon said,
“The 6th edition of Youth Ideathon has exciting formats with school and college tracks running in parallel. There are thematic challenges, several mini-challenges and fun card-based learning games in addition to a bigger award pool. We have also created 10 regional finale to identify best entrepreneurial talent from all over India.”
Youth Ideathon, established in 2021 by ThinkStartup and MEPSC, is India’s largest event celebrating startup ideas among school and college students.