12 Start-ups from Nine Indian States Emerge as Winners at Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Dialogue 2022

Empowering Youth Entrepreneurs to Drive Sustainable Development

In a remarkable achievement, 12 outstanding start-ups from various states in India have been announced as winners at the highly anticipated 5th Edition of Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Dialogue 2022. These dynamic start-ups, operating across sectors such as agriculture, ed tech, women's livelihood, circular economy, and biodiversity, have demonstrated exceptional innovation and vision. Recognizing their potential, each of the 12 winners has been awarded seed funding of up to $5,000 to further develop and scale their groundbreaking initiatives.

Fostering Youth-led Innovation for Sustainable Development

The Youth Co:Lab initiative, jointly founded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation in 2017, has played a pivotal role in establishing a collaborative platform for nations across the Asia-Pacific region. Its core objective is to empower and invest in young individuals, enabling them to spearhead the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Nurturing Indian Start-up Ecosystem

Since its introduction in India in 2019, Youth Co:Lab has joined forces with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and NITI Aayog to catalyze India's vibrant start-up ecosystem. This year's cycle witnessed an overwhelming response, with 378 applications pouring in from entrepreneurs hailing from 28 different states across the nation.

From this pool of talent, the Youth Co:Lab Springboard Programme shortlisted 47 exceptional start-ups, granting them access to two months of intensive mentoring and capacity-building sessions conducted by seasoned experts in their respective fields.

Unveiling the Champions of Social Change

The crowning moment arrived when the 12 winners were carefully chosen by a distinguished jury in May 2023. These visionary start-ups captivated the jury members with their innovative concepts and potential to address pressing social and environmental challenges.

Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director of AIM, shared his enthusiasm, emphasizing the transformative power of social start-ups as catalysts for change. He stated, "Social startups are not just businesses; they are catalysts for social change. They address pressing social and environmental challenges, stimulate economic growth, inspire other businesses, leverage technology, and promote collaboration. Their innovative and entrepreneurial spirit drives us towards a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive future."

Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Development

Highlighting the significance of India's youth, Ms. Shoko Noda, Resident Representative of UNDP India, underscored the country's unique opportunity to lead the way in innovation and social entrepreneurship. With a staggering population of 254 million young people aged 15 to 24, India possesses immense potential to amplify the voices of its youth and create a lasting impact.

Scaling Up Ideas for a Better Tomorrow

The winning start-ups, grouped under various theme areas, have been granted seed grants of $5,000 each to propel their visions into reality. These grants will serve as crucial financial support, enabling the start-ups to scale up their ideas and transform them into tangible products or services. Additionally, the runners-up in each theme area will receive grants of $3,000, acknowledging their commendable efforts and providing them with the means to further develop their initiatives.

Diverse Themes Enabling Social and Environmental Progress

Youth Co:Lab India 2022-23 placed particular emphasis on six themes that hold immense potential for social and environmental progress. These themes are "Behavioural Nudges for LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment)," "Gender Equality and Women's Economic Empowerment," "FinTech Solutions Focused on Biodiversity Conservation," "Promoting Biodiversity-friendly Lifestyles through Technological Solutions in Finance," and "Accelerating Circular Economy through Upcycling Innovations."

By prioritizing these areas, the Youth Co:Lab initiative seeks to foster transformative solutions and inspire young entrepreneurs to address critical challenges facing society today.

Conclusion 

The 5th Edition of Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Dialogue India has not only celebrated the achievements of these 12 exceptional start-ups but has also paved the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future. Through their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit, these young pioneers will continue to drive positive change, inspire their peers, and contribute significantly to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India and beyond.