Empowering Youth Through Innovation And Collaboration
One of the standout features of this initiative is the creation of a unique crowdfunding platform
The youth of today hold the potential to shape the world of tomorrow, and initiatives like the Youth Ideathon are playing a pivotal role in nurturing their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the past four editions, the program has grown exponentially, impacting thousands of students, educators, and schools across the nation.
Sanjeeva Shivesh, Co-founder of ThinkStartup and Youth Ideathon, is on a mission to inspire and empower young minds to innovate and create. As a thought leader and mentor, Shivesh has been instrumental in driving initiatives that nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among school students, providing them with a platform to transform their ideas into impactful solutions. Through his work, he is fostering a culture of change, collaboration, and innovation among India’s youth.
In its journey so far, Youth Ideathon has engaged over 2 lakh students, trained 12,000 teachers, and reached 5,000 schools—numbers that speak volumes about its scale and vision. Beyond these figures lies an inspiring story of fostering innovation and collaboration.
One of the standout features of this initiative is the creation of a unique crowdfunding platform. This platform allows school students to showcase their innovations, raise funds, and even sell their products. A remarkable example is a student who developed an apple grader and sorter with just a ₹1,000 grant, demonstrating the power of resourcefulness and determination.
The program operates within an impressively short span of two to three months, fostering rapid innovation and execution. It has also provided students with life-changing opportunities. For instance, one participant earned the chance to showcase their innovation to the Prime Minister, while another secured admission to Stanford University—all made possible through this transformative platform.
The key to the program’s success lies in its collaborative approach. Youth Ideathon has built a robust network of mentors, including PhD scholars from IITs, startup founders, and CXOs. These mentors guide students in refining their ideas, overcoming challenges, and taking actionable steps to turn their visions into reality. Their expertise and encouragement fuel the students' confidence and abilities, creating a ripple effect of change.
“We believe in building a foundation for change, and this initiative is a testament to that vision,” says Sanjeeva Shivesh, Co-Founder of ThinkStartup and Youth Ideathon. “The growth we’ve seen—from 50,000 students in the first year to 2 lakh in the fourth edition—is a reflection of the enthusiasm and potential of young minds.”
Shivesh also highlighted the importance of collaboration in scaling this movement. “We’d love to work together with all of you. It’s a collective effort to empower our youth and create a brighter future.”
Through platforms like Youth Ideathon, ThinkStartup is not just building foundations of change—it is inspiring a generation of innovators who can transform challenges into opportunities and ideas into impactful solutions.
