Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the website and registration portal for the Seva First Innovation Challenge (SFIC) 2026 at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, on September 25. The national initiative aims to encourage young innovators to identify real-world problems in their communities and develop practical solutions.
The challenge is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Education, AICTE and UGC, with IISc Bengaluru serving as the nodal institute. It brings together students, young innovators, faculty members, startups and industry representatives to promote innovation focused on community needs.
The initiative follows the idea of connecting “Seva” with innovation, encouraging participants to move beyond identifying problems and work towards solutions that can be tested, refined and potentially implemented.
The national finale is scheduled to be held in December 2026 in New Delhi. The registration facility for the challenge has now been opened, giving eligible participants an opportunity to submit their innovative ideas.
Addressing participants at IISc Bengaluru, Joshi highlighted the role of young people in developing practical and scalable solutions to challenges faced by society. The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and encourage youth participation in problem-solving.
