NextGen Founders Network: Incubation programme for grades 5-12
An incubation experience for Grades 5–12 where students turn real-world problems into startup ideas and pitch them to real investors. Mentored by professional R&D engineers, students learn to validate, build and pitch their ideas with real-world guidance.
35%
Problem-Solution Fit
30%
Feasibility
20%
Pitch Clarity
15%
Growth Potential
The Difference: Real R&D Mentorship 
Students work directly with an assigned R&D engineer throughout the 3-month journey, turning mentorship into a continuous part of the experience.
1:1 after-hours mentorship
Weekly sessions outside school hours with a dedicated R&D engineer who understands each student’s idea, progress and challenges.
Full-cycle guidance
Weekly sessions outside school hours with a dedicated R&D engineer who understands each student’s idea, progress and challenges.
Real-World Exposure
Students test their ideas against real-world challenges, receiving feedback that helps them think beyond the classroom and build with purpose.
Event Gallery
Checkout the projects done by our students!
Four Structured Stages, ~ 3 Months End to End
100% project-driven, evaluated by practising engineers.
Ideas open the door. Execution sets them apart.
Every student is guided by a dedicated R&D engineer throughout the 3-month journey, with continuous 1:1 mentorship focused on developing, testing and communicating the venture.
35%
Problem-Solution Fit
30%
Feasibility
20%
Pitch Clarity
15%
Growth Potential
What Students Walk Away With
This is not a programme that accepts everyone.
Funding round
Real investor capital allocated at the finals event.
Special prizes
Incubation credits, devices and extended mentorship.
Reapplication path
A clear opportunity to reapply with a refined idea in the next cohort.
Next-Gen Founders Grand Finale 2026
A national-level student innovation showcase with pan-India participation, evaluated by senior ISRO scientists, industry CXOs, and startup ecosystem experts.
6 Judging Panel
Senior ISRO / industry judges on panel
5 Themes
Sustainability, Tech for Good, Health, EdTech, Smart Cities
Participants
Grades 5–12 Participant range
Ideas Worth Watching. Founders Worth Backing.
See what young innovators are building and where their ideas could go next.
Hemanth Vijay Kumar & Daiwik Bhadrashetty
Class 07
National Public School
Project: Greener Bengaluru
Nisarga Girisha Priya & Saanvi S Nyamagoud
Class 07 | Class 10
Greenwood High | Whitefield Global
Project: Aceso Care
Thrayee K C & Brundha B S
Class 09
Dolphins Delhi Public School
Project: Smart TV Distance Alert System
Sachin Murugavel & Adhiraj Datta
Class 08
Kunskapsskolan Bangalore
Project: CivicPulse
V Vishnu & M Anish kirthick
Class 12
Hans Roever Public School, Perambalur
Project: Silent Road Guide for the Visually Impaired
Adhil A & Mithun Anandhan
Class 09
Hans roever public school, Perambalur
Project: Rapid Cramp Relief Device
What Your Child Takes Away: More Than a Certificate . A Head Start on the Founder Journey.
Over three months, your child takes an idea from problem to pitch, with guidance from a dedicated R&D engineer and the opportunity to present to real investors.
A Venture to Show
A developed startup idea, backed by problem research, solution thinking and a working prototype or concept.
Real-World Founder Skills
Experience in validating ideas, developing solutions, building a pitch and answering investor questions.
Mentorship That Continues
Weekly guidance from a dedicated R&D engineer who supports your child throughout the journey.
Our Judging Panel
Meet our Judges
Mr V. Gnana Gandhi
Padma Shri, ex-ISRO, SVP Skyroot
Mr R. S. Bhatia
Former Director, Program Planning, ISRO
Mr Sreenivasa Prasad K
Padma Shri, ex-ISRO, SVP Skyroot
Mr M. S. Srinivasan
former Group Director, ISRO Satellite Centre
Mr V. Gnana Gandhi
global growth & strategy leader
Mr Amit Jain
VP Engineering, Telaverge Communications
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Common questions,
quick answers.
The things people usually want to know before they apply.
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