In a push to foster youth-led innovation, HCLTech, Pearson India, and MeitY Startup Hub have jointly launched ARISE FOR YOU™, which is being positioned as one of India’s largest student entrepreneurship movements to date. The pan-India initiative aims to reach over 150,000 students across 3,000+ campuses by March 2026.
The programme—short for Aspire. Rise. Inspire. Skill. Excel.—has been designed as a multi-stage innovation challenge to identify and support student entrepreneurs from both metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions. It culminates in a national showcase in March 2026 where 30 top ideas will compete for grants of up to ₹10 lakh, incubation opportunities, and national visibility.
Expanding access to entrepreneurial tools and mentorship
The initiative draws support from MeitY Startup Hub’s network of 62 innovation hubs, with additional mentorship and training provided by industry experts and startup leaders. Participants will also receive access to Pearson India’s globally recognized ESB (Entrepreneurship and Small Business) certification and learning resources.
Organizers say the programme will offer a range of benefits to student founders—including micro-credentials, mentorship, and the chance to pitch in a Shark Tank-style format. Selected participants will be listed in India’s first Problem Solver Directory, aimed at connecting them with incubators and investors.
The goal, according to organisers, is to address structural gaps in India’s startup ecosystem by providing structured platforms for entrepreneurial learning, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Aligning with national innovation priorities
The launch aligns with India’s broader efforts to cultivate a future-ready, innovation-driven economy under the Viksit Bharat Mission. By equipping students with entrepreneurial tools and exposure, the programme hopes to build a stronger talent pipeline for India’s growing digital economy.
Institutions that participate in the programme will also benefit, gaining branding and potential improvements in their NIRF rankings through student achievements. Regional qualifiers will be hosted across select campuses, giving institutes the opportunity to serve as local innovation hubs.
Registrations are currently open via www.ariseforyou.com, with all participants required to complete the ESB programme and submit original startup ideas.
The movement is being marketed by Thought Pencil, with strategic advisory from MeitY Startup Hub and operations led by HCLTech’s EdTech division.