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)

👩🏼‍🎓Each student can be part of only one team

💼No prior startup experience needed

Rules and Regulations

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

Competition Flow

Important Dates

Events and Activities	Dates
Application Starts	August 19, 2025
Application Ends	October 8, 2025
Shortlisting of Ideas	October 9, 2025
Virtual Workshop (Session 1)	October 13, 2025
Virtual Workshop (Session 2)	October 15, 2025
Virtual Workshop (Session 3)	October 17, 2025
Pitch Deck Submission	October 26, 2025
Declaration of Finalists	October 30, 2025
Grand Finale at UPES Campus	November 17-18, 2025