The National Young Entrepreneurs Summit (YESummit) 2026 concluded successfully at the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ni-msme) in Hyderabad, with an inspiring final day featuring engaging discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and recognition of emerging entrepreneurial talent. The YouthAid Foundation organised the summit in collaboration with the Telangana Innovation Cell (TGIC). The three-day national summit reinforced the importance of innovation, branding, creative thinking, and ecosystem support in nurturing young entrepreneurs across India.
The summit saw nearly 600 young innovators and entrepreneurs from 21 states, with over 300 participants presenting innovative business ideas, reflecting the growing strength of grassroots entrepreneurship in the country.
New-Age Media and Storytelling in Building Startup Identity
The final day featured a panel discussion on “Branding, New-Age Media, and Storytelling: Crafting a Strong Startup Identity.” The session brought together industry experts including Mr. Sabbir Hussain, Senior Producer at ETV, Ramoji Film City; Ms. Pratibha Pulijala, Founder and Director of MEE School; Mr. Abhinav Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Ribbit Wallet, Germany; and Mr. Mahendra Kasula, Manager, HCL Foundation. The discussion highlighted the growing importance of new-age media as a powerful tool for business growth, enabling entrepreneurs to promote and scale their ventures through accessible digital platforms, particularly video-based content.
The panel emphasised storytelling as a highly effective branding strategy, noting that people tend to remember stories more than factual information, helping businesses create emotional connections and long-term recall. The session stressed that every enterprise must develop a strong brand identity that integrates business and personal branding, as entrepreneurs are the strongest ambassadors for their products. It reinforced that strong brands are built on clarity of purpose, consistency in delivering value, and credibility that builds customer trust. Participants were encouraged to start by building recognition within their local communities and gradually expand to wider markets for sustainable growth. The discussion also highlighted the importance of documenting entrepreneurial journeys to create authentic brand narratives while maintaining simplicity and clarity in communication.
Encouraging Creative and Strategic Thinking Among Young Founders
Another key session titled “Unboxing the Box: Young Founders on How to Think Out of the Box”, led by Mr. John Kuruvilla, Start-up Accelerator Leader and Strategist, encouraged young entrepreneurs to adopt creative, unconventional, and strategic approaches to entrepreneurship. The session highlighted the importance of adaptability, disciplined execution, and strong problem-solving abilities as essential traits for entrepreneurial success. It emphasised the need for entrepreneurs to clearly understand customer needs and evolving market trends to build sustainable and impactful business models. The discussion also addressed key challenges young founders face, including rising competition, rapid technological disruption, marketing barriers, and gaps in business planning, while encouraging participants to focus on structured planning, continuous learning, and strategic decision-making to overcome these challenges and strengthen their enterprises.
Leaders Highlight Importance of Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The summit concluded with a valedictory session addressed by distinguished dignitaries including Mr. Meraj Faheem, Chief Executive Officer, Telangana Innovation Cell (TGIC); Shri K. Madhukar Babu, Joint Director (MSME), Commissionerate of Industries, Government of Telangana; Mr. John Kuruvilla, Start-up Accelerator Leader and Strategist; Mr. Nishant Pandey, Chief Executive Officer, American India Foundation (AIF), USA; Mr. Mathew Mattam, Chairperson, YouthAid Foundation; Mr. M. N. Sanyal, Chief Executive Officer, YouthAid Foundation; and Mr. Praveen Jadhav, Executive Director, CYDA. The speakers emphasised inclusive entrepreneurship, innovation-led growth, and the importance of sustained ecosystem support for emerging entrepreneurs.
Addressing the participants, Shri K. Madhukar Babu stated, “There is no shortage of funding or opportunities in India. Government schemes, MSME financing initiatives, and self-help group networks provide strong financial support. The key lies in knowing where to look, how to present ideas effectively, and how to access the right platforms.”
Reflecting on the summit’s expanding outreach, Prof. Ujjwal Chowdhury, Board Member, YouthAid Foundation, said, “This year, YESummit witnessed participation from 600 young innovators across 21 states. Earlier, we had outreach in 13 states. In the coming year, we aim to expand to 25 states and reach nearly 1,000 participants, creating a stronger and more inclusive entrepreneurial platform.”
Recognition and Mentorship for Promising Entrepreneurs
In the event, 30 promising entrepreneurs were selected from the 300 business pitches for their innovative and impactful ventures. These selected entrepreneurs will receive advanced mentorship and handholding support to strengthen their business models. The mentoring support will focus on scaling the business, financial planning, branding, networking opportunities, and access to investors and industry experts.
The 9th National YESummit 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting grassroots innovators. The 10th edition of YESummit will be hosted in Delhi, aiming to expand participation and create greater opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs across the country.
