InnoPhant: India’s First Televised Innovation Hunt for Young Innovators

India’s startup journey is nothing short of remarkable. With more than 1.9 lakh registered startups and over 100 unicorns, India today ranks as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Yet, one question still lingers: Where is India’s global startup brand? Despite the sheer number of enterprises, India has yet to produce a platform that reshaped the world the way Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, or Twitter did.

The Real Challenge: Impact Over Numbers

The challenge is not the number of startups; it is global impact. The world’s most iconic innovations did not emerge from corporate boardrooms—they were born in college dorms and classrooms, where students were driven by curiosity and the instinct to solve problems affecting everyone. In the West, decades of democratic capitalism nurtured a culture where entrepreneurship became second nature—empowering young people to experiment, fail, learn, and create global solutions.

India’s Progress: Laying the Foundation

India, too, is on the right path—but progress must accelerate. Over the past decade, initiatives like the DPIIT Startup India Mission and the Atal Innovation Mission have fueled a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through Atal Tinkering Labs across the country, schoolchildren are encouraged to think beyond textbooks and bring ideas to life.

These efforts have planted seeds of innovation, but as India approaches India@2047, the centenary of independence, the time has come to move from evolution to revolution—building not just startups, but world-class brands that solve global problems.

Introducing InnoPhant: A National Movement

In this spirit, InnoPhant takes shape. A collaboration between TICE and Top Gun Entertainment, powered by the Amity Innovation Incubator, InnoPhant is not just a competition—it is a movement. Its name—derived from “Innovation” and “Elephant”—symbolizes strength, wisdom, and creativity, core qualities of India’s young innovators.

InnoPhant is India’s first and largest televised innovation hunt for children and young innovators up to 18 years, providing mentorship, exposure, and opportunities to transform ideas into startups and global solutions.

How Children Participate in InnoPhant

The journey mirrors the startup lifecycle itself. Children submit ideas online, and experts shortlist promising concepts. Participants then compete in zonal rounds, representing all corners of India. The top 100 innovators are selected, and finally, the top 25 visionaries advance to the grand televised finale, presenting their innovations to the nation.

Mentorship, Scholarships, and Support

Every participant is celebrated. Digital certificates, mentorship, and encouragement ensure no dream goes unnoticed. Winners receive scholarships, grants, and guidance to refine their ideas with the help of industry mentors and investors.

The InnoPhant Journey: From Idea to Impact

From the first submission to the grand finale, InnoPhant mirrors the challenges and triumphs of real-world startups. It provides a structured pathway for ideas to evolve into viable solutions, nurturing innovation at every stage.

Why InnoPhant Matters

InnoPhant is more than a competition—it is a national innovation ecosystem builder. Classrooms today become incubators for India’s next global brands. Children gain critical life skills—creativity, problem-solving, communication—while building the confidence to present ideas nationally.

For investors and mentors, it creates a structured pool of Startup India–ready ideas that can be nurtured and scaled. For the world, it sends a bold message: the next Facebook or YouTube could emerge from India’s small towns and schools, just as easily as from Silicon Valley.

Transforming Ideas into Startups

InnoPhant ensures that children’s innovations are not just theoretical. By connecting participants with mentors, investors, and development programs, ideas can take the crucial next step toward becoming startups with global potential.

National & Global Impact of InnoPhant

By showcasing innovation nationwide, InnoPhant spreads awareness of the startup ecosystem to students, parents, and educators alike. It also positions India as a hub of global innovation, emphasizing that world-changing ideas can come from any part of the country.

India@2047: The Bigger Dream

As India approaches 2047, the centenary of independence, the stakes are higher than ever. This milestone is more than a celebration—it is an opportunity to position India as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. By equipping children with tools, confidence, and a platform to showcase ideas today, InnoPhant ensures tomorrow’s global solutionswill proudly carry the stamp of “Made in India.”

Join the InnoPhant Movement

The movement is underway. Students can take their dreams from notebook sketches to national recognition. Parents and teachers can inspire children to think boldly and innovate freely. Investors, policymakers, and mentors can shape the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The future is not merely to be witnessed—it is to be invented. With InnoPhant, India’s children are ready to lead that invention.

Learn more and be part of the journey at innophant.in.