HCL Technologies , a leading global technology company, has announced the launch of ARISE FOR YOU™, a groundbreaking national student entrepreneurship initiative in collaboration with Pearson India and MeitY Startup Hub. This ambitious program aims to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit among India's youth and is expected to draw participation from over 150,000 students across more than 3,000 campuses nationwide.

A Catalyst for Student Innovation

ARISE FOR YOU™, which stands for Aspire, Rise, Inspire, Skill, and Excel, is designed to discover, nurture, and elevate the next generation of student entrepreneurs. The initiative will culminate in a grand national finale scheduled for March 12-13, 2026, where India's brightest young minds will showcase their innovative ideas.

Key Features of the Program

Participants in the ARISE FOR YOU™ program will benefit from:

• Pearson's globally recognized ESB (Entrepreneurship and Small Business) Certification
• Mentorship from industry leaders and startup influencers
• Opportunities to pitch ideas in Shark Tank-style showcases
• Inclusion in India's first Problem Solver Directory, connecting talent with investors and incubators

Substantial Rewards for Winners

The program offers significant incentives for participants:

• Grants of up to ₹10 lakhs for winners
• Incubation opportunities
• National media coverage

Supporting India's Vision

ARISE FOR YOU™ aligns with India's vision for inclusive innovation and sustainable development. By focusing on ideas from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and promoting entrepreneurship across various disciplines, the initiative supports the Viksit Bharat Mission and aims to strengthen the nation's innovation pipeline.

Collaborative Effort

The initiative brings together the strengths of multiple organizations:

• HCLTech: Provides the platform and overall leadership
• Pearson India: Offers ESB certification and learning content
• MeitY Startup Hub: Brings its innovation ecosystem and 62+ hubs for mentoring and counseling
• Thought Pencil: Leads marketing and outreach efforts

Leadership Perspectives

Srimathi Shivashankar, Corporate Vice President and Business Head – EdTech Services at HCLTech, emphasized the initiative's role as a catalyst, stating, "ARISE FOR YOU™ isn't just a contest—it's a catalyst. It's about igniting the dreams of students with passion but lacking the platform. We aim to be that platform. We aspire to be their launchpad."

Vinay Swamy, Country Head of Pearson India, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship education, saying, "Our ESB certification and comprehensive learning resources ensure that every participant acquires not just entrepreneurial skills, but the confidence to transform their ideas into impact."

Dr. Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, underscored the initiative's broader impact: "By equipping students to identify challenges and design impactful solutions, we are strengthening the innovation ecosystem that will power India's future."

How to Participate

Students interested in participating in ARISE FOR YOU™ can register via www.ariseforyou.com . The program involves completing the ESB program and submitting startup ideas. Top entries will be shortlisted through regional qualifiers, with the best 30 showcased at the finale.

This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering entrepreneurship among India's youth, potentially unlocking a new wave of innovation and economic growth across the country.

HCL Technologies , through its division HCLSoftware, has announced the launch of AI-powered sovereign collaboration solutions designed to provide digital independence for business-critical infrastructure. This strategic move aims to address the growing concerns over digital sovereignty and data privacy in an increasingly interconnected global business landscape.

Empowering Digital Sovereignty

The new solutions focus on enabling organizations to maintain control over their digital operations through sovereign collaboration capabilities. This development is particularly significant for governments and regulated industries that require stringent data protection and operational autonomy.

Richard Jefts, Executive Vice President and General Manager of HCLSoftware, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Organizations in critical sectors, such as Governments, should not be constrained by software and cloud decisions that compromise their digital independence and data privacy." He added that the recent launch of Domino 14.5, which includes Sovereign AI, demonstrates HCLSoftware's commitment to leading the charge in providing secure Sovereign Collaboration solutions.

Key Features and Benefits

HCLSoftware's sovereign collaboration platform ensures that sensitive operational data remains firmly within the control of the organization. The solution offers:

• Comprehensive data ownership
• Flexible deployment options
• Multi-platform support
• Compliance with key government regulations

Addressing India's Critical Infrastructure Needs

Dhruv Kohli, Vice President and Country Head - India at HCLSoftware, highlighted the relevance of these solutions for India's national critical infrastructure. He stated, "Our 'Make in India' initiative emphasizes our commitment to innovation and leadership in advancing digital sovereignty." The platform is designed to meet India's data residency requirements and adheres to regulations set forth by NCIIPC, CERT-In, and the DPDP Act 2023.

Market Position and Future Outlook

HCLSoftware's HCL Domino is currently trusted by over 200 government agencies and state and local government clients globally for sovereign collaboration and applications that run their business operations. In India alone, the company serves over 40 major state and central government clients.

The launch of these AI-powered sovereign collaboration solutions positions HCLSoftware at the forefront of addressing the critical need for digital independence in an era of increasing geopolitical risks and data privacy concerns. As organizations seek to navigate the complex landscape of digital sovereignty, HCLSoftware's offerings provide a robust solution for maintaining control over sensitive data and critical infrastructure.

As businesses and governments alike grapple with the challenges of digital transformation and data security, HCLSoftware's latest innovation represents a significant step towards ensuring both technological advancement and operational autonomy in the digital age.