Govt of India - Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge 2027

The Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge (YEC 2027) is a national programme to discover young innovators who are building solutions for India’s most pressing social and economic challenges.

It provides a platform to submit an idea or prototype, receive mentorship, and compete at a national showcase — strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem towards Viksit Bharat @2047.

Empowering Young Minds.

Building India's Future.

Objectives

Foster innovation and entrepreneurship among India's youth.

Promote technology-driven solutions for real-world social challenges.

Identify and nurture high-potential innovators from across the country.

Provide mentorship from IIT Kanpur, industry experts, and policymakers.

Showcase impactful innovations on a national platform.

Strengthen India's innovation ecosystem towards Viksit Bharat @2047.

✦ Challenge Journey ✦

A step-by-step roadmap from initial ideation to the national grand finale

1

Register & Submit Your Idea

Create profile & register for YEC 2027.

2

Regional Screening

Upload concept, problem statement & solution.

3

Mentorship

National finalists will receive structured mentoring from experts at IIT Kanpur.

4

National Showcase

National Finalist will showcase at VBYLD 2027.

STEP 1

Register & Submit Your Idea

Your submission will undergo a three-stage evaluation:

Step 1

Administrative & Eligibility Screening.

Step 2

Select your challenge theme

Step 3

Upload your Pitch Deck, Final Report, and Solution Video/ Image.

Step 4

Complete all mandatory declarations.

Every idea has the power to create impact. Keep going, the nation is watching!

Who Can Participate?

Startup Founders

Working Professionals

Age: 18 – 35 Years

DPIIT / MSME recognized Startup

Industry ready innovative solution

Solving real-life social challenges

Documents: Startup Certificate, Pitch Deck, Idea Summary

Problem Themes (Focus Areas)

Healthcare

Education

Agriculture

Environment

Women Empowerment

Governance

Accessibility

Disaster Management

AI Solutions

Why Participate?

National Recognition

Get recognized on a national platform.

Mentorship by IIT Kanpur

Learn from top mentors and experts.

Networking

Connect with investors, experts and peers.

Prototype Support

Get guidance to build and test your idea.

National Showcase

Exhibit your innovation at VBYLD 2027.

Cash Prizes

Win exciting prizes and awards.

BIG IDEAS DESERVE

Big Rewards!

Get recognized. Get rewarded. Fuel your idea. Shape the future. Additional Info

Champion trophy

1st Prize

1st Prize

₹1,50,000

2nd Prize

2nd Prize

₹1,00,000

3rd Prize

3rd Prize

₹75,000

4th Prize

4th Prize

₹50,000

5th Prize

5th Prize

₹30,000

Program Timeline

Your journey from idea to impact. Mark the dates. Make it count.

Challenge timeline rocket

1 Sep - 22 Oct 2026

Registration Opens on MY Bharat

Start your journey by registering your profile.

Oct - Nov 2026

Regional Screening

Shortlisting of the best ideas from each region.

Nov 2026

Regional Competition & Pitch

Pitch your ideas and compete for a spot in the next round.

Dec 2026

Online Mentoring & Refinement

One-on-one mentoring sessions to refine and scale your idea.

11 – 12 Dec 2026

Offline Mentoring at IIT Kanpur

Hands-on workshops and expert guidance.

10 Jan - 12 jan 2027

National Showcase & Awards at VBYLD 2027

Showcase your innovation on a national stage.

Calendar and clock

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge (YEC) 2027. Browse by category or search for specific topics.

General

Eligibility & Teams

Registration

Challenge Themes

Competition Process

Evaluation

Mentorship

Travel & Logistics

National Showcase

Awards

Frequently Asked

Rules & Compliance

GENERAL

What is the Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge (YEC) 2027?

A flagship national startup challenge under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders' Dialogue (VBYLD) 2027 to identify, encourage, and showcase innovative, technology-driven solutions by young entrepreneurs addressing real-life social challenges.

What is the objective of YEC 2027?

To provide a national platform for young innovators to develop scalable, technology-driven solutions to real-world social challenges while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Who can participate?

Startup founders and working professionals aged 18-35 years. May apply individually or as a team (all members must meet age criteria).

Is there any registration fee?

No. Participation is completely free at all stages.

Ready to Build India’s Next Social Innovation?

Take the first step towards making a lasting national impact today. Register and submit your idea.