Every year, countless students in India come up with brilliant ideas. Some of these ideas remain in notebooks, some are tried in dorm rooms, and only a few ever see the light of day. To bridge this gap, AWS and Campus Fund have come together once again to launch the sixth edition of the Grand Challenge in 2025.
This initiative has grown into India’s largest platform for student-led startups, giving young innovators the opportunity to showcase their ideas, get mentorship, and even raise funding. The highlight of this edition is the brand-new Onchain (Web3) track, supported by Base, which opens doors for blockchain startups to gain recognition and mentorship.
Applications are open until September 15, 2025, and the grand finale will take place in Mumbai on December 10, 2025.
About the Program:
The Grand Challenge 2025, organized by Campus Fund in collaboration with AWS, is one of India’s largest platforms dedicated to student entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to discover and nurture innovative business ideas emerging from college campuses across the country.
Now in its 6th edition, the program is designed to empower young founders by giving them direct exposure to industry experts, investors, and successful startup leaders. It is not just a competition, it is a launchpad where students can validate their ideas, receive mentorship, and get access to resources that can help them transform their concepts into scalable ventures.
Through this challenge, Campus Fund and AWS want to encourage students to think boldly, solve real-world problems, and build companies that can make a lasting impact. Over the years, the Grand Challenge has supported several startups that began as simple campus projects and later turned into successful businesses.
Who Can Participate?
One of the best things about the Grand Challenge is that it does not put unnecessary restrictions on who can apply. The doors are wide open for anyone who has the passion to build something new.
The eligibility criteria are straightforward:
- Students currently enrolled in a university or college.
- Recent graduates who finished their studies in or after 2022.
- Dropouts who left their studies after 2022 but chose to walk the entrepreneurial path.
There are no limits on industry or sector. Whether you’re working on a health-tech app, a clean energy solution, a consumer product, or a blockchain-based platform, you are welcome to participate.
Important Dates:
To make sure you don’t miss your chance, here are the key milestones:
Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Announcement of Top 15 Startups: November 2025
Grand Finale in Mumbai: December 10, 2025
The road from application to finale will involve shortlisting, mentorship sessions, and practice rounds before the final live pitch.
Problem Statement:
The Grand Challenge does not narrow down students to one specific theme. Instead, it leaves the floor open with a powerful idea:
“Bring your solution to a real-world problem, in any industry, in your own way.”
This approach has allowed past winners to emerge from diverse areas ranging from consumer lifestyle brands to deep-tech ventures. In 2025, the program is especially keen on Web3 ideas, thanks to the Onchain track. Whether it’s decentralized finance, blockchain applications in supply chain, or creative uses of smart contracts, student founders can now showcase their vision to a larger audience.
Evaluation Criteria:
The competition is intense, but the process is designed to identify genuine potential. Here’s how startups are evaluated:
1. Originality of the Idea – Judges look at how unique, creative, and bold the concept is.
2. Feasibility – An idea may sound exciting, but is it practical? Can it be built and scaled?
3. Market Understanding – Does the team know who their customers are? Is there a clear demand?
4. Team Strength – A startup is only as strong as its founders. Their ability to adapt, learn, and collaborate is carefully observed.
5. Execution & Growth Potential – Can the idea move beyond theory and succeed in real markets?
6. Pitch Presentation – At the finale, how well the founders tell their story and vision will make a difference.
The Top 15 teams will get the chance to pitch live in Mumbai before a jury of industry leaders, including entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate executives.
Recognition:
The Grand Challenge doesn’t just offer a trophy it opens real doors. Here’s what winners and participants stand to gain:
Non-Dilutive Grant: A cash prize of USD 10,000 that founders can use without giving away equity.
Follow-on Funding: Selected startups may raise up to INR 8 crore (~USD 1 million) with support from Campus Fund and partners.
AWS Credits: Eligible startups can receive up to USD 25,000 in AWS Activate credits, which are incredibly useful for building technology-based solutions.
Access to Premium Tools: Free or discounted access to platforms like Notion, DocSend, Webflow, Freshworks, and ClickUp.
Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced founders, investors, and Web3 experts from Base India.
Exposure: Media coverage, investor attention, and a spot on India’s biggest stage for student founders.
Alumni Network: Becoming part of a growing community of student entrepreneurs who have already scaled their startups successfully.
Final Word:
The Grand Challenge 2025 is more than just a competition, it is a launchpad for young innovators who dream of shaping the future. With AWS and Campus Fund backing this initiative, students have a rare opportunity to turn their boldest startup ideas into reality, supported by the right mentorship, resources, and funding.
If you are a student with a vision, this is your moment to step out of the classroom and onto a national stage where ideas are celebrated, challenged, and transformed into impact. The journey may be demanding, but the rewards learning, growth, and recognition are truly life-changing.
So, if you’ve ever believed that your idea could make a difference, now is the time to take that leap. The Grand Challenge 2025 is not just inviting participants; it’s inviting dreamers, doers, and future changemakers. The question is are you ready to answer the call?
Apply Now: Click Now
