FundingSupport amount varies
Equity-free MVP / Prototype Fintech DPIIT
ClosesJun 18, 2026
Closed Grant Equity-free
Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026
by T-Hub
Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 is the 8th edition of a national youth-focused social innovation and entrepreneurship programme in India, launched by the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and co-created globally with the Citi Foundation. Implemented in India with T-Hub Foundation, the 2026 edition focuses on the theme of Responsible Consumption, aligned with the Government of India's Mission LiFE initiative. The
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- Young Indian entrepreneurs and social innovators at any stage addressing sustainable development goals.
About this scheme
Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 is the 8th edition of a national youth-focused social innovation and entrepreneurship programme in India, launched by the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and co-created globally with the Citi Foundation. Implemented in India with T-Hub Foundation, the 2026 edition focuses on the theme of Responsible Consumption, aligned with the Government of India's Mission LiFE initiative.
The programme is designed to empower youth-led startups and NGOs by supporting early-stage ideas and solutions that promote sustainable lifestyles and environmental responsibility. Participants receive structured capacity building, mentorship, ecosystem exposure, and opportunities for seed support. The challenge includes a virtual National Springboard Programme, a National Innovation Dialogue, an in-person regional immersion and bootcamp at T-Hub Hyderabad, and culminates in seed grants for top-performing startups.
The 2026 edition focuses on three sub-themes: Sustainable Textiles and Fashion, Circular Economy Innovations, and Sustainable Food Systems and Water Conservation. Through these focus areas, Youth Co:Lab aims to nurture scalable, impact-driven ventures that address environmental and social challenges while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Who can apply
- Youth-led startups and NGOs with at least one founder aged between 15 and 29 years are eligible to apply. The upper age limit is extended to 35 years for women founders, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, tribal entrepreneurs, and founders from minority communities.
- Applicants must propose solutions aligned with the Responsible Consumption theme, specifically under Sustainable Textiles and Fashion, Circular Economy Innovations, or Sustainable Food Systems and Water Conservation.
- Both registered and unregistered startups are eligible to apply.
- Teams are encouraged that demonstrate viability, scalability, and measurable environmental or social impact, with special encouragement for founders from marginalised and underrepresented communities.
Official application
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Applications are submitted directly with T-Hub, in your own name. Share a few details and we will point you to the official application portal and help you prepare a complete submission.
Here is the official application link
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Open the official applicationFrequently asked questions
How much funding does Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 provide?
Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 provides rs. 2.2 lakh to Rs. 3.5 lakh. The exact amount sanctioned depends on the proposal and the evaluation by the program authority.
Is Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 currently accepting applications?
Closed on Mar 20, 2026. Always confirm the current window with the program authority before preparing your application.
Does Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 take equity?
No. This program is listed as equity-free, which means the funding does not dilute your shareholding. Review the official terms for any debt or convertible components.
Important disclaimer
IncorpX is a private platform operated by a private company. It is not a government department, agency or official portal, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government body or of any organisation, incubator, accelerator, investor or partner listed in this directory. All program names, logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only.
This directory is compiled from publicly available official sources and is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Funding amounts, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines and availability are determined by each program authority and change with every cycle, so the details shown here may be incomplete or out of date. Always confirm the current terms on the official program source before you apply or take any decision.
IncorpX charges no fee for the information in this directory and does not collect, process, lodge or submit any application on your behalf. Applications are made by you, in your own name, directly with the respective program authority. IncorpX provides assistance only for application preparation and for related registrations such as company incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME (Udyam) and GST. Eligibility, approval, disbursement and selection rest solely with the respective program authority, and IncorpX makes no representation or guarantee as to any outcome.
Closing soon
View all FundingRs. 30 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh
Equity-free Idea AI, SaaS & Enterprise
ClosesJun 19, 2026
FundingRs. 25 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh
MVP / Prototype
ClosesJun 20, 2026
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