UPES invites schools across India to nominate their most creative and entrepreneurial students for the Future Founders Challenge 2025. Open to students of Classes 9 to 12, the competition requires participants to form teams of two to three members from the same school, with each team presenting a unique idea under a distinct team name. Schools may nominate multiple teams. The application window opened on 14 August 2025 and closes on 28 September 2025.
Authorised school representatives can submit nominations by that time. Shortlisted teams will be announced on 1 October 2025, followed by a series of online workshops on 6, 11, and 15 October 2025. Teams will then submit their final pitch decks by 27 October, with the list of finalists released on 31 October. The grand finale (date to be decided) will take place at the UPES campus in Dehradun, where the most promising ideas will be presented before an esteemed jury.
The rewards for winners are substantial, with the national champion team receiving a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000 and the second-placed team awarded Rs. 50,000. Zonal winners and runners-up from North, South, East, and West India will also be recognised with an award of Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 25,000, respectively. Beyond monetary awards, participants will gain invaluable exposure, mentorship, and potential access to incubation opportunities through the UPES Runway Incubator.
For more information, including the detailed competition guide, visit www.upes.ac.in/future-founders-challenge or contact the organising team at futurefounders@ddn.upes.ac.in.
Prof. Rahul Nainwal, Chief Executive Officer, Runway Incubator, and Senior Director & Head, School of Business, UPES said, “The Future Founders Challenge is our way of empowering young minds to think boldly, act decisively, and create solutions that can shape a better future. Through this platform, we aim to give school students the tools, mentorship, and confidence to take their first steps into the world of enterprise – and perhaps inspire the next generation of change-makers who will lead India and the world.”
