About Future Founders Challenge

The Future Founders Challenge 2025 is a national-level entrepreneurship competition by UPES in collaboration with the School of Business and Runway Incubator. Designed for students from Classes 9 to 12, this challenge empowers students to develop creative solutions for real-world problems and present their ideas before entering college and the challenge aims to unlock entrepreneurial journey.

Aligned with UPES’s vision as the University of Tomorrow, the Challenge equips students to become future-ready, impact-oriented leaders through immersive learning, industry engagement, and real-world innovation exposure. It aligns with initiatives like Startup India, NEP 2020, and Atal Innovation Mission, highlighting the importance of preparing students to succeed in an evolving, solutions-focused world.

Where Young Minds Meet Big Dreams

Real-World Problem Solving

Students will identify the challenges around them and create innovative solutions that matter.

Startup Journey Experience

Learn how startups work through hands-on workshops and mentorship.

National Recognition

Compete with the best young minds across India and gain recognition.

21st Century Skills

Build critical thinking and communication skills for the future.

Expert Mentorship

Get guidance from successful entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and business experts throughout your journey.

Win Big

Compete for cash prizes, scholarships, incubation opportunities, and the chance to launch your startup!

Why Participate?

For Students

  • Win cash prizes and get national recognition
  • Learn through hands-on startup workshops
  • Pitch ideas to industry leaders and esteemed jury
  • Join a network of young changemakers
  • Cultivate entrepreneurial mindset and explore incubation support
  • Explore emerging learning pathways at UPES

For Schools

  • Elevate school’s brand through a prestigious platform
  • Gain national recognition for innovation excellence
  • Offer students hands-on entrepreneurial experience
  • Strengthen your school’s incubation ecosystem with expert guidance
  • Promote modern, project-based interdisciplinary learning
  • Explore strategic partnerships and opportunities with UPES

Eligibility

👩🏼‍🎓Students from classes 9–12

👥Teams (Min 2- Max 3 members)

💼No prior startup experience needed
 

Submission Guidelines

  • Submit all nominations by 28th September 2025.
  • Each team must have 2–3 students from the same school.
  • Schools can nominate multiple teams with unique ideas and names.
  • Nominations must be made by authorized school representatives with complete team details.
  • Every team must have an original business idea and a distinct team name.
  • Selected teams must be available to attend the Grand Finale at UPES Dehradun.
  • All students must attend three online workshops conducted by UPES.
  • Incomplete entries may lead to disqualification.

Rules and Regulations

Note: Kindly download the Rules and Regulations for your reference and better understanding.

Registration

Register Here

Competition Flow

Important Dates

Events and ActivitiesDates
Application StartsAugust 19, 2025
Application Ends September 28, 2025
Shortlisting of IdeasOctober 1, 2025
Virtual Workshop (Session 1)October 6, 2025
Virtual Workshop (Session 2)October 11, 2025
Virtual Workshop (Session 3)October 15, 2025
Pitch Deck SubmissionOctober 27, 2025
Declaration of FinalistsOctober 31, 2025
Grand Finale at UPES CampusNovember 17, 2025

*Timelines subject to UPES’ discretion and review.

Prizes & Recognition

Winner

1 Lakh INR

Runner-up

50 K INR

North Zone

K INR

Winner

K INR

Runner-up

South Zone

K INR

Winner

K INR

Runner-up

East Zone

K INR

Winner

K INR

Runner-up

West Zone

K INR

Winner

K INR

Runner-up

Show All

Meet the Jury & Mentors

Rahul Nainwal

Prof. Rahul Nainwal

Mentor

CEO of Runway Incubator & Senior Director, School of Business, UPES

Vivek Johar

Vivek Johar

Jury

Co-Founder, TREMIS

Contacts

📧 futurefounders@ddn.upes.ac.in

Swarleen Kaur

📞 7060005440

Sumit Wason

📞 9988885869