HCLTech, a prominent global technology firm, has partnered with Pearson India and received strategic guidance from MeitY Startup Hub to introduce ARISE FOR YOU™, a significant national initiative designed to foster the entrepreneurial spirit among India’s youth. The ARISE FOR YOU™ (Aspire. Rise. Inspire. Skill. Excel.) program is a nationwide innovation and entrepreneurship competition aimed at identifying, nurturing, and elevating the future generation of student entrepreneurs. With an anticipated participation of over 150,000 students from more than 3,000 campuses, the initiative will reach its climax with a national finale scheduled for March 12–13, 2026, celebrating the nation’s most promising young talents.
Supported by MeitY Startup Hub, which offers its innovation ecosystem and over 62 hubs for mentoring and guidance, the initiative also benefits from Pearson India’s provision of Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certification and educational resources, while Thought Pencil spearheads marketing and outreach efforts. ARISE FOR YOU™ corresponds with India’s vision for inclusive innovation and sustainable development by highlighting ideas from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and promoting entrepreneurship across various fields, thus contributing to the Viksit Bharat Mission and enhancing the nation’s innovation pipeline. “ARISE FOR YOU™ isn’t merely a contest—it’s a catalyst. It aims to ignite the aspirations of students who possess passion but lack a platform.
We intend to be that platform, serving as their launchpad,” remarked Srimathi Shivashankar, Corporate Vice President and Business Head – EdTech Services, HCLTech. “At HCLTech, we are committed to unlocking the potential of youth through inclusive innovation. ARISE FOR YOU™ embodies that commitment, where skill converges with opportunity and effort receives recognition,” Shivashankar further stated. Vinay Swamy, Country Head at Pearson India, emphasized, “At Pearson India, we view entrepreneurship not solely as business creation but as a means of empowering youth to become solution-oriented contributors to India’s present and future. ARISE FOR YOU™ embodies a blend of learning, innovation, and opportunity for young students.
Through our ESB certification and extensive learning resources, we ensure that each participant gains not just entrepreneurial skills but also the confidence to turn their ideas into impactful realities. This initiative aligns with our mission to support learners in realizing their potential and contributing significantly to India’s growth narrative.” Dr. Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, noted, “ARISE FOR YOU™ transcends competition; it is a platform to cultivate a problem-solving mindset among Indian youth. At MSH, we believe that the largest student entrepreneurship movement in India should focus on fostering this mindset rather than merely competing for top scores. Our objective is to inspire young minds while simultaneously creating a pathway for our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiR) program.
One of our fundamental principles is to drive innovation from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and this initiative empowers us to develop solutions that can genuinely address Bharat’s challenges. By equipping students to recognize issues and devise impactful solutions, we are fortifying the innovation ecosystem that will catalyze India’s future.” Participants will benefit from: ● Pearson’s globally acknowledged ESB (Entrepreneurship and Small Business) Certification ● Mentorship from industry leaders and startup influencers ● Micro-credentials, national recognition, and career advancement opportunities ● Chances to pitch ideas in Shark Tank-style showcases ● Inclusion in India’s inaugural Problem Solver Directory, linking talent with investors and incubators. Students can register at www.ariseforyou.com, complete the ESB program, and submit their startup proposals.
Top submissions will be filtered through regional qualifiers, with the best 30 presented at the finale. Winners will receive grants of up to ₹10 lakhs, incubation opportunities, and national media exposure. Institutions participating in ARISE FOR YOU™ will gain national branding and recognition, chances to host regional challenges, an enhancement in their National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) standings due to student successes, and opportunities to strengthen partnerships with industry and government. For more information about the program or to register, please visit: www.ariseforyou.com
