Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth, so that they can accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship. Youth Co:Lab was launched in India in 2019, in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. Through this collaboration Youth Co:Lab India has conducted four national theme specific youth social innovation and entrepreneurship challenges, including several forms of engagement such as panels, workshops dialogues and webinars. Youth Co:Lab in India and regionally also supports social entrepreneurs through a long term incubation programme, with selected entrepreneurs representing India at the regional summit.

The fourth edition of Youth Co:Lab India focused on identifying and supporting youth climate and green entrepreneurs. Youth Co:Lab India 2021-22 invited youth-led early stage social enterprises or innovations working in the space of circular economy and waste management, sustainable transportation, sustainable tourism, and sustainable food tech. We received applications from more than 350 climate start-ups, out of which 41 start-ups were shortlisted to join the Youth Co:Lab India 2021-22 cohort. The selected 41 start-ups went through a three-month long National Springboard Programme followed by a National Innovation Challenge, during which 28 teams pitched their start-up and the winners of this edition were PadCare Labs and Li-Circle. Each start-up is doing remarkable work and to know more about their work, you can have a look at the Youth Co:Lab 2021-22 Publication.