New Delhi, February 06, 2026: Applications have opened for the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 in India, inviting youth-led startups to develop solutions that advance responsible consumption and sustainable lifestyles aligned with the Government of India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
The Challenge was formally launched on February 3 during AIM SUMVAAD, the flagship annual conclave of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog. The event brought together representatives from Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs), industry leaders, CSR professionals, policymakers, mentors, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders. Representatives from AIM, UNDP and Citi Foundation outlined the priorities and opportunities under the 2026 edition.
Implemented in collaboration with T-Hub, the 2026 Challenge focuses on youth-led startups working in sustainable textiles and fashion, circular economy innovations, sustainable food systems, and water conservation. The programme aims to strengthen early-stage entrepreneurship by providing structured mentoring, ecosystem access, and seed capital, while helping founders convert ideas into viable and scalable ventures.
Youth Co:Lab was launched in India in 2019 in partnership with AIM, NITI Aayog, with support from the Citi Foundation. Since then, it has conducted seven national, theme-based innovation challenges and supported more than 280 youth-led ventures across key development priorities.
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.”
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 open to youth-led startups, businesses, and NGOs in India, with at least one founder aged between 15 and 29 years. An age extension up to 35 years applies for women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, tribal youth, and religious minorities. Eligible applicants include ventures promoting sustainable production, responsible consumption behaviours, or ecosystem-level change aligned with Mission LiFE.
Under this edition, 50 startups will be selected for a National Springboard Programme, followed by a National Innovation Dialogue. 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 of up to ₹3.5 lakh to support further growth and impact. T-Hub, as the implementing partner, will lead programme execution, including outreach, selection, capacity building, and ecosystem engagement.
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