ThinkStartup, IIT Delhi and MEPSC (a Sector Skills Council under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of India), on Feb 4 announced the launch of College Youth Ideathon with an aim to be India’s premier innovation and entrepreneurship competition to ignite creativity & entrepreneurial spirit among the nation’s youth.
College Youth Ideathon (CYI 2025) focuses on innovative ideas and entrepreneurship across ten key sectors, including technology, medicine & biotech, geospatial intelligence, education, agriculture, BFSI, Food & Beverage, Travel & Tourism and Social Impact. The initiative emphasis is to cultivate a “job-creator’s mindset”, fostering innovation, problem-solving, and a proactive approach to challenges.
The multi -stage competition will be held online in the initial stages and is open to college students from any university or autonomous institution in India, teachers and mentors of college students and colleges / universities or autonomous institution. Students will compete in teams of 3 to 5 members, and it will culminate in a grand finale on April 12th – April 13th, 2025. This format allows students to explore innovation and entrepreneurship through ideation, prototype ideas and make pitch to the expert panel.
Sanjeeva Shivesh, Program Director, Youth Ideathon giving details said, “In this edition, will bring together the Top 200 teams to showcase their innovative solutions before a panel of esteemed judges. we are offering upto Rs. 2000 to Top 500 teams to build a prototype. We believe that college students have the power to turn ideas into reality and shape the future of India. Through the College Youth Ideathon, we aim to channel their creativity, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial spirit toward building innovative solutions for real-world challenges.”
Shivani Singh-Kapoor, Co-founder, ThinkStartup added, “To create future job-creators, it is essential to engage young minds early, channel their creativity, and inspire them to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship. College Youth Ideathon is dedicated to empowering the next generation by providing a platform where students can transform their ideas into impactful ventures. By nurturing high-potential student innovations with mentorship, incubation support, and industry exposure, this initiative aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that will drive India’s future economic and social progress.”
The College Youth Ideathon 2025 is being supported by industry players like State Bank of India – India’s largest bank and a Fortune 500 company; Esri India, India’s leading Geographic Information System (GIS) solutions provider; MediaTek, world’s leading fabless semiconductor company; IRCTC, a travel, tourism and ticketing behemoth; NMDC, a mining Navratna and Infyni, an emerging edtech star.
Youth Ideathon is also being supported by SheAtWork, a one-stop knowledge hub for women entrepreneurs; Atal Innovation Mission, Government of India’s flagship initiative to create and promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country; Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), principal financial institution for promotion, financing and development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector.
The teams will compete for a total grant of Rs. 25 lacs and special recognition will be given to teachers, mentors, and schools with high participation rates. Youth Ideathon, established in 2021 by ThinkStartup and MEPSC, is India’s largest event celebrating startup ideas for school students.
Anil Kumar Pokhriyal, CEO at Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council said, “College Youth Ideathon will be able to showcase students’ ideas, hone their critical thinking abilities, and make a significant contribution to the expansion of industries. At the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council, we’re always dedicated to giving young people the chance to turn their ideas into meaningful solutions that will improve everyone’s future.”
Sameep Shastri, Chairman – Indian Institute of Governance & Leadership, Co-Founder & President – Confederation of Young Leaders, Vice Chairman – BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry said, “College Youth Ideathon 2025 is a transformative initiative aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership among young minds. As we navigate an era of rapid change and technological advancement, empowering students with the right platform to ideate, innovate, and execute their vision is crucial. This initiative will spark innovative ideas as well as contribute to India’s growth by nurturing future leaders and changemakers. We look forward to witness the incredible potential and ingenuity that College Youth Ideathon 2025 will unlock.”
For more information, please visit www.youthideathon.in or www.thinkstartup.in
