Six Youth-Led Sustainability Startups Win Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026
Six youth-led startups from across India have been recognized as winners of the 8th edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 for developing innovative solutions that advance sustainability through circular economy innovations, sustainable textiles and fashion, and sustainable food systems and water conservation. The challenge received over 350 applications from youth-led startups across 28 states, with 50 high-potential startups enrolled in the National Springboard Programme for a three-month virtual capacity-building journey supported by 16 industry mentors and domain specialists.
Following a rigorous selection process and final jury evaluation on June 18, 2026, three winning startups—NavaPrayoga Labs LLP (Grassip), UnBubble, and Ecorenowa Solutions Pvt. Ltd.—each received seed grant support of ₹3,50,000 along with capacity-building opportunities and ecosystem access. Three runners-up—Eco Cushion, Vasudeva Innovations, and WomenasticCO—were awarded ₹2,20,000 each in recognition of their promising contributions and potential for scale.
The program is co-led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India and Citi Foundation, in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), and implemented by T-Hub Foundation. Notably, more than 40 percent of the selected ventures are women-led, demonstrating the diversity of talent driving India's innovation ecosystem. The awards were presented at T-Hub, Hyderabad following a five-day immersive programme that brought together ecosystem leaders, sustainability experts, investors, and government stakeholders.
During the event, Meraj Faheem, CEO of Telangana Innovation Cell, emphasized the power of innovation, collaboration, and youth leadership in addressing pressing challenges. Prateek Deshmukh, Program Director at Atal Innovation Mission, highlighted the program's role in addressing distribution problems of capital, mentorship, and opportunity across India's startup ecosystem. Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative of UNDP India, noted that with nearly 65 percent of India's population under age 35, supporting young innovators is crucial for meeting development and climate goals.