Envisioning India’s Future: Youth as Changemakers

May 15th - May 16th, 2025
Yendurance Zone
Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore,
Karnataka

INTRODUCTION TO THE CONFERENCE

ICONYOUTH 2025 – International Conference on Youth Empowerment is a dynamic and visionary platform jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). With the mission to ignite dialogue, drive innovation, and catalyze action, this two-day global event aims to bring together youth from diverse backgrounds to envision and build a sustainable and empowered future.

In an era marked by rapid transformation and global challenges, ICONYOUTH 2025 will serve as a convergence point for young leaders, academicians, policy-makers, social entrepreneurs, innovators, and change agents. Through engaging plenary sessions, thought-provoking panel discussions, youth showcases, academic paper presentations, startup exhibits, and impactful networking opportunities, the conference will foster a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration and empowerment.

ICONYOUTH 2025 is more than a conference—it is a movement. A movement that channels the passion, creativity, and leadership of youth to drive social impact, spark innovation, and shape the future of India and the world.

SUB-THEMES

1.Youth Entrepreneurship: Opportunities for Indian Startups

• Startup ecosystem in India: Opportunities & Challenges
• Government policies & funding for young entrepreneurs
• Role of technology and innovation in youth-led startups
• Case studies of successful youth-led ventures

2.Women at the Heart of Development: Enhancing Social and Economic Indicators

• Women entrepreneurs and their impact on the economy
• Education and skill development for young women
• Breaking barriers: Gender equality in leadership roles
• Government schemes & initiatives for women empowerment

3.Opportunities for Youth in Space Research and Innovation

• ISRO, NASA, and private sector opportunities for students
• Role of AI, robotics, and coding in space exploration
• Space entrepreneurship: The rise of space-tech startups

4.Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future

• Climate action and youth-led sustainability initiatives
• Green startups and innovation in environmental conservation
• Role of youth in promoting sustainable consumption

5.Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat: Innovation, Leadership, and Nation-Building

• Youth in governance and policy-making
• Leadership development for a self-reliant India
• Skill development and employment opportunities
• Role of young changemakers in rural and urban development

6.Youth in the Digital Age: Driving Technology & Innovation

• AI, blockchain, and emerging tech: Career opportunities for youth
• Cybersecurity, data ethics, and responsible digital citizenship
• Digital governance and civic engagement
• The future of work: Preparing youth for digital transformation

7.Youth as Catalyst: Driving community development forward

• Community Engagement & Volunteering,
• Youth in Health and Wellness Initiatives
• Youth Entrepreneurship & Self-Reliance (Atmanirbhar)
• Leadership in Governance and Civic Participation

PANEL DISCUSSION

Topic: Harnessing Youth Power for India's Future: Innovation, Leadership, and Transformation
Panelists: 4-6 experts from various fields (startups, space, sustainability, digital tech, women’s leadership).
Duration: 90 minutes

PROGRAMME SCHEDULE:

Time	AGENDA
	14.05.2025 Day 1 (Arrival)
09.00AM --12.00 PM	Arrival of delegates and check in
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM	Lunch at respective places of stay
04:00 PM – 06:00 PM	Ice Breaking Session for all the delegates
08:00 PM – 09:00 PM	Group Dinner
	15.05.2025 Day 2 (Event Day 1)
09:00 AM – 10:00 AM	"Innovative Horizons: Ideathon for Transformative Startups" Poster Presentations
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM	Inaugural Programme
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM	“Youth Entrepreneurship: Opportunities for Indian Startups”
12:00 PM – 01:00 PM	"Women at the Heart of Development: Enhancing Social and Economic Indicators"
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM	Lunch Break
02:00 PM – 03:00 PM	“Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future”
03:15 PM – 05:15 PM	Panel Discussion 1
05:30 PM – 06:30 PM	Tour of campus
06:30 PM – 08:00 PM	Cultural Performance followed by the dinner
	16.05.2025 Day 3 (Event Day 2)
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM	“Opportunities for Youth in Space Research and Innovation”
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM	“Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat: Innovation, Leadership, and Nation-Building”
12:00 PM – 01:00 PM	“Youth in the Digital Age: Driving Innovation, Leadership, and Transformation”
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM	LUNCH
02:00 PM – 03:00 PM	“Youth as Catalysts: Driving Community Development Forward”
03:00 PM – 05:00 PM	Panel Discussion 2
05:00 PM – 08:00 PM	Cultural Program, ,followed by dinner
	17.05.2025 Day 4
7:00 AM- 04:00 PM	Local Excursion
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM	Lunch Break
04.00 PM onwards Departure of delegates

Meet the Experts: Our Resource Persons and Panelists"

POSTER PRESENTATION-GUIDELINES

"Innovative Horizons: Ideathon for Transformative Startups"

Call for Poster Presentations: Innovation, Startups, and Social Impact

We are pleased to invite young innovators, startups, and youth-led initiatives to participate in the Poster Presentation competition under the themes of Innovation, Startups, and Social Impact. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase your creative ideas, entrepreneurial ventures, and impactful projects to a wider audience.

