Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026

About

The Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 offers seed grants up to INR 350,000 for youth-led startups in India focusing on sustainable consumption, providing mentorship, capacity building, and opportunities for national exposure to investors.

Benefits

• 💰Seed Funding
  Winners receive seed grants ranging from INR 220,000 to INR 350,000
• 🎓Capacity Building
  Selected startups will receive remote capacity building and mentorship support
• 🏢Elite Camp
  Top 20 startups will participate in a 5-day immersive training at T-Hub in Hyderabad
• 🌐National Exposure
  Opportunities for national exposure and networking with investors
• 📈Ongoing Mentorship
  Continuous mentorship support for selected startups
• 🚫No Fees
  No application fees or equity requirements for participation

Eligibility Criteria

• 🌍 Geographic Eligibility
• Open to startups based in India
• 👥 Age Requirement
• Founders must be aged between 15-29 years; for specific groups, the age limit is extended to 35 years
• 🏢 Organization Type
• NGOs that meet the age criteria can also apply
• 💼 Project Theme
• Projects must focus on "sustainable consumption" themes such as sustainable textiles, circular economy innovations, and sustainable food systems
• 🌈 Inclusivity
• Encourages participation from women, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQA+, tribal, and minority group entrepreneurs

Participation Commitments

• 📍 Attendance Requirement
• Must attend the elite camp in Hyderabad if selected
• 🎤 Presentation Requirement
• Participants may need to present their projects during the selection process
• ⏰ Time Commitment
• Commitment to engage in remote capacity building sessions
• 💵 Application Submission
• Complete the application form by the deadline

Target Region

India

Target Sector

Sustainable consumption, sustainable fashion/textiles, circular economy, food systems, and water resources