New Delhi [India], August 21: IIT Delhi, ThinkStartup and MEPSC (Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, have launched SBI Youth Ideathon 2026, India’s biggest entrepreneurship festival for youth. Designed to turn ideas into real-world innovation, Youth Ideathon invites students from schools (Class 8 to 12) and colleges to participate in a nationwide innovation-and-entrepreneurship movement that nurtures a job-creator’s mindset.
With exciting themes, dedicated tracks, and a structured pathway from ideation to pitching, Youth Ideathon 2026 offers students a platform to solve real problems and build solutions with mentorship support. Recognizing talent early, the initiative culminates in a grand finale on 15 December 2026, alongside regional showcases that bring together the best entrepreneurial thinkers from across India.
Students can submit their ideas online at www.youthideathon.in. The last date to register and participate is 30 September.
Sanjeeva Shivesh, Program Director, Youth Ideathon, said: “Youth Ideathon 2026 brings fresh energy through school and college tracks running in parallel, with thematic challenges and multiple formats that help students move beyond ideation.”
Shivani Kapoor, Founder, ThinkStartup, said: “We are at a momentous occasion where the onus is on us to build the future of India. This requires solid commitment from educators, not just in the form of participating in competitions, but to roll out disciplined curriculum for entrepreneurship that prepares the next generation.”
Youth Ideathon’s impact is already visible across editions. Winners and top performers have gone on to appear on Shark Tank (including Reyansh Juneja), received support and funding through Startup India (including Angel Diana Sweetline, founder of She Safe), and earned investment offers from industry. Teams such as Pathfinders (NIT Jalandhar) have received opportunities linked to Ajeevi Technologies and Ansatzalgo. Several alumni have also built ventures worldwide, including Prajwal NH, and some have secured admissions to global institutions such as Stanford’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (including Dakshayani Pandey).
Sumit Singh Pawar, DGM, SBI, said: “As title partner, SBI is committed to equipping young innovators with financial literacy, mentorship, and the backing they need to transform ideas into impactful businesses that drive national progress.”
