Young Entrepreneurs Fund to support AI, clean energy, and rural innovation – EQ
In Short : Launched by Harshavardhan Chauhaan, the $10 million Young Entrepreneurs Fund will support early-stage startups in AI, clean energy, rural platforms, and national IP. Offering grants from $10,000 to $250,000, the fund also provides mentorship from industry experts. Applications open April 14, 2025, targeting socially impactful innovations and pre-revenue ideas with high growth potential.
In Detail : The Young Entrepreneurs Fund (YEF), a $10 million initiative, was launched today by marketing strategist Harshavardhan Chauhaan.
YEF allocates grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 to early-stage, pre-revenue ideas, prioritizing societal impact and scalable solutions over traditional business metrics.
“Through the launch of the Young Entrepreneurs Fund, our aim is to go beyond funding business plans by investing in neural networks of influence that rewrite consumer behavior from the subconscious up,” said Chauhaan. In addition to financial support, the fund offers grantees mentorship from global brand strategists, growth marketers, and serial entrepreneurs who understand the evolving dynamics of consumer trust and fractional loyalty.
The fund’s mandate spans four strategic sectors. In deep tech, YEF will support startups working on breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced robotics—technologies poised to redefine the global tech landscape. Clean energy innovators will be backed for solutions in renewable energy generation, green infrastructure, and carbon-neutral technologies, aligning with India’s sustainability goals. Rural platforms represent another key focus area, with the fund aiding ventures that democratize access to agritech tools, rural fintech ecosystems, and digital literacy programs.
Additionally, YEF aims to support National IP initiatives, helping scale indigenous innovations, from traditional crafts to climate-resilient agricultural practices.
