Bengaluru, Karnataka, India — August 14, 2025 — Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Campus Fund today announced the launch of the sixth edition of Grand Challenge, India’s flagship nationwide program to discover and support the country’s most innovative student-led startups.
Building on the success of previous editions, Grand Challenge 2025—powered once again by 360 ONE—introduces a first-ever dedicated Onchain Track, sponsored by Base, the Ethereum Layer-2 incubating at Coinbase. The new track will award a prize pool of up to USD 10,000 for the top Web3-focused student startups.
Applications are now open until September 15, 2025 for current students, recent graduates, and dropouts (2022 onwards), from all sectors. Shortlisted teams will progress through mentorship and elimination rounds, leading to the Grand Finale in Mumbai on December 10, 2025, where the Top 15 startups will present to a distinguished grand jury of industry leaders.
Track Record and Impact
Since its inception in 2020, Grand Challenge has become a powerful launchpad for India’s next generation of founders. Across five editions, 57 winning startups have emerged, with 23 of them raising over USD 90 million (~INR 750 crore) in follow-on capital from leading investors. Past winners, such as Paradyes (DIY hair color) and Digantara (space cartography), have gone on to secure institutional funding and scale their innovations.
What’s New in 2025
- Onchain Track by Base – Specialized Web3 pathway awarding a USD 10,000 prize pool, plus mentorship from Base India for high-potential blockchain startups.
- Expanded Benefits – Access to AWS Activate credits (up to USD 25,000, subject to eligibility) and leading productivity tools including Notion, DocSend, ClickUp, Freshworks, Webflow, and Typeform.
- Enhanced Investor Access – Direct engagement with venture capitalists, corporate leaders, and domain experts through mentorship sessions, masterclasses, and investor connects.
Quotes
“The Grand Challenge is more than just a platform—it’s a national movement driving India’s rise as the global startup hub,” said Richa Bajpai, Founder & CEO, Campus Fund.
Key Dates and Format
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
- Top 15 Announcement: November 2025
- Grand Finale: December 10, 2025 (Mumbai)
- Eligibility: Open to current students, recent graduates, and dropouts (2022 and after) from all sectors.
- Program Journey: Online application → Shortlisting → Mentorship → Live jury pitch.
Grand Jury Highlights
The 2025 jury will feature prominent leaders, including:
- Akshat Seth – MD & CEO, Birla Nu
- Alok Kshirsagar – Senior Partner, McKinsey & Co
- Amitabh Nagpal – Head of Startup Ecosystem, AWS India
- Ashwini Tewari – MD, State Bank of India
- Bharat Shah – Co-Founder, HDFC Bank
- Phanindra Sama – Founder, redBus
- Ramakant Sharma – Founder & CEO, Livspace
- Roopa Kudva – Former CEO, CRISIL
- Sasha Mirchandani – Founder & Managing Partner, Kae Capital
- Shashwat Goenka – Vice Chairman, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group
- Shruti Shibulal – CEO & Director, Tamara Leisure Experiences
- Ullas Kamath – Former Joint MD, Jyothy Labs
- Yatin Shah – Co-Founder & CEO, 360 ONE
Benefits for Participants
- USD 10,000 in non-dilutive grants for winners
- Up to INR 8 crore (~USD 1 million) in potential funding opportunities
- AWS Activate Credits worth up to USD 25,000 (eligibility applies)
- Access to premium startup tools and platforms
- Specialized mentorship for Web3 startups through Base India
- National media exposure and investor introductions
Proven Outcomes from Past Editions
In the 2024–25 edition, over 1,000 applications were received, with finalists chosen through a four-stage evaluation process. The Student Startup of the Year title went to NCF Energy, while Poccet Labs and Kuberns emerged as runners-up for their innovations in point-of-care diagnostics and cloud deployment solutions.
How to Apply
Student founders across software, deeptech, climate, health, fintech, mobility, Web3, and other sectors are encouraged to apply through the Grand Challenge portal. Shortlisted teams will be contacted for mentorship and next-stage evaluations.
About Grand Challenge
Launched in 2020 by Campus Fund in partnership with AWS, the Grand Challenge recognizes India’s best student-led startups each year. The platform offers funding, mentorship, top-tier tools, and nationwide visibility, helping student founders turn their ideas into scalable businesses.
About AWS Activate
AWS Activate supports startups with credits, technical training, and architectural guidance to help them build and scale on AWS infrastructure.
About Campus Fund
Campus Fund invests exclusively in student-led startups across India, providing capital, guidance, and access to an extensive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
