Campus Fund Grand Challenge 2026

Grand Challenge 2026 is a national startup competition for student entrepreneurs organized by Campus Fund and powered by 360 ONE, with support from AWS and IDFC FIRST Bank. Applicants do not need an incorporated or fully developed startup. Founders may apply while their venture is still at the idea stage. The USD 1 million figure is a potential equity investment from Campus Fund following investment evaluation. It is not a grant, prize or guaranteed payment to every finalist. The valuation, investment instrument, ownership percentage, due-diligence conditions and disbursement terms are not publicly specified. The INR conversion uses the 18 September 2026 USD/INR closing rate of approximately INR 95.875 per USD.

• The applicant must be a current student, a college dropout or someone who graduated in or after 2023.
• The applicant must be building or planning to build a startup.
• A fully developed product, incorporated company or revenue-generating business is not required.
• The announcement does not publish a mandatory sector restriction.

• The top 15 startups will participate in the finale.
• Finalists will pitch to the Grand Jury.
• Selected ventures will be evaluated by Campus Fund for a potential equity investment of up to USD 1 million.
• Participants may receive AWS credits.
• Additional exposure, investor access, feedback and ecosystem benefits are indicated but not fully specified.
• No guaranteed cash prize or grant has been announced.

• Campus Fund reviews every submitted application.
• Shortlisted founders complete two calls with the Campus Fund team.
• Up to 15 startups are selected for the finale.
• Finalists pitch to the Grand Jury.
• Campus Fund separately evaluates eligible ventures for a potential equity investment of up to USD 1 million. Investment remains subject to evaluation and any subsequent due diligence and commercial agreement.