Mumbai, July 8th, 2025 – Cambridge University Press & Assessment, in collaboration with Get Set Learn — a future-skills-focused K–12 learning startup backed by the Arvind Mafatlal Group—successfully hosted the inaugural Young Pioneers Launchpad 2025 at Nahar International School, Mumbai. This milestone event, which brought together 150 young innovators, marked the culmination of a transformative year-long programme built to instil an entrepreneurial mindset in young learners—a vital future skill.
The winning idea — a smart, sustainable fashion assistant app from Dr SSNP School — was designed to help users make eco-conscious style choices. Other standout concepts included a durable, high-performance clothing solution tailored for school use by DAV School, Pushpanjali Enclave (second position), and an AI-powered wearable that enables real-time communication for deaf-blind individuals by converting speech into Braille vibrations, developed by the team from Foundation School (third position).The runner-up teams presented a diverse range of ideas — from wellness initiatives aimed at equipping youth with stress management tools (DAV School) to adaptive, learning-focused mobile ecosystems for children (BVRTSE School). Over months of preparation, students had worked in teams with mentors, refining their ideas through expert-led sessions and hands-on experiences. Supported by parents and embraced by schools as a step toward integrating future-ready skills, Young Pioneers empowered students to turn bold ideas into actionable solutions.
Arun Rajamani, Managing Director, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia, said, “What we at Cambridge have observed in the schools we closely work with is that young learners, at the foundational level, are displaying remarkable curiosity and a mindset to innovate. Future skills are no longer an option, they are an essential part of preparing learners for the world ahead. While there is growing recognition of their importance, many schools are still exploring how best to embed these skills. So, we are partnering with education leaders and forward-thinking schools to integrate future skills into learning experiences that are both meaningful and scalable.”
Priyavrata Mafatlal, Co-founder at Get Set Learn and Vice Chairman, Arvind Mafatlal Group, said, “To position India as a global leader in innovation, we must reimagine the education of our youth, fostering a dynamic engagement with the world’s challenges. The Young Pioneers Launchpad goes beyond conventional entrepreneurship; it cultivates a mindset rooted in resilience and forward-thinking action. The vibrant creativity and determination showcased here underscore the gravity of this endeavour.”
Aligned with the priorities of education policies, the Young Pioneers programme is designed to equip students with essential future skills through experiential learning and real-world problem-solving. By integrating critical areas such as creativity, collaboration, innovation, and resilience into the curriculum, the programme prepares learners to navigate the challenges of an evolving global workforce. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and exposure to industry leaders, the programme not only nurtures problem-solving abilities but also instils confidence and adaptability—skills that are essential for thriving in an uncertain, fast-evolving future.
Ameet Zaveri, Co-founder and CEO of Get Set Learn, said, “The Launchpad brought together two powerful forces: young minds full of ideas and leaders who’ve built from the ground up. That exchange shifted something. You could see students step into a different mindset—more curious, more confident, more ready to engage with the real world.”
Ashish Arora, Senior Vice President, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said, “The mentorship programme has been a catalyst in empowering learners to advance their ideas and envision the journey of entrepreneurship. By equipping learners with the guidance and tools to transform their ideas into impactful outcomes, the programme has sparked a mindset shift towards problem-solving and decision-making. The confidence displayed by these young innovators holds the power to not only shape their futures but also inspire schools, parents, and communities to nurture the next generation of changemakers.”
The Launchpad also featured sessions by several changemakers and thought leaders, including Harneet Kaur of WTF Fund and Vik Khatwani, Founder of Earth Cafe, who encouraged students to lead with empathy and purpose; Vishal Kumar, CEO of Waste Warriors Society, who emphasised the significance of civic responsibility as a driver of innovation; and Anoushka Jolly, Founder of Kavach, who shared how youth-led social innovation can create lasting impact.
The Young Pioneers programme, developed for Classes 7 to 10 for all school boards, integrates coursebook learning with expert-led masterclasses and mentorship for hands-on entrepreneurial skills development that give students first-hand insights and lessons from the real world. Over three years, they will progress through Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced stages by focusing on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and engaging in masterclasses and mentorship from industry experts. Learners will also get an opportunity to showcase their ideas to entrepreneurs and industry experts. Learn more at www.youngpioneers.in.