Last Year at a Glance

500+
Teams
 
 
1200+
Students
 
 
150+
Schools

About

FUTURE FOUNDERS CHALLENGE 2026

Future Founders Challenge

The Future Founders Challenge is UPES's national entrepreneurship competition, in collaboration with Runway Incubator, for students of Classes 9–12. It empowers young innovators to solve real-world problems, pitch breakthrough ideas, and take their first step into entrepreneurship. Aligned with Startup India, NEP 2020, and the Atal Innovation Mission, the challenge reflects UPES's vision as the University of Tomorrow, nurturing future-ready innovators and entrepreneurial leaders.

Real-World Problem Solving
Solve real challenges. Build the skills to back it up.
Startup Journey & Mentorship
Learn how startups work, guided by entrepreneurs and industry experts.
National Recognition
Compete with India's best young minds.
Win Big
Your idea could win it all.

2025 Schools Participated

Why Participate?

For Students

🏆Win cash prizes & recognition

💡Learn through startup workshops

🎤Pitch to industry experts

🤝Network with young innovators

🚀Build an entrepreneurial mindset

🎓Explore opportunities at UPES

For Schools

🏫Elevate your school's brand

🏅Gain national recognition

🚀Foster student entrepreneurship

💡Strengthen innovation culture

🎓Promote experiential learning

🤝Build partnerships with UPES

Prizes & Recognition

💰

Turn Your Idea into a Win

🏆 Win Prizes Upto 5 Lakh
🥇
Winner
₹1,50,000
🥈
Runner-up
₹1,00,000
🥉
2nd Runner-up
₹50,000
🏅 Merit Winners
5 Winning Teams
₹25,000 each
PositionPrize
🥇 Winner₹1,50,000
🥈 Runner-up₹1,00,000
🥉 2nd Runner-up₹50,000
🏅 Merit Winners₹25,000 each (5 Winning Teams)

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

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Jury Speaks

Video Play Icon Mr. Siddhart Daga

Mr. Siddhart Daga

Cofounder, NeoMotion

"Empowering students to become tomorrow's changemakers."

Video Play Icon Mr. Jeet Vijay

Mr. Jeet Vijay

Former CEO, MeitY Startup Division

"UPES empowers student founders to innovate."

Video Play Icon Mr. Vikram Venkateshwaran

Mr. Vikram Venkateshwaran

Founder, Healthcare India

"Ambitious minds solving real-world challenges boldly."

Success Stories 2025

BCM School Ludhiana

BCM School Ludhiana

Rank #1
Greenwood school Bangalore

Greenwood school Bangalore

Rank #2
Spring Dale Senior School, Amritsar, Punjab

Spring Dale Senior School, Amritsar, Punjab

Rank #3
Sagar Public School, RN Branch, Bhopal, MP

Sagar Public School, RN Branch, Bhopal, MP

Rank #4
DPS Ranipur, UK

Delhi Public School, Jabalpur, MP

Rank #5
DPS Ranipur, UK

Delhi Public School, Ranipur, UK

Rank #6

Contacts

ContactDetails
Emailfuturefounders@ddn.upes.ac.in
Sumit Wason9988885869
Anshul Chouhan8839547760

India's Boldest Startup Challenge for Student Innovators

Register Now →