‘Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 in India’ Launched
The Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 was launched on 3rd February, opening applications for youth-led startups across India developing innovative and practical solutions that promote responsible consumption, aligned with the Government of India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). The launch took place during AIM SUMVAAD, the flagship annual conclave of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Government of India. The event brought together representatives from all Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) and Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs), world-class incubators across the country along with leading industry experts, CSR leaders, policymakers, mentors, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders. Representatives from AIM, UNDP and Citi Foundation outlined the focus and opportunities under the 2026 edition of Youth Co:Lab.
This edition of Youth Co: Lab National Innovation Challenge in India, implemented in collaboration with T-Hub, invites youth-led startups working across sustainable textiles and fashion, circular economy innovations, and sustainable food systems and water conservation. The initiative aims to strengthen youth entrepreneurship by providing seed capital and pairing early-stage entrepreneurs with mentors, investors and peers, while equipping them with the business tools needed to turn ideas into viable ventures. In India, Youth Co:Lab was launched in 2019 in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and supported by Citi Foundation, and has since conducted seven national, theme-specific innovation challenges, supporting more than 280 youth-led ventures across development priorities.
Speaking at the launch event, Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India, said, “Youth Co:Lab focuses on strengthening the innovation ecosystem, connecting young innovators to mentorship, markets, and public support beyond Tier 1 cities. This year’s Challenge on responsible consumption reflects priorities young founders themselves are raising, around how resources are used, waste is managed, and value is created in ways that are inclusive and scalable.”
Reflecting on the journey with Youth Co:Lab and encouraging participation,K Balasubramanian, CEO, Citi India, and Banking Head, Indian Subcontinent said, “Citi has been supporting Youth Co:Lab since 2019 in India and all along, we’ve seen many young innovators turn conviction into credible, real-world solutions. The challenge has opened again, and we welcome the next wave of ideas, as these move from intent to impact. If you have a solution that supports responsible consumption, now is the time to step forward.”
Applications are now open for youth-led startups, businesses and NGOs in India, with any one of the start-up’s founders’ aged 15–29 years, and an age extension up to 35 years for women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, tribal youth and religious minorities. Startups developing solutions that encourage sustainable production, responsible consumption behaviours, or ecosystem-level change aligned with Mission LiFE are encouraged to apply.
Under this edition, 50 startups will be supported through a National Springboard Programme, followed by a National Innovation Dialogue, where startups will present their solutions to a jury of ecosystem experts. The Top 20 startups will advance to a 5-day Regional Immersion Programme at T-Hub, Hyderabad, and the Top 6 startups will receive seed grants up to 3.5 lakhs to support further scale and impact. As the implementing partner, T-Hub will lead programme execution, including joint outreach, startup selection, capacity building and ecosystem engagement.
