1. Kickstarter
What It Is:Kickstarter is one of the world’s largest crowdfunding platforms. Although it is open to all creative projects, many student-led innovations in technology, design, and social entrepreneurship have found their start here.
How to Get There:
- Visit the Website: Go to
- Sign Up: Create an account and review guidelines before launching your campaign.
- Submit Your Project: Prepare your pitch, set funding goals, and design attractive rewards.
- Engage the Community: Use social media and regular updates to build trust and momentum.
How It Started:Founded in 2009 by Perry Chen, Yancey Strickler, and Charles Adler, Kickstarter was built on the idea of democratizing funding for creative projects. Its “all-or-nothing” model has encouraged many student projects worldwide to pursue their dreams.
2. Indiegogo
What It Is:Indiegogo offers flexible funding options for a broad spectrum of projects, making it a favored option among student entrepreneurs who may require adaptable fundraising strategies.
How to Get There:
- Visit the Website: Check out
- Register: Create your account to explore available tools and resources.
- Launch Your Campaign: Detail your project, set realistic funding targets, and share your vision.
- Leverage Post-Launch Resources: Use community tips and platform insights to maximize your campaign’s reach.
How It Started:Launched in 2008, Indiegogo was among the first platforms to tap into the potential of online communities. Its flexibility and innovative funding models have made it a trusted launchpad for many early-stage student ideas.
3. Hult Prize Foundation
What It Is:The Hult Prize is a global competition that challenges students to develop innovative solutions to pressing social issues. Beyond funding, it offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and a platform to scale ideas globally.
How to Get There:
- Visit the Website: Detailed information is available at
- Apply Locally: Many universities host regional rounds—locate your chapter on the website.
- Form a Team: Gather passionate peers to address the annual challenge theme.
- Pitch and Compete: Progress through multiple rounds to reach the global stage.
How It Started:Initiated in 2010 in partnership with Hult International Business School and the United Nations, the Hult Prize was created to spark social innovation among young leaders. It now engages tens of thousands of students worldwide each year.
4. Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA)
What It Is:GSEA specifically supports students who are running their own businesses. It provides a bridge between academic learning and practical entrepreneurship by recognizing and financially rewarding promising ventures.
How to Get There:
- Visit the Website: Learn more at
- Check Eligibility: Typically, participants must be enrolled in college and operating a business.
- Apply to Compete: National rounds lead to a global championship where ventures are pitched to expert judges.
- Access Mentorship: Successful participants gain access to networks, mentorship, and potential funding.
How It Started:Dating back to the 1980s, GSEA was established to encourage entrepreneurial spirit among students. Over the decades, it has grown into an internationally recognized competition that merges academic insight with real-world business acumen.
5. MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition
What It Is:One of the most prestigious student entrepreneurship contests, the MIT $100K Competition has inspired numerous innovations. Although it started at MIT, its impact is felt globally through similar models at other institutions.
How to Get There:
- Visit the Website: Search for the “MIT $100K Competition” for the latest application details.
- Register: Typically open to MIT students, its structure has influenced similar contests worldwide.
- Develop Your Idea: Participants go through multiple rounds of refinement with mentoring from industry experts.
- Compete for Funding: Finalists vie for prize money and venture capital to turn their ideas into reality.
How It Started:Launched in the late 1990s, the MIT $100K Competition was born out of a desire to combine academic theory with real-world business practice. Its long history of success has made it a model for entrepreneurial competitions around the world.
Indian Funding Initiatives and Innovation Ecosystem
While global platforms continue to play a significant role, India’s dynamic innovation ecosystem is bolstered by several government-backed and private initiatives that empower student entrepreneurs.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
What It Is:A flagship initiative of the Government of India, AIM is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across schools, universities, and communities. Its programs include the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centres that provide students with hands-on innovation support.
How to Get There:
- Visit the Government Portal: Information is available through official government websites and regional innovation centers.
- Enroll in Programs: Schools and institutions can apply to have an Atal Tinkering Lab set up, while student entrepreneurs can seek incubation support.
- Leverage Mentorship and Funding: Selected projects receive mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to transition ideas into startups.
How It Started:Launched under the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), AIM was created to instill an innovative mindset in young Indians and has since supported numerous student-led initiatives.
Startup India
What It Is:An initiative by the Government of India, Startup India aims to create a robust ecosystem for startups by offering tax benefits, simplified regulations, and access to capital. It serves as a comprehensive platform for young entrepreneurs to develop and scale their ideas.
How to Get There:
- Visit the Website: Explore details at
- Register Your Startup: Create an account to access funding schemes, mentorship programs, and incubation centers.
- Utilize Available Resources: Take advantage of workshops, government incentives, and networking events.
How It Started:Launched in 2016, Startup India was developed as part of a broader effort to boost innovation and job creation in India. The initiative has since become a cornerstone of India’s entrepreneurial support system.
National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI)
What It Is:Operated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), NIDHI supports innovation among students and academic entrepreneurs by providing seed funding, mentorship, and access to research facilities.
How to Get There:
- Visit the Official DST Website: Details on NIDHI programs can be found through government science and technology portals.
- Apply for Funding: Student innovators and research teams can submit proposals for funding and incubation support.
- Join the Network: Successful projects benefit from mentorship and the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts.
How It Started:NIDHI was conceived as a means to harness grassroots innovation and translate academic ideas into commercially viable products and services. It has been instrumental in nurturing a generation of student innovators across India.
Successful Innovators in the Indian Ecosystem
The Indian funding and innovation structure has not only supported countless projects but also produced several high-profile success stories. Here are a few notable examples:
Ritesh Agarwal – Founder of OYO Rooms
Though not a direct product of a scholarship or incubation program, Ritesh Agarwal’s journey from a college student with an innovative idea to the founder of one of India’s largest hospitality chains embodies the entrepreneurial spirit encouraged by initiatives like AIM and Startup India.
Bhavish Aggarwal – Co-founder of Ola
An alumnus of IIT Bombay, Bhavish Aggarwal’s venture began in the academic environment, where exposure to innovation and technology set the stage for creating Ola—a company that revolutionized urban mobility in India.
Kunal Bahl – Co-founder of Snapdeal
Kunal Bahl’s entrepreneurial journey, which began during his academic years, highlights how a supportive ecosystem and access to funding opportunities can transform a simple idea into one of India’s leading e-commerce enterprises.
Byju Raveendran – Founder of BYJU’S
While Byju Raveendran’s story is more about transforming the educational landscape through technology, his success underscores the potential of innovative ideas nurtured in an environment that values creativity and forward-thinking—principles that are central to India’s funding initiatives.
Conclusion
Across the globe, platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Hult Prize, GSEA, and the MIT $100K Competition have set the stage for student innovators to secure funding and mentorship. In India, government initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission, Startup India, and NIDHI have created a robust ecosystem that not only provides financial support but also instills a culture of innovation from a young age.
Coupled with success stories from entrepreneurs like Ritesh Agarwal, Bhavish Aggarwal, Kunal Bahl, and Byju Raveendran, it’s clear that both global and Indian funding structures are key drivers in transforming student ideas into world-changing ventures. For aspiring innovators, these platforms offer a roadmap—from nurturing early ideas in school labs and incubators to scaling them into successful enterprises.
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