MediaTek joined hands with youth entrepreneurship platform ThinkStartup at the India Mobile Congress 2026 in New Delhi to launch Future Minds, a year-long educational program for 6,000 school students. The corporate social responsibility project will provide structured training in business fundamentals, ideation, and financial basics to teenagers from underserved communities across 30 Indian states.
Key Takeaways
- The initiative covers 6,000 students from Classes 8 to 12 enrolled in government and foundation-supported institutions.
- Participating schools include Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, PM Shri Schools, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
- ThinkStartup and the Management and Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council support curriculum delivery.
- Students receive monthly pitch sessions, a guided Idea Lab, and masterclasses led by IIT alumni startup founders.
- The program will conclude in May 2027 with a national showcase event.
Program Details and Structure
The program uses ThinkStartup’s digital eSchool platform to connect young learners with foundational business lessons. Rather than offering only basic classroom theory, the coursework guides learners through product ideation, practical business basics, and project finance.
Participants will enter the TS Idea Lab, where they can build prototypes and test initial concepts. IIT graduate founders will conduct live masterclasses to share firsthand lessons on setting up real-world companies. To help students practice speaking to investors, the program will organize monthly pitch days.
MediaTek India Managing Director Anku Jain stated that the project gives young learners from government schools the tools needed to build working ventures. ThinkStartup Co-founder Sanjeeva Shivesh noted that the online platform enables teenagers in smaller towns to access structured business guidance directly from experienced startup mentors.
Participating Schools and National Timeline
The rollout focuses on government-run institutions that serve rural and semi-urban areas. Target institutions include Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, which serve talented rural children, PM Shri Schools, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools designed for tribal students.
The year-long curriculum will wrap up in May 2027. MediaTek plans to host a national venture showcase during that month to coincide with the company’s 30th corporate anniversary, giving finalists a central stage to present working ideas to industry leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the MediaTek Future Minds program?
A1. It is a CSR initiative organized by chip designer MediaTek and education platform ThinkStartup to teach entrepreneurship to school students across India.
Q2. Who can participate in the initiative?
A2. The project targets 6,000 students in Classes 8 through 12 studying in selected government systems like Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, PM Shri Schools, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
Q3. What subjects are covered during the training?
A3. Students learn concept ideation, product design, business basics, and personal finance management.
Q4. When will the student showcase take place?
A4. The program finishes in May 2027 with a national exhibition where selected student teams present their business projects.
