HCLTech, in partnership with Pearson India and under the strategic guidance of MeitY Startup Hub, today announced the launch of ARISE FOR YOU™ (Aspire. Rise. Inspire. Skill. Excel.), a nationwide initiative designed to inspire and empower student entrepreneurs across India. Billed as the country’s largest student entrepreneurship movement, the program will engage over 150,000 students across 3,000+ campuses, culminating in a national finale on March 12–13, 2026. The initiative combines mentorship, certification, and recognition to nurture India’s next generation of innovators.
The program offers students a unique blend of learning, mentorship, and recognition aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial talent. Participants can earn the Entrepreneurship & Small Business (ESB) Certification from Pearson India, gain guidance from industry leaders and startup ecosystem influencers, and build valuable micro-credentials that carry national recognition. These elements are designed to accelerate careers and strengthen participants’ profiles in the innovation and startup landscape.
In addition, the initiative provides hands-on opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity through Shark Tank–style pitching sessions for top ideas. Selected innovators will also be featured in India’s first Problem Solver Directory, connecting them directly with incubators and investors, and creating pathways to turn their concepts into real-world ventures.
Winning teams will receive grants of up to ₹10 lakhs, incubation opportunities, and national media visibility. Participating institutions gain national recognition, opportunities to host regional qualifiers, and enhanced NIRF standings through student achievements.
Srimathi Shivashankar, Corporate Vice President & Business Head – EdTech Services, HCLTech, said “ARISE FOR YOU™ isn’t just a competition—it’s a launchpad. It is about unlocking the dreams of students who have ideas but need the right platform. At HCLTech, we believe in channeling the power of youth through inclusive innovation, where skill meets opportunity and effort leads to recognition.”
Vinay Swamy, Country Head, Pearson India, added “Entrepreneurship is more than business creation—it’s about empowering the youth to become problem-solvers for today and tomorrow. Through our ESB certification and learning resources, we aim to equip every participant with both entrepreneurial skills and the confidence to turn ideas into real impact.”
Dr Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub, noted “This initiative is about building a problem-solving mindset among students, not just winning a contest. By encouraging innovation from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, we are fostering solutions that address real challenges and strengthening India’s startup ecosystem.”
By promoting ideas from across disciplines and geographies, ARISE FOR YOU™ aligns with the Viksit Bharat Mission and supports inclusive, sustainable development. With backing from HCLTech, Pearson, and MeitY Startup Hub’s innovation network of 62+ hubs, the program ensures that students not only dream but also gain the resources, mentorship, and recognition to build impactful ventures.
HCLTech is a global technology company with a workforce of more than 223,000 professionals across 60 countries. The company delivers world-class capabilities in digital, engineering, cloud, and AI, supported by a comprehensive portfolio of technology services and products. HCLTech serves clients across industries including financial services, manufacturing, life sciences and healthcare, high tech, semiconductors, telecom and media, retail and consumer goods, and public services. For the 12 months ending June 2025, the company reported consolidated revenues of $14.0 billion.
Pearson’s mission is to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. With nearly 18,000 employees worldwide, Pearson creates impactful, real-world learning experiences through digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data-driven solutions. Operating in almost 200 countries, Pearson is recognized as the world’s leading lifelong learning company, dedicated to empowering learners to achieve their potential.
MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), an independent division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is building a robust deep-tech innovation ecosystem in India. Its focus areas include nurturing frontier technologies, fostering entrepreneurship in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and enabling inclusive technology adoption. To date, MSH has supported 5,000+ startups through a network of 100+ incubators and 43 Centres of Excellence, driving innovation in AI, IoT, quantum computing, and other emerging domains. Through mentorship, funding, and industry collaboration, MSH is positioning India as a global leader in deep-tech innovation.
