The platform for India’s next generation of innovators
Next-Gen Founders brings together students from across India to look at the world around them, identify real problems and develop ideas that could make a difference. From sustainability and technology to healthcare, education and stronger communities, it challenges young thinkers to ask one simple question:
What could be better?
Then turn that question into an idea worth taking forward.
Registration opens 09 October 2026!
Ideas for India’s Progress. Registrations are now open for students in Grades 5–12. Have an idea worth solving? Start your journey.
India’s Future Need New Ideas 
The world around us is changing fast. New challenges are emerging in how we live, learn, move, stay healthy and use our resources. From sustainable living and technology to healthcare, education and stronger communities, there are opportunities everywhere to think differently.
See the challenge
Look closely at the world around you and spot problems that are waiting for a better solution.
Question the obvious
Challenge the usual way of doing things and explore ideas that could make a real difference.
Create what’s next
Turn your thinking into a bold solution that has the potential to shape a better future.
Ready to take first step?
Big Ideas. Bigger Prizes.
Next-Gen Founders recognises ideas that show the potential to go beyond the competition.
The Founder’s Circle
- Seed Support
- Incubation Opportunities
- National Showcase
- Industry Exposure & Expert Guidance
- Certificate
The Rising Innovators
- Cash Award
- Young Innovator Recognition
- National Showcase
- Certificate
The National 100
- National Showcase
- Certificate
Next-Gen Founders
The First Chapter
The first edition brought together student ideas, innovation and entrepreneurship through a journey from problem identification to prototype development and presentation. The journey culminated in the Grand Finale on 10 January 2026 at YuviPep Education Pvt. Ltd., Whitefield, Bengaluru.
Ideas Worth Watching. Founders Worth Backing.
See what young innovators are building and where their ideas could go next.
Hemanth Vijay Kumar & Daiwik Bhadrashetty
Class 07
National Public School
Project: Greener Bengaluru
Abhishta Bhat & Parikshith J
Class 09
KSVK International School
Project: Stress and Posture Buddy
Anaya Singh & Reba Kaur
Class 05
Jain Heritage School | Greenwood High School
Project: Sensible Headphones
What Your Child Takes Away: More Than a Certificate . A Head Start on the Founder Journey.
Your child takes an idea from problem to pitch, with guidance from R&D engineers and the opportunity to present to real investors.
A Venture to Show
A developed startup idea, backed by problem research, solution thinking and a working prototype or concept.
Real-World Founder Skills
Experience in validating ideas, developing solutions, building a pitch and answering investor questions.
Mentorship That Continues
Guidance from R&D engineers who support your child throughout the journey.
Our Judging Panel
Meet our Judges
Mr V. Gnana Gandhi
Cryogenic Rocketry Expert Padma Shri Awardee | Vice President at Skyroot
Mr R. S. Bhatia
Former Director Program Planning, ISRO | Former Counsellor for Space at Embassy
Mr Sreenivasa Prasad K
Senior ISRO Scientist | Former Division Head | Leadership Role at Chandrayaan 2
Mr M. S. Srinivasan
Former Group Director, Power Systems, ISRO Satellite Centre
Mr Ramesh V. Ram
Global Growth and Strategy Leader
Mr Amit Jain
Vice President of Engineering at Telaverge Communications
Next-Gen Founders 2026-27 is Live Now!
Registrations are now open to students in Grades 5–12 from schools across India.
Common questions,
quick answers.
The things people usually want to know before they apply.
Any student from Grade 5 to Grade 12 can apply. There's no prior startup or coding experience required — the programme is designed to take a raw idea and shape it into a real, pitch-ready venture.
Programme participation is free for students. Any research or prototype materials are arranged and funded by the school or parents, not billed by YuviPep.
No. Mentorship sessions run after school hours (roughly 2-3 hours a week) and are paused during exam seasons so students can focus fully on their academics.
Every student gets an authenticity check and mentor feedback regardless of outcome. Students outside the top shortlist get a clear reapplication path with a refined idea in the next cohort.
Each student is personally guided by a working R&D engineer for the full 3-month duration — continuous 1:1 mentorship, not a rotating volunteer or a one-time workshop.
Top teams receive real investor funding at the Grand Finale. Runner-up teams receive special prizes such as incubation credits, devices, and extended mentorship.