Categories for Poster Presentations:

• Innovation in Technology
  Explore how technology can be harnessed to create innovative solutions across industries.
• Startup Ecosystem and Entrepreneurship
  Highlight the role of startups in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and addressing challenges in the business landscape.
• Social Impact and Community Development
  Showcase projects aimed at creating positive change within local or global communities, with a focus on social good.
• Public Health and Wellness
  Present innovative solutions to challenges in public health, wellness, and healthcare.
• Environmental Sustainability
  Display solutions or projects designed to promote sustainable practices, conserve natural resources, or combat climate change.

Eligibility:

• The competition is open to young innovators, startups, and youth-led initiatives (ages 15–30).
• Participants can submit posters that represent their work, idea, or innovation under any of the specified categories.
• Teams and individual submissions are welcome.
• Participants should ensure their work aligns with one of the given categories for presentation.

Poster Presentation Guidelines:

1.Poster Content:

• The poster should effectively communicate the key ideas, innovation, or impact of your project.
• It should be visually engaging, using clear graphics, charts, and concise text.



The poster should include:

• A title that reflects the essence of your project.
• An introduction to the problem or challenge.
• A brief explanation of your solution, technology, or innovation.
• Results, impact, or outcomes.
• A conclusion or call to action.

2.Poster Dimensions:

• The maximum poster size should be 24hx36w inch.
• Posters should be printed and displayed on boards provided by the organizers.

3.Presentation Format:

• Each presenter will be allotted a time slot to stand by their poster and explain it to the judges and audience.
• Presenters should be ready to discuss their projects, answer questions, and provide further details on their work during the presentation.

4.Submission Process:

• Interested participants must register online and submit a brief abstract (maximum 300 words) of their poster.
• The abstract should describe the content of the poster, your approach, and any relevant impact.
• Once accepted, you will receive further instructions on how to print and set up your poster at the venue.

5.Evaluation Criteria:

• Innovation & Creativity: Originality of the idea or approach.
• Impact: Potential or proven social, environmental, or economic impact.
• Clarity: Effectiveness of the visual and written communication.
• Relevance: Alignment with the theme/category of the competition.

6.Awards and Recognition:

• Top posters will receive recognition and prizes.
• Selected posters may also be featured in, social media platforms, and exhibitions, providing wider visibility to your work.

How to Submit:

• Submit an abstract (300 words maximum) to iconyouthposter@yenepoya.edu.in
• Once accepted, you will receive confirmation and further instructions for submitting your physical poster.

Deadline for Submission:The final date for submitting your abstract April 30th 2025

Registration is free

Registration Link Indian Delegates: https://forms.gle/e8fcjDwPmeHkHB6x7

Registration Link International Delegates: https://forms.gle/Z636NzLwhqHMcDHq9

Registration Details

Last Date for Registration – 30.04.2025

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age Group: Students aged 15 to 30 years.
• Educational Background: Must be enrolled in a recognized
  university/college/Any other organization (Undergraduate/Postgraduate/Ph.D. students).
• Leadership & Participation: Preference will be given to students who have
  demonstrated active involvement in leadership roles, Social initiatives, Sports, NSS,
  NYKS, NCC, YRC or other youths organizations, pathbreakers, vikshith bharath
  representatives, youth parliament participants. Social entrepreneurs and innovators.
• Youth policymakers and government representatives
• Startups and industry leaders focusing on youth-driven projects
• Communication Skills: Must possess good communication skills
• Interest in Conference Theme: Students must be passionate about youth
  empowerment, policy-making, innovation, and social change, aligning with the conference theme.
• List of the deputed students can be duly signed by the principal and mail it to:
  iconyouth2025@yenepoya.edu.in

Accommodation: Hostel facilities for Students will be provided

JOIN US AS WE SHAPE THE FUTURE TOGETHER!

Dr Ashwini S Shetty

Organising Secretary

Ph: 0824 2206000/3506000

Mob: 9964372938

For More Information & Registration:

Email: iconyouth2025@yenepoya.edu.in

Empowering Youth, Building the Nation!