IIT Kanpur Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge 2027: Apply by October 22
Applications for the Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge 2027 close on October 22, 2026. The national programme invites startup founders and working professionals aged 18–35 to submit solutions to social challenges, with mentorship and cash prizes for selected finalists.
The Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge (YEC) 2027 is part of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue 2027, a Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports initiative. IIT Kanpur is the challenge’s knowledge partner and will provide mentoring to national finalists. Applicants must submit their idea through the MY Bharat portal before the application window closes.
Who can apply for YEC 2027?
| Applicant group | Key eligibility requirements |
|---|---|
| Startup founders | Age 18–35; startup recognised under DPIIT/Startup India or registered as an MSME; submit the required startup documents. |
| Working professionals | Age 18–35; employed by a government, private, NGO or academic organisation; submit an employer NOC and ID or employment proof. |
| Team format | Apply individually or in a team of up to three people. Every team member must meet the age criteria. |
| Participation fee | Free |
The challenge is looking for innovative and scalable ideas that address real-life social or economic problems. Published focus areas include healthcare, education, agriculture, environment, women’s empowerment, governance, accessibility, disaster management and artificial intelligence. Applicants should select the theme that best fits their idea and clearly explain the problem and proposed solution.
Prizes and support for finalists
National finalists will receive online and in-person mentoring from IIT Kanpur and other experts. Support is intended to help participants refine prototypes, strengthen business plans and prepare their pitches. Finalist teams will present their innovations at the national showcase and deliver a three-minute pitch to a jury.
| National award | Cash prize |
|---|---|
| First | ₹1,50,000 |
| Second | ₹1,00,000 |
| Third | ₹75,000 |
| Fourth | ₹50,000 |
| Fifth | ₹30,000 |
How to apply
- Open the Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge 2027 page on the MY Bharat portal.
- Register or sign in, then select YEC 2027.
- Choose a focus theme and submit the required idea details and documents.
- Complete all mandatory declarations and submit by October 22, 2026.
- Review the official guidelines for file requirements and eligibility before final submission.
Youth Entrepreneurs Challenge 2027 timeline
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| September 1–October 22, 2026 | Registration and idea submission |
| October–November 2026 | Regional screening |
| November 2026 | Regional competition and pitch |
| December 2026 | Online mentoring and refinement |
| December 11–12, 2026 | Offline mentoring at IIT Kanpur |
| January 10–12, 2027 | National showcase and awards at VBYLD 2027 |
With the deadline on October 22, interested applicants should check the MY Bharat portal promptly for the submission form and complete requirements. The portal lists a three-member team limit and says participants may submit only one idea, so applicants should confirm their team and entry details before submitting.
