Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge

Youth Co:Lab, co-led by UNDP, runs a national innovation challenge backing youth-led social-impact ventures. Winners receive seed grants (around Rs 3.5 lakh) plus mentoring and capacity-building, with eligibility focused on founders aged 15-29 (up to 35 for women and minorities). Youth Co:Lab India, now in its eighth national edition, is jointly run by UNDP, the Atal Innovation Mission/NITI Aayog and the Citi Foundation, implemented on the ground with T-Hub Foundation; the 2026 edition is themed around Responsible Consumption in line with the government's Mission LiFE initiative and specifically invites ventures in sustainable textiles, circular economy and sustainable food/water systems. The selection funnel takes roughly 50 startups through a National Springboard Programme, narrows to a Top 20 for a five-day Regional Immersion at T-Hub Hyderabad, and the Top 6 receive the seed grants of up to ₹3.5 lakh referenced in this listing, alongside continued mentoring rather than a one-time payout.