HCLTech, a major technology company, along with Pearson India and the guidance of MeitY Startup Hub, has launched a new program ARISE FOR YOU™. This program is designed to inspire young people in India to become entrepreneurs.
ARISE FOR YOU™ (which stands for Aspire. Rise. Inspire. Skill. Excel.) is a nationwide challenge to find and support the next wave of student entrepreneurs.
ARISE FOR YOU™ expects to involve over 150,000 students from more than 3,000 colleges, with a big final event happening on March 12–13, 2026, to celebrate the best ideas from young minds in India.
MeitY Startup Hub will help by providing mentoring through its innovation centers, while Pearson India will offer a certification in Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) along with learning materials.
ARISE FOR YOU™ is not just a competition; it’s a way to inspire students who have dreams but may lack the opportunities to succeed. We want to be that support for them,” said Srimathi Shivashankar from HCLTech.
Vinay Swamy from Pearson India said, “We think entrepreneurship is about more than just starting a business, it’s about giving young people the ability to find solutions for today and the future. ARISE FOR YOU™ brings together learning, creativity, and chances for students.”
Dr. Panneerselvam Madanagopal from MeitY Startup Hub shared, “ARISE FOR YOU™ is more than just a contest; it’s a way to encourage young people to think creatively and solve problems. We want to inspire young minds and create a path for our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence program. One of our main goals is to boost innovation from smaller cities, and this program helps us find solutions that truly impact India.”
Participants in the program will enjoy benefits like: Pearson’s recognized ESB Certification, Guidance from experienced professionals and startup mentors, Certificates and national recognition that can boost their careers, Opportunities to present their ideas in a format similar to Shark Tank – Inclusion in the first Problem Solver Directory in India, which connects talented individuals with investors and incubators
Students can register on www.ariseforyou.com, complete the ESB program, and submit their business ideas. The best ideas will be selected through regional competitions, with the top 30 presented at the final event. Winners would be given a grants of up to ₹10 lakhs, incubation opportunities, and national media coverage.
Colleges participating in ARISE FOR YOU™ will gain national recognition, have the chance to host local competitions, improve their standings in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), and strengthen partnerships with industries and the government.
