Hyderabad/New Delhi | Mahindra University (MU) and Groupe des Écoles Centrale (GEC), France, have announced the launch of the MU × GEC Innovation Challenge, a flagship initiative under the India–France Year of Innovation 2026. Designed to strengthen entrepreneurial collaboration between the two countries, the Challenge will provide a platform for promising start-ups to address opportunities in sustainable development and energy transition while gaining exposure to international innovation ecosystems.
The initiative is being launched as part of the broader collaboration between Mahindra University and Groupe des Écoles Centrale in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation. The partnership encompasses mentor, faculty and incubation team exchanges; student and start-up mobility programmes; co-hosted hackathons, bootcamps, accelerators, ideation challenges and innovation showcase; sharing of incubation methodologies and training resources; and enabling young entrepreneurs to engage with start-up communities, investors and industry networks across both countries.
According to Anand Mahindra, Chancellor, Mahindra University, “Technology will continue to transform our world, but its impact will ultimately depend on the people who shape and apply it. That is why investing in young minds is more important than ever. The future belongs to those who can learn continuously, think across disciplines and turn ideas into action. Universities must create environments where curiosity is encouraged, research is valued and innovation serves a larger purpose. The MU × GEC Innovation Challenge shows this idea in action. It gives students a chance to work together, try out new ideas, and create solutions that can help society.”
Commenting on the launch, Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University said: ” Innovation has become one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth, societal progress and sustainable development. By blending the academic brilliance and ecosystem resources of India and France, we are celebrating the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 and forging enduring strategic ties. This MU × GEC Innovation Challenge provides a platform for brilliant minds from both countries to collaborate, exchange cross-border insights and engineer a cleaner, more sustainable future for the global community.”
Anchored under the theme of Sustainable Development and Energy Transition, one of the four pillars of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, the MU × GEC Innovation Challenge invites early-stage start-ups from India and France to develop solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future. Participants will benefit from a structured programme featuring expert mentorship, engagement with innovation leaders, immersion opportunities at partner institutions and pathways for market exploration in the counterpart country.
Prof Gilles Fleury, Délégué Général du Groupe des Écoles Centrale said, “In an era of rapid technological, environmental, and societal change, innovation plays a pivotal role in addressing increasingly complex global challenges. The partnership between MU and GEC reflects a shared commitment to educating holistic, broadly skilled engineers capable of combining scientific excellence, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary perspectives. By bringing together the academic strengths and innovation ecosystems of India and France, the MU × GEC Innovation Challenge fosters international collaboration and the co-creation of impactful solutions. As part of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, this initiative exemplifies the value of a Centrale-inspired engineering education, equipping future leaders with the adaptability, global outlook, and systems-thinking approach needed to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and societal progress.”
According to Rajkumar Phatate, Head, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Mahindra University, “Through the MU × GEC Innovation Challenge, we are creating opportunities for aspiring founders to move beyond ideation and engage with global networks, mentors and markets. The Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at Mahindra University is building India’s next generation of entrepreneurs by fostering an interdisciplinary entrepreneurial ecosystem where students and start-ups can transform ideas into impactful ventures.”
The Challenge will officially open for applications in June 2026, with applications closing in August 2026. Screening, semi-final engagements and live pitch rounds will take place between September and November 2026, followed by finalist mentoring and immersion programmes in December 2026. The Grand Finale is scheduled for January 2027. Winning teams will receive cross-country mentorship, a two-day immersion programme at the partner institution, and soft-landing support through Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at Mahindra University in India and a Centrale incubator partner in France. Further details regarding eligibility criteria, challenge themes, application processes and award categories will be announced through official Challenge channels in the coming weeks.