AIM and NITI Aayog Announce Youth Co:Lab Challenge 2025
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Synopsis
The Atal Innovation Mission and NITI Aayog, in partnership with UNDP, have launched the seventh Youth Co:Lab Challenge for 2024-2025, inviting young and differently-abled entrepreneurs to submit innovative solutions that promote accessibility for Persons with Disabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Focus Areas: Inclusive assistive technology, educational technology, and skilling solutions for PwDs.
- Eligibility: Startups led by youth aged 18-29 (up to 32 for marginalized groups).
- Funding: Seed grants of Rs 1.5 - 2.5 lakhs for top startups.
- In-person Bootcamp: Top 20 startups will participate in workshops.
- Networking: Access to the Regional Asia-Pacific Youth Co:Lab Summit.
Bengaluru, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), part of NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has officially unveiled the seventh iteration of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for the years 2024-2025.
Applications are now being accepted, encouraging young and differently abled entrepreneurs to devise innovative solutions that improve access to opportunities and enhance the well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
This challenge aims to empower both young entrepreneurs and those with disabilities by fostering innovation in the following areas: inclusive and accessible assistive technology, inclusive educational technology, and skilling solutions for PwDs, along with care service models and solutions.
“We firmly believe that young individuals are not just the leaders of the future— they are the changemakers of today. This conviction is reflected in Youth Co:Lab, now in its seventh edition. For the first time, it emphasizes startups created by and for individuals with disabilities. Promoting disability-inclusive development is essential for achieving the SDGs,” stated Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative for India, during the virtual launch.
Startups led by youth (ages 18-29; extended to 32 for marginalized groups, including PwDs) that offer solutions addressing one or more of this year’s focus areas are invited to apply.
The startup or team must be under 5 years old, meaning the founding team or startup should have been formed during or after December 2019, and they must possess a working prototype or product prepared for deployment.
Eligibility also extends to NGOs aligned with the program's three themes. The application deadline is January 18.
Shortlisted candidates will participate in the National Springboard Programme, where the top 35 startups will engage in a two-month virtual incubation program designed to refine their business models, enhance product-market fit, and receive direct mentorship from industry experts, culminating in a detailed growth strategy; followed by a five-day in-person bootcamp for the top 20 startups featuring workshops.
Participants will take part in expert-led sessions and receive personalized mentoring focused on scaling operations, investment readiness, and forming strategic partnerships to propel enterprise growth.
This initiative will also provide seed grants, facilitating funding opportunities worth Rs 1.5 - 2.5 lakhs for the top six startups to foster innovation and offer initial support for growth. Additionally, startups will have the opportunity to represent India at the Regional Asia-Pacific Youth Co:Lab Summit.
The Regional Youth Co:Lab Summit offers young entrepreneurs access to technical and business mentors, networking opportunities, and avenues for learning and acceleration.
“By merging our extensive knowledge of assistive technology with the Youth Co:Lab platform, we aspire to motivate and support young innovators to create solutions that render society more inclusive and accessible for PwDs. Empowering youth is crucial for the future of innovation,” remarked Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-Founder of ATF, the program's implementation partner.
