Masters' Union launches High School Startup League; Award Prize goes up to INR 20 lakh

This innovative platform allows students to conceive and pitch their own startup ideas while vying for significant funding and national recognition. With a prize pool of up to INR 20 lakhs, the competition aims to support and celebrate the most inventive young minds across the country.

Masters' Union has unveiled the High School Startup League (HSSL), set to become India’s largest entrepreneurship competition tailored specifically for high school students from Classes IX to XII. This innovative platform allows students to conceive and pitch their own startup ideas while vying for significant funding and national recognition. With a prize pool of up to INR 20 lakhs, the competition aims to support and celebrate the most inventive young minds across the country.

Aligning with National Education Policy

The HSSL initiative is crafted in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), which emphasizes integrating entrepreneurial thinking and experiences into educational frameworks. This competition embodies that vision by offering students a dynamic platform to develop and showcase their startup concepts. It builds on the success of the Masters' Union CEO Challenge, previously judged by prominent figures such as Ashneer Grover from Shark Tank and YouTube influencer Ankur Warikoo. Last year’s CEO Challenge saw participation from over 6,500 students across more than 500 schools in 30+ cities, showcasing young innovators' enthusiasm and talent through a rigorous format of online quizzes, case studies, and live pitches.

Expanding Opportunities for Young Innovators

Swati Ganeti, Director of the Undergraduate Programme at Masters' Union, commented on the new initiative: “Our aim is to inspire students to think beyond traditional textbooks by offering hands-on business experience. Running a business and tackling its real-world challenges provides invaluable learning. The success of the CEO Challenge has reinforced our commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurs. The HSSL will extend these opportunities, providing high school students nationwide with exposure to entrepreneurship and business management. This is not just a one-time event but a sustained effort to foster the next generation of innovators.”

Exciting Hands-On Learning Experience

Dr. Sunita Swaraj, Principal of The Heritage School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, shared her enthusiasm: “Hosting Round 1 of the HSSL was a remarkable experience. Our students embarked on an intense 48-hour journey to build a startup, gaining invaluable insights from the Masters’ Union faculty. The hands-on guidance they received on entrepreneurship, business, and leadership far exceeds traditional textbook learning.”

Competition Structure and Key Dates

The HSSL will be structured in three main rounds. The initial ‘Startup Weekends’ will involve schools hosting their own first-round events, where students will work in teams to develop and pitch their business ideas over a 2-day period. Masters' Union will facilitate these events across various cities from August 2024 to November 2024. Following this, an online voting phase will allow the public to vote for their favorite business ideas until December 31, 2024, with results displayed on the competition leaderboard. The final ‘Showdown’ will take place on January 31, 2025, where the top 15 teams will present their ideas before a panel of celebrity judges, competing for grants of up to INR 20 lakh.

Engaging Young Talent Nationwide

With over 500 schools and 10,000 students expected to participate, the High School Startup League aims to inspire and empower young entrepreneurial talent across India. Participants will gain exposure to over 200 CXOs, MDs, and leading entrepreneurs, including members of the Bengaluru startup community. They will also benefit from substantial social media exposure and hands-on mentorship from experienced professionals. Winning teams will receive an exclusive co-working space at one of India's premier business parks, further enhancing their entrepreneurial journey.

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