The Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 was launched on 3rd February in New Delhi, inviting applications from youth-led startups across India developing innovative 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 annual conclave of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, bringing together representatives from Atal Incubation Centres, Atal Community Innovation Centres, global incubators, industry experts, policymakers, mentors, and stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. Officials from AIM, UNDP, and Citi Foundation highlighted the objectives and opportunities of the 2026 edition.
This edition, implemented in collaboration with T-Hub, focuses on startups working in sustainable textiles and fashion, circular economy innovations, and sustainable food and water systems. The program aims to strengthen youth entrepreneurship by providing seed funding, mentorship, investor connections, and business tools to turn early-stage ideas into viable ventures. Since its launch in India in 2019, Youth Co:Lab has conducted seven national innovation challenges, supporting over 280 youth-led ventures across development priorities.
Angela Lusigi, UNDP India Resident Representative, emphasized that Youth Co:Lab connects young innovators to mentorship, markets, and public support beyond Tier 1 cities, while this year’s focus on responsible consumption reflects the priorities raised by young founders regarding resource use, waste management, and inclusive value creation. K Balasubramanian, CEO of Citi India, encouraged participation, highlighting how the initiative has helped many young innovators transform ideas into tangible solutions since 2019.
Applications are open to youth-led startups, businesses, and NGOs with founders aged 15–29, with an age extension to 35 for women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, tribal youth, and religious minorities. Startups focusing on sustainable production, responsible consumption behaviors, or ecosystem-level change aligned with Mission LiFE are particularly encouraged to apply.
Under this edition, 50 startups will be supported through the National Springboard Programme, culminating in the National Innovation Dialogue where participants present to a jury of ecosystem experts. The top 20 startups will advance to a five-day Regional Immersion Programme at T-Hub, Hyderabad, and the top six will receive seed grants up to ₹3.5 lakhs to further scale their solutions. T-Hub will manage program execution, including outreach, startup selection, capacity building, and ecosystem engagement.
Youth Co:Lab, co-created in 2017 by UNDP and Citi Foundation, aims to empower youth across the Asia-Pacific region to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. Atal Innovation Mission, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, promotes innovation and entrepreneurship at schools, universities, research institutions, MSMEs, and industry. UNDP works in India to eradicate poverty, strengthen policies and institutions, and support sustainable development. Citi Foundation invests in youth-driven initiatives to increase financial inclusion and catalyze job opportunities, while T-Hub in Hyderabad provides world-class infrastructure, market access, and support to over 2,300 startups and serves as a hub for incubators like AIC and MATH.
