VISION Ideathon 2026

From Idea to Action

Compete in India's premier student innovation competition! Win cash prizes up to ₹25,000 and get direct selection for VISION grants up to ₹200,000. Two levels: Junior (Class 5-12) & Senior (Graduation+). Application deadline: 15 January 2026.

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About the VISION Ideathon

Student Ideathon 2026: Idea to Action is a flagship initiative by VISION (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network) to identify, nurture, and fund groundbreaking student innovations that address pressing societal challenges.

"Let's challenge our students to dream big, think outside the box, and innovate relentlessly. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and build a truly Viksit Bharat."

— Prof. (Dr.) Raj Nehru, President, Utsav Foundation

The competition is structured at two levels: Junior Level (Class 5-12) and Senior Level (Graduation or higher), with age limit of maximum 35 years. All candidates must be current students of any educational institution.

VISION Ideathon 2026 will be held at institutional level (school/college/university or other academic institutions) where relevant ideas will be selected for the Grand Finale in mid-February 2026.

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Students collaborating on innovation project for Viksit Bharat

Competition Details & Prizes

VISION Ideathon 2026 features two competition levels with exciting prizes, certificates, and special gifts for winners.

Competition Levels

Junior Level: Students from Class 5 to 12

Senior Level: Graduation or higher education

Age Limit: Maximum 35 years

Eligibility: Must be a current student of any educational institution

Format: Institution-level screening followed by Grand Finale

Prizes & Rewards

Grand Finale Winners (Each Level):

  • 1st Prize: ₹25,000 + Trophy + Certificate
  • 2nd Prize: ₹15,000 + Trophy + Certificate
  • 3rd Prize: ₹10,000 + Trophy + Certificate

Special Gift: All winners receive VISION Innovation Kit

Certificates: All participants receive e-Certificates of Participation

Special Opportunity

Direct Selection for VISION Grant:

All finalists get direct entry to VISION Innovation Portal for grant consideration up to ₹200,000.

Mentorship: Top 20 teams receive 3-month mentorship from industry experts

Incubation Support: Winning projects eligible for incubation at VISION Innovation Hub

Publication: Top innovations featured in VISION Annual Innovation Report

Apply for Competition

Benefits of Participation

Participating in VISION Ideathon 2026 offers numerous benefits beyond just prizes and certificates.

For Students

• Cash prizes up to ₹25,000 + eligibility for grants up to ₹200,000

• National recognition and certificates of achievement

• Skill development in innovation and entrepreneurship

• Networking with like-minded peers across India

• VISION Innovation Kit for winners

For Institutions

• Enhanced institutional reputation and visibility

• Opportunity to showcase student talent nationally

• Faculty recognition and development opportunities

• Potential for industry-academia collaborations

• Contribution to Viksit Bharat national goals

Career Advancement

• Portfolio building with real-world innovation projects

• Letters of recommendation from VISION mentors

• Internship and job opportunities with partner organizations

• Startup incubation support for scalable ideas

• Publication and patent filing assistance

Competition Timeline & Key Dates

Follow the roadmap from idea submission to national recognition. Mark your calendar for these important milestones in VISION Ideathon 2026.

15 Jan 2026
Phase 1

Application Submission Deadline

Final date for submitting innovative ideas online. All entries must be received by 11:59 PM IST. Late submissions will not be considered.

23:59 IST Online Submission
20-31 Jan 2026
Phase 2

Institution-Level Screening

Participating schools, colleges, and universities conduct internal evaluations. Top ideas from each institution proceed to the next round.

Institutional Level Panel Evaluation
05 Feb 2026
Phase 3

Grand Finale Shortlist Announcement

National-level shortlisting of top innovations. Selected teams receive mentorship guidelines and preparation materials for the final round.

Email Notification Top 50 Teams
15-16 Feb 2026
Grand Finale

National Championship & Award Ceremony

Two-day virtual competition featuring presentations, Q&A sessions with industry experts, and the prestigious award ceremony announcing winners.

Virtual Event Prize Distribution
Mar 2026
Post-Competition

Grant Selection & Implementation Support

Finalists enter the VISION Innovation Portal for grant consideration up to ₹200,000. Selected projects receive 3-month mentorship and incubation support.

Grant Upto ₹2L Incubation

Key Dates at a Glance

  • Application Opens: 1 December 2025
  • Submission Deadline: 15 January 2026
  • Institution Screening: 20-31 January 2026
  • Shortlist Announcement: 5 February 2026
  • Grand Finale: 15-16 February 2026
  • Grant Process: March 2026 Onwards

Pro Tips for Success

  • Submit your application at least 3 days before the deadline
  • Prepare a 3-minute elevator pitch for your idea
  • Focus on measurable social impact in your proposal
  • Include visual elements (diagrams, mockups) in your presentation
  • Practice Q&A sessions with potential judges

Ready to Start Your Innovation Journey?

Don't wait until the deadline! Begin your application today and secure your spot in India's premier student innovation competition.

Apply Now Download Timeline PDF

Six Innovation Categories

Submit your innovative ideas in one of these six categories. Each category addresses critical areas for Viksit Bharat's development.

Technology Solutions

Innovative tools, apps, or platforms improving education quality, especially in government schools and underserved communities. Leverage technology for scalable educational impact.

Healthtech Innovations

Technological solutions for healthcare challenges, emphasizing accessibility, affordability, and community impact. Address specific health issues with innovative approaches.

Environmental Sustainability

Projects addressing environmental issues through technology, including waste management, renewable energy, or climate monitoring solutions. Science and Engineering innovations encouraged.

Agricultural Advancements

Leverage ideas or technology to enhance agricultural practices, improve yields, and uplift rural communities. Solutions should be scalable and farmer-friendly.

Community Empowerment

Initiatives bridging the digital divide by providing technology access and education to underserved communities. Focus on sustainable community development and skill-building.

Future of Learning

Innovations in educational technology, digital learning platforms, and next-generation pedagogical approaches that make quality education accessible to all segments of society.

Apply in Your Category

Apply for VISION Ideathon 2026

Submit your application before the deadline: 15 January 2026. Compete for prizes up to ₹25,000 and direct selection for grants up to ₹200,000.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit: Maximum 35 years | Competition Levels: Junior (Class 5-12) & Senior (Graduation or higher) | Requirement: Must be a current student of any educational institution

Competition Application Form

Upload your project presentation in PPT or PDF format (Max file size: 10MB)

By submitting this application, you agree to the Terms & Conditions of VISION Student Ideathon 2026. All information will be kept confidential.