HCLTech, in partnership with Pearson India and supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Startup Hub, has announced the launch of ‘Arise for You’, a nationwide program designed to cultivate entrepreneurial talent among India’s students. The initiative—built on the values of Aspire, Rise, Inspire, Skill, Excel (ARISE)—will provide young innovators with a platform to showcase their ideas, connect with industry, and access mentorship opportunities. The journey will culminate in a national finale scheduled for March 12–13, 2026, where the most promising student entrepreneurs will be celebrated on a national stage.
Targeted to be one of the largest student-focused entrepreneurship programs in the country, Arise for You is expected to engage over 1.5 lakh students from more than 3,000 campuses nationwide. Participants will experience a mix of Shark Tank–style showcases, curated mentorship from industry experts, and exposure to investors and incubators through a Problem Solver Directory. In addition, students will gain access to Pearson’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) Certification as well as career-enhancing micro-credentials, preparing them with both practical skills and industry-recognized credentials.
Highlighting Pearson’s role, Vinay Swamy, Country Head at Pearson India, remarked: “With our ESB certification and comprehensive learning resources, we are ensuring that every participant acquires not just entrepreneurial skills, but the confidence to transform their ideas into impact.”
Winners of the grand finale will be rewarded with incubation opportunities, national media exposure, and financial grants of up to ₹10 lakhs, providing a springboard for scaling their ideas into viable ventures.
The initiative is also structured to benefit participating institutions. Colleges and universities will gain visibility through branding opportunities, enhanced NIRF rankings, and stronger industry partnerships, encouraging them to promote entrepreneurship as a core aspect of student development. Reflecting on the program’s inclusive vision, Dr. Panneerselvam (PS) Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, emphasized: “One of our core pillars is driving innovation from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and this initiative enables us to nurture solutions that truly solve Bharat.”
By combining industry expertise, educational certification, and government backing, Arise for You represents a transformative step in empowering India’s next generation of entrepreneurs—equipping them with the tools, networks, and confidence to turn ideas into impactful ventures.
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