AWS and Campus Fund Unveil the Fifth Edition of the Grand Challenge: Celebrating India's Top Student-Led Startup

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Campus Fund have launched the fifth edition of the Grand Challenge, the premier platform recognizing the Best Student-Led Startup of the Year in India. This national initiative supports innovation and helps turn entrepreneurial aspirations into reality for the country’s brightest student founders. This year’s jury features both rising stars and industry veterans.

Applications are open until September 15th, 2024, with the top 15 startups selected to pitch in person at the Finale in Mumbai. Winners will have the opportunity to secure investments of up to Rs. 4 Crores from Campus Fund.

Building on previous success, past winners of the Grand Challenge include startups like Paradyes (a DIY hair color company from the University of Arts, London, also featured on Shark Tank India), Digantara (space cartographers from Lovely Professional University and RV College of Engineering), and Treacle Technologies (a cybersecurity startup from IIT Kanpur). Finalists from earlier editions have collectively raised over $30 million from leading investors, showcasing the Grand Challenge’s significant impact on the Indian student startup ecosystem.

India's educational institutions, numbering over 1,200, provide a thriving environment for student entrepreneurs. These ventures now represent over 20% of new startups in the country, contributing to innovation, job creation, and economic growth. This trend also reflects the evolution of the education system in India.

Grand Challenge Format:

1. Application submission

2. Multiple elimination rounds

3. One-on-one mentorship with industry experts

4. The top 15 finalists will compete in the Grand Finale in Mumbai

Exclusive Opportunities:

• Lunch with Sanjeev Bikhchandani (Founder, InfoEdge) for the top three winners

• Fireside chat with Deep Kalra (Founder, MakeMyTrip)

Benefits for All Applicants:

• Up to $25,000 in AWS Activate credits (subject to eligibility)

• Incubation opportunities at NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore, Deshpande Startups, and Pieds-BITS Pilani for the top 100 startups

• Access to 0xCamp and a Web 3.0 masterclass by Foundership

• Entry into Wadhwani Foundation's 14-week Ignite Program

• Access to the WinPE Mentorship Program for one female student entrepreneur

• Clean Mobility Startups will be considered for the Micelio Mobility startup awards

Eligibility: Open to current students, university dropouts, or recent graduates (from 2021 onwards). Startups from all sectors are welcome to apply.