‘UP Rise 2026’ held at Avadh University under the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar UP’
Young innovators present over 20 startup ideas, with 15 shortlisted
‘Green Grow Organic Farming’ wins first prize, while ‘Portable Cremation System’ secures second place
Ayodhya, October 2026 : To translate Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar UP’ into action and encourage entrepreneurship among young people, a grand event, ‘UP Rise 2026’, was organised at Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University on Wednesday. More than 1,000 students participated in the event with great enthusiasm.
The primary objective of the programme was to bring about a shift in the mindset of young people, encouraging them to move beyond being job seekers and become job creators by establishing their own enterprises and generating employment for others. Renowned content creator and chief guest Himesh Madaan formally inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
The Uttar Pradesh government is continuously working to strengthen innovation and the startup ecosystem in the state. During the programme, experts provided detailed information about key initiatives and policies, including the Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana, UP Startup Fund, Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana and UP Skill Mission.
The financial assistance available under the Mahila Samarthya Yojana and the Free Tablet Scheme was also highlighted to help young people develop and successfully implement their business models.
Students presented more than 20 startup ideas at the event, of which 15 were shortlisted. These included Herbal Pharmacy, Raxor (robotics simulation), CampusNest (student accommodation), a premium makhana brand, UV sterilisation for currency notes, wastewater treatment using agricultural waste, black fertiliser (biochar), 3D-cast souvenirs, agro-tourism, Arohan Group of Companies (digital services), herbal sunscreen, ICBI AM (a multi-sector platform) and Avadh Digital Media.
The eco-friendly ‘Portable Cremation System’ also emerged as a key attraction. The system can reduce wood consumption by up to 30%.
Each team was given seven minutes to present its idea during the competition. With an impressive performance, Team Green Grow Organic Farming from Kushinagar secured first place and won a cash prize of ₹25,000. The Portable Cremation Centre secured second place.
Team Raxor and the ‘Greywater Treatment with Agro-Water Biochar’ project also delivered noteworthy presentations. Mentors Jyoti Tiwari and Isha Shah guided the students throughout the process.
Aimed at guiding young people towards self-employment and entrepreneurship, the UP Rise programme is scheduled to be organised across 30 prominent colleges in 25 cities of Uttar Pradesh.
