Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth so that they can accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.Learn more at www.youthcolab.org.
In India, Youth Co:Lab was launched in 2019 by UNDP India in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. As of the end of 2024, Youth Co:Lab has conducted six national theme-specific youth social innovation and entrepreneurship dialogues in India through this collaboration. This includes several forms of engagements, panel discussions, workshops, dialogues, and webinars. Youth Co:Lab also supports social entrepreneurs through a long-term incubation programme, with selected entrepreneurs representing India at the regional summit.
The Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024-2025 in India, held in collaboration with AssisTech Foundation (ATF) will focus on empowering young entrepreneurs & entrepreneurs with disabilities innovating for solutions that “Enhance access to opportunities and well-being of Persons with Disabilities”, across the following sub-categories:
1.Inclusive and accessible assistive technology
2.Inclusive educational technology and skilling solutions for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
3.Care services models and solutions for PwDs
Here’s a closer look at each focus area:
1. Inclusive Assistive Technology (AT)
Assistive Technology includes devices, systems, and services designed to enhance the functional independence and quality of life for PwDs.
Examples of Solutions:
2. Accessible Education and Skilling Solutions
This area focuses on innovations that bridge the educational and employment gaps for PwDs, fostering inclusive learning and professional development.
Examples of Solutions:
3. Innovative Care Models
This area targets solutions that improve access, affordability, and quality of care services for PwDs, particularly for children and elderly persons with disabilities.
Examples of Solutions:
Know More
Shortlisted Participants of Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge in India 2024-25 will benefit from:
Are you a passionate youth entrepreneur or innovator working towards disability inclusion? Here’s your chance to make a difference. Apply now to build impactful solutions and be part of an inclusive, global community.
APPLICATION DEADLINE January 18, 2024, 23:59 IST
The top 35 teams identified through the National Innovation Challenge will embark on the 2 Month National Springboard Programme, designed to refine their business models and enhance their readiness for the next stages. This comprehensive program includes mentor connect sessions, curricula support, networking opportunities, and corporate backing. Participants will engage in sessions on critical topics such as design thinking, business model development, impact measurement, leadership coaching, fundraising, storytelling, presentation skills, and pitching. These efforts will culminate in the National Innovation Dialogue (NID), where teams will showcase their solutions before a diverse panel of stakeholders, aiming to foster capacity development, strengthen coalitions, and create an enabling ecosystem in a national context.
During the NID, one representative from the top 20 teams will be selected to advance to an intensive 5-day in-person bootcamp, focusing on scaling their innovations. At the bootcamp, participants will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a distinguished jury, with the top 6 teams being awarded seed grants to scale their solutions further. Additionally, the top 2 teams from the bootcamp will earn the honor of representing India at the Asia-Pacific Regional Summit, where they will present their innovations to leading investors and corporate partners on an international platform.
About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
Atal Innovation Mission is a flagship initiative set up by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. Its objective is to create a facilitating environment for the transformation of ideas into innovative and impactful solutions at schools, universities, research institutions, MSMEs, and industry levels across the country.
Please visit Atal Innovation Mission
Follow Atal Innovation Mission on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About UNDP
UNDP works across 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships, and institutions so they can sustain their progress.
UNDP has worked in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development, from systems strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment, and resilience. UNDP’s programme continues to integrate a global vision for catalytic change with India’s national priorities. With over 30 projects on the ground in almost every state, today, it works to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by transforming traditional models to do development differently.
Please visit United Nations Development Programme
Follow UNDP India on Twitter, Facebook,Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Citi:
Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.
Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com| X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi
About Citi Foundation:
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyse job opportunities for youth and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant communities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfil our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. Learn more at www.citigroup.com/citi/ foundation or follow @Citi
About AssisTech Foundation
AssisTech Foundation (ATF), is India’s first Assistive Technology (AT) ecosystem that focuses on empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by enabling learning, livelihood, and living opportunities (3Ls of empowerment). ATF does it by harnessing the power of AT & supporting development of innovative technology products and services. In a span of 4 years, ATF has impacted the lives of 9.1 lakh (910,000) Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) through its high impact programs and initiatives. We have established a network of over 450 AT Startups in the country and are accelerating 54 AT Startups as a part of our portfolio who have collectively developed 110+ AT products and secured 49 patents.
ATF's core work revolves around the strategic use of AT as a transformative tool for enablement & our initiatives focus on addressing the 4As – Availability, Awareness, Association, and Acceleration of Assistive Technology led enablement of persons with disabilities.
ATF is supporting this year’s edition of the Youth Co:Lab in India as an implementation partner.
Please visit AssisTech Foundation
1. What is Youth Co:Lab?
Youth Co:Lab, co-created in 2017 by UNDP and Citi Foundation, empowers youth in the Asia-Pacific region to drive the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.
2. What is the National Innovation Challenge?
The National Innovation Challenge is a platform where the top selected startups are identified who undergo the National Springboard Programme focused on scaling innovations, fostering capacity development, and creating an enabling ecosystem. The top-performing startups receive seed grants to further their solutions and drive impactful echange.
3. How can I apply to Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge in India for 2024-25?
Submit your application here, providing details about your team, solution, and alignment with this year's focus areas.
4. Is my information kept confidential?
Yes, all information provided in the application form is confidential and will not be shared without your consent.
5. Can I apply if my startup is not yet registered?
Yes, unregistered startups can apply. However, if selected, you may need to formalize your registration to fully participate in the program.
6. What are the focus areas for Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024-2025?
This edition focuses on:
7. Is there a template for submitting the pitch deck?
Yes, a pitch deck template is available here. You are free to use your current pitch decks as well.
8. How will I know if my application is selected?
Selected applicants will be notified via email with further instructions.
9. On what basis will applications be evaluated?
Applications are evaluated on innovation, impact potential, scalability, team capability, and alignment with focus areas.
10. Can I apply if my co-founder is above the age limit?
If at least one founder meets the age criteria (18-29 years; up to 32 for marginalized groups), you are eligible to apply.
11. What is the National Springboard Programme?
It's a 2-month virtual incubation offering mentorship, capacity building, and networking to refine business models and strategies.
12. Who can I contact for queries?
For questions, email hello@atflabs.org
13. What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is January 18, 2024 23:59 IST.
14. Is there a fee to participate in Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge programme activities?
No, participation in the program is free.
15. Is there an equity stake component to the program?
There is no equity component for the National Springboard program. Youth Co:Lab does not commit to any investment and is not affiliated with any investment arrangements made.